This is one of the largest lemurs in Madagascar. Its body is covered in thick red fur, and its tail, paw tips, and head are black. Females are slightly larger than males.

Lemuridae is a family of prosimians, a suborder of primates, endemic to Madagascar. In ancient Rome, the word "lemur" meant ghost (or spirit). The name lemur was given to this group of animals because they are primarily nocturnal. These animals range in size from a mouse to a small dog.