E. Geoffroy, 1828
General characteristics
Microcebus can be distinguished from Mirza principally by its smaller size.
They both have relatively long, bare and membranous ears that they can fold, and they have a long tail. Their head is rounded with a rather short muzzle, and large eyes with a well-developed tapetum lucidum. Their hind limbs are much shorter than their forelimbs. Their testicles are very big during the reproductive period, especially for Microcebus. The annual reproductive period coincides with a period of intensive activity alternated with a period of rest for about four months, which is much more pronounced for Microcebus, which possesses some characteristics of hibernation. The weight of Microcebus may vary a lot for each season and for each species.
Within the Genus Microcebus four species can be distinguished: Microcebus murinus, Microcebus rufus, Microcebus myoxinus and Microcebus ravelobensis.
Characteristically, the animals of the genus Microcebus have a dense and thick pelage that covers their entire body. The palmar and plantar pads have a mamelon aspect, which reminds those of Insectivores (Rumpler and Rakotosamimanana, 1972). Large surfaces of the proximate part of the palm and of the plantar sole of Microcebus are still covered with plantar wart without ridges, although the palmar and plantar pads have ridges. The interior tips of their fingers and toes have pads. They are flat and have longitudinal ridges.
The density of Microcebus often seems much higher in agricultural zones, probably because there are less predators. They will probably be the last lemurs to disappear in the wild.
Microcebus still occurs in all forested areas in Madagascar.
Cytogenetics
See subfamily Cheirogaleinae.