[Illustration: THE RED-RUFFED LEMUR.]
{69}The Ruffed or Variable Lemur derives its name from the remarkable
variability of its external markings: so much is this the case, indeed,
that not a few of them have been described as distinct species. This
variability appears to be entirely individual, and is by no means constant.
The Black-mantled variety has the back of the neck, the shoulders and
interscapular region entirely black. Another form has the ears, the ruff,
and a bar across the muzzle extending over and in front of the eyes,
joining the ruff, pure white; the fore-arms, legs, a bar across the
buttocks joining the thighs greyish-white; face, legs, and tail black; a
ring encircling the body like a belt between the fore- and hind-limbs,
yellowish-white; rest of body dark reddish-brown. A third variety has the
ears, ruff, and outer side of the arms and legs pure white; the flanks
rusty-red, the rest of the body black.
THE RED-RUFFED LEMUR (_L. ruber_) is a very well-marked variety of the same
species, and may easily be recognised by the ears, ruff and whole upper
surface of body being dark rusty-red, with the outer surface of thighs and
legs white; or, the ears, ruff and whole upper surface (except a white
patch on the back of the neck) may be dark brown, with a white garter on
each ankle; otherwise it may be entirely black. It is this variety which we
have figured on Plate VII.
DISTRIBUTION.--Throughout the north-east of Madagascar.
HABITS.--The Ruffed Lemur, called by the natives "Varikossi," has a loud,
harsh and powerful voice, which can be heard for a long distance.