Mouse lemur

{{short description|Genus of mammals}} {{Automatic taxobox | taxon = Microcebus | authority = É. Geoffroy, 1834<ref name="1997McKenna">{{cite book|last1=McKenna|first1=MC|last2=Bell|first2=SK|title=Classification of Mammals: Above the Species Level|publisher=Columbia University Press|page=335|year=1997|isbn=978-0-231-11013-6}}</ref> | name = Mouse lemurs | image =Zwergmausmaki--w.jpg | image_caption = ''Pygmy mouse lemur (M. myoxinus)'' | status = CITES_A1 | status_system = CITES | status_ref = <ref>{{cite web | url = http://checklist.cites.org/#/en/search/scientific_name=Microcebus | title = Checklist of CITES Species | website = CITES | publisher = UNEP-WCMC | access-date = 18 March 2015}}</ref> | diversity = About 25 species | diversity_link = | range_map = Microcebus range map.svg | range_map_caption = Combined distribution of ''Microcebus''<ref name="IUCN">{{cite web | url = http://www.iucnredlist.org | title = IUCN 2014 | year = 2012 | work =IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3 | publisher = International Union for Conservation of Nature | access-date = 12 March 2015}}</ref> | type_species = ''Lemur pusillus'' | type_species_authority = É. Geoffroy, 1795 | synonyms = * ''Murilemur'' Gray, 1870 * ''Scartes'' Swainson, 1835 * ''Myscebus'' Lesson, 1840 * ''Azema'' Gray, 1870 * ''Gliscebus'' Lesson, 1840 * ''Myocebus'' Wagner, 1841 | synonyms_ref=<ref name="1997McKenna"/><ref name=msw3/> }}

The '''mouse lemurs''' are nocturnal lemurs of the genus '''''Microcebus'''''. Like all lemurs, mouse lemurs are native to Madagascar.<ref name="msw3">{{MSW3 Groves | id = 12100016 | heading = ''Microcebus''}}</ref>

Mouse lemurs have a combined head, body and tail length of {{convert|20–30|cm|in}} and weigh {{convert|30–65|g|oz}},<ref name="Schwitzer_etal2013p30">{{cite book | first1 = C | last1 = Schwitzer | first2 = R. A. | last2 = Mittermeier | first3 = E. E. | last3 = Louis Jr. | first4 = M. C. | last4 = Richardson | chapter = Family Cheirogaleidae: Mouse, giant mouse, dwarf and fork-marked lemurs | editor1-last = Mittermeier | editor1-first = Russell A. | editor1-link = Russell A. Mittermeier | editor2-first = Anthony B. | editor2-last = Rylands | editor3-first = Don E. | editor3-last = Wilson | editor3-link = Don E. Wilson | title = Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Volume 3. Primates | publisher = Lynx Edicions | location = Barcelona | year = 2013 | page = 30 | isbn = 978-84-96553-89-7}}</ref> making them the smallest primates<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/mouse_lemur/taxon|title=Primate Factsheets: Mouse lemur (Microcebus) Taxonomy, Morphology, & Ecology|work=wisc.edu}}</ref> (the smallest species being Madame Berthe's mouse lemur); however, their weight fluctuates in response to daylight duration.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Andrès | first1 = M | last2 = Gachot-Neveu | first2 = H | last3 = Perret | first3 = M | year = 2001 | title = Genetic determination of paternity in captive grey mouse lemurs: pre-copulatory sexual competition rather than sperm competition in a nocturnal prosimian? | journal = Behaviour | volume = 138 | issue = 8| pages = 1047–63 | doi=10.1163/156853901753286560}}</ref> Lemurs and mouse lemurs were announced by the IUCN as the most endangered of all vertebrates. There were two known mouse lemur species in 1992; by 2016, there were 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sites.biology.duke.edu/yoderlab/research_speciation.html|title=Yoder Lab – Research|work=duke.edu}}</ref> It was estimated that the 24 mouse lemur species evolved from a common ancestor 18–11 million years ago.<ref name="Horvarth_etal2008">{{cite journal | doi=10.1101/gr.7265208 | title=Development and application of a phylogenomic toolkit: Resolving the evolutionary history of Madagascar's lemurs | date=2008 | last1=Horvath | first1=Julie E. | last2=Weisrock | first2=David W. | last3=Embry | first3=Stephanie L. | last4=Fiorentino | first4=Isabella | last5=Balhoff | first5=James P. | last6=Kappeler | first6=Peter | last7=Wray | first7=Gregory A. | last8=Willard | first8=Huntington F. | last9=Yoder | first9=Anne D. | journal=Genome Research | volume=18 | issue=3 | pages=489–499 | pmid=18245770 | pmc=2259113 }}</ref> They can live for about 18 years in captivity.<ref name=":0"/> Gestation is about 2 months.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Mouse lemur |url=https://primate.wisc.edu/primate-info-net/pin-factsheets/pin-factsheet-mouse-lemur/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Wisconsin National Primate Research Center |language=en-US}}</ref> The total population for mouse lemurs isn't yet known.<ref name=":0" />

== Habitat == Mouse lemurs, like all lemurs, are endemic to Madagascar.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2010-11-11 |title=Mouse Lemurs {{!}} National Geographic |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/mouse-lemurs |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Animals |language=en}}</ref> They live within the treetops in dry deciduous forests, sub-arid thorn scrublands, and secondary forests, as well as in coastal and bamboo forests, making burrows in the tree trunks.<ref name=":12" />

== Diet == Mouse lemurs are omnivorous; their diets are diverse and include insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, gum, fruit, flowers, nectar, and also leaves and buds depending on the season.<ref name="Schwitzer_etal2013p42">{{cite book | first1 = C | last1 = Schwitzer | first2 = R. A. | last2 = Mittermeier | first3 = E. E. | last3 = Louis Jr. | first4 = M. C. | last4 = Richardson | chapter = Family Cheirogaleidae: Mouse, giant mouse, dwarf and fork-marked lemurs | editor1-last = Mittermeier | editor1-first = Russell A. | editor1-link = Russell A. Mittermeier | editor2-first = Anthony B. | editor2-last = Rylands | editor3-first = Don E. | editor3-last = Wilson | editor3-link = Don E. Wilson | title = Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Volume 3. Primates | publisher = Lynx Edicions | location = Barcelona | year = 2013 | page = 42 | isbn = 978-84-96553-89-7}}</ref>

== Morphology == Mouse lemurs are considered cryptic species—with very little morphological differences between the various species, but with high genetic diversity. Recent evidence points to differences in their mating calls, which are very diverse. Since mouse lemurs are nocturnal, they might not have evolved to look different, but have evolved various auditory and vocal systems.{{citation needed|date = April 2015}}

Mouse lemur brains can weigh less than {{convert|2|g}} while their testes can weigh {{convert|2.5|g}}.<ref name="Montgomery_etal2010">{{cite journal | doi=10.1093/molbev/msq237 | title=Adaptive Evolution of Four Microcephaly Genes and the Evolution of Brain Size in Anthropoid Primates | date=2011 | last1=Montgomery | first1=S. H. | last2=Capellini | first2=I. | last3=Venditti | first3=C. | last4=Barton | first4=R. A. | last5=Mundy | first5=N. I. | journal=Molecular Biology and Evolution | volume=28 | pages=625–638 | pmid=20961963 }}</ref>

As written in ''Genetics'', mouse lemurs help to provide a more extensive understanding of the biology, behavior, and health of primates. Mouse lemurs are categorized as prosimian primates. They are among the smallest and most rapidly developing primates and are becoming more abundant in Madagascar and around the world. These tiny creatures are helping to prove valuable information about the biology and evolution of primates through the analysis of their phenotypes and mutations, especially as a model organism for human medical research.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ezran|first1=Camille|last2=Karanewsky|first2=Caitlin J. |last3=Pendleton |first3=Joseph L. |last4=Sholtz |first4=Alex |last5=Kransnow|first5=Maya R.|last6=Willick|first6=Jason|last7=Razafindrakoto|first7=Andriamahery|last8=Zohdy|first8=Sarah|last9=Albertelli|first9=Megan A.|date=June 2017|others=Mark A. Krasnow also contributed as a writer|title=The Mouse Lemur, a Genetic Model Organism for Primate Biology, Behavior, and Health|url=http://www.genetics.org/content/206/2/651|journal=Genetics|volume=206|issue=2|pages=651–664|pmid=28592502|doi=10.1534/genetics.116.199448|pmc=5499178}}</ref>

== Behavior == Mouse lemurs live in a female dominated structure. Mouse lemurs are nocturnal, spending the day aloft the trees and at night gathering their food.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2010-11-11 |title=Mouse Lemurs {{!}} National Geographic |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/mouse-lemurs |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Animals |language=en}}</ref> During the dry season females will become less active and tend to rarely leave their homes, while the males go out and gather food.<ref name=":1" /> Mouse lemurs tend to live in closely related groups when no female kin are near, and the females sleep alone.<ref name=":04">{{Cite web |title=Mouse lemur |url=https://primate.wisc.edu/primate-info-net/pin-factsheets/pin-factsheet-mouse-lemur/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Wisconsin National Primate Research Center |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Reproduction and evolution== Mouse lemurs are also known for their sperm competition. During breeding seasons, the testicles of male mouse lemurs increase in size to about 130% of their normal size. This was speculated to increase the sperm production thereby conferring an advantage for the individual to bear more offspring. There are various hypotheses relating the rapid evolution of mouse lemur species to this sperm competition.<ref>Folia Primatol (Basel). 2003 Sep–Dec;74(5–6):355-66. [https://www.lemursportal.org/forum/resources/upload/1532001395876Andresetal2003_microcebusmurinus_behaviour.pdf Mating system in mouse lemurs: theories and facts, using analysis of paternity]. Andrès M1, Solignac M, Perret M.</ref> In sexually inactive females the vulva is sealed, during the reproductive cycle the vulva is open. The vaginal morphology is also based on the time of day.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rina Evasoa|first1=Mamy|last2=Radespiel|first2=Ute|last3=Hasiniaina|first3=Alida F.|last4=Rasoloharijaona|first4=Solofonirina|last5=Randrianambinina|first5=Blanchard|last6=Rakotondravony|first6=Romule|last7=Zimmermann|first7=Elke|date=2018-05-16|title=Variation in reproduction of the smallest-bodied primate radiation, the mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.): A synopsis|journal=American Journal of Primatology|language=en|volume=80|issue=7|article-number=e22874|doi=10.1002/ajp.22874|pmid=29767414|s2cid=21709451|issn=0275-2565}}</ref> Analysis of the genomes of five different mouse lemur species revealed that Madagascar's biogeography had been undergoing change before the arrival of humans.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Golembiewski |first1=Kate |title=Ridiculously Cute Mouse Lemurs Hold Key to Madagascar's Past |url=https://www.fieldmuseum.org/blog/ridiculously-cute-mouse-lemurs-hold-key-madagascars-past |publisher=Field Museum of Natural History |access-date=13 January 2022 |date=18 July 2016}}</ref>

==Species== * Genus '''''Microcebus''''': mouse lemurs<ref name=Mittermeier2008>{{cite journal|title=Lemur Diversity in Madagascar|last1=Mittermeier|first1=Russell A.|author-link1=Russell Mittermeier|last2=Ganzhorn|first2=Jörg U.|last3=Konstant|first3=William R.|last4= Glander|first4=Kenneth|last5=Tattersall|first5=Ian|last6=Groves|first6=Colin P.|last7=Rylands|first7=Anthony B.|last8=Hapke|first8=Andreas|last9=Ratsimbazafy|first9=Jonah|last10=Mayor|first10=Mireya I.|last11=Louis|first11=Edward E.|last12=Rumpler|first12=Yves|last13=Schwitzer|first13=Christoph|last14=Rasoloarison|first14=Rodin M.|journal=International Journal of Primatology|doi=10.1007/s10764-008-9317-y|pages=1607–1656|volume=29|issue=6|date=December 2008|hdl=10161/6237|s2cid=17614597|hdl-access=free}}</ref> **Arnhold's mouse lemur, ''M. arnholdi''<ref name="new_Microcebus01">{{cite journal | title = Revision of the Mouse Lemurs, Microcebus (Primates, Lemuriformes), of Northern and Northwestern Madagascar with Descriptions of Two New Species at Montagne d'Ambre National Park and Antafondro Classified Forest| year = 2008 | journal = Primate Conservation | volume = 23 | pages = 19–38 | doi = 10.1896/052.023.0103 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090205163701/http://primate-sg.org/PDF/PC23.new.microcebus.V3.pdf|url=http://primate-sg.org/PDF/PC23.new.microcebus.V3.pdf | archive-date = 2009-02-05 | last1 = Louis | first1 = Edward E.| s2cid = 84533039 }}</ref> ** Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, ''M. berthae'' ** Bongolava mouse lemur ''M. bongolavensis''<ref name="nature">{{cite journal |title=''Nature'' News: Lemur boom on Madagascar |journal=Nature |url=http://www.nature.com/news/2006/061120/full/news061120-15.html |date=2006-11-20 |access-date=2007-12-10 |doi=10.1038/news061120-15 | last1 = Stafford | first1 = Ned|pages=news061120–15 |s2cid=84701328 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> ** Boraha mouse lemur ''M. boraha''<ref name="Hotaling"/> ** Danfoss' mouse lemur ''M. danfossi''<ref name="nature" /> ** Ganzhorn's mouse lemur. ''M. ganzhorni''<ref name="Hotaling">{{cite journal |author1=Scott Hotaling |author2=Mary E. Foley |author3=Nicolette M. Lawrence |author4=Jose Bocanegra |author5=Marina B. Blanco |author6=Rodin Rasoloarison |author7=Peter M. Kappeler |author8=Meredith A. Barrett |author9=Anne D. Yoder |author10=David W. Weisrock |year=2016 |title=Species discovery and validation in a cryptic radiation of endangered primates: coalescent-based species delimitation in Madagascar's mouse lemurs |journal=Molecular Ecology |volume= 25|issue= 9|pages= 2029–2045|doi=10.1111/mec.13604 |pmid=26946180|s2cid=43912903 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2016MolEc..25.2029H }}</ref> ** Gerp's mouse lemur. ''M. gerpi''<ref name=Radespiel>{{Cite journal | last1 = Radespiel | first1 = U. | last2 = Ratsimbazafy | first2 = J. H. | last3 = Rasoloharijaona | first3 = S. | last4 = Raveloson | first4 = H. | last5 = Andriaholinirina | first5 = N. | last6 = Rakotondravony | first6 = R. | last7 = Randrianarison | first7 = R. M. | last8 = Randrianambinina | first8 = B. | doi = 10.1007/s10329-011-0290-2 | title = First indications of a highland specialist among mouse lemurs (''Microcebus'' spp.) and evidence for a new mouse lemur species from eastern Madagascar | journal = Primates | volume = 53 | issue = 2 | pages = 157–170 | year = 2011 | pmid = 22198090| s2cid = 8473176 }}</ref> ** Reddish-gray mouse lemur, ''M. griseorufus'' ** Jolly's mouse lemur, ''M. jollyae'' ** Jonah's mouse lemur, ''M. jonahi'' ** Goodman's mouse lemur, ''M. lehilahytsara'' ** MacArthur's mouse lemur, ''M. macarthurii''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressrelations.de/new/standard/result_main.cfm?aktion=jour_pm&r=331600|title=New Primate Species Discovered on Madagascar|access-date=2008-07-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719073516/http://www.pressrelations.de/new/standard/result_main.cfm?aktion=jour_pm&r=331600|archive-date=2011-07-19}}</ref> ** Claire's mouse lemur, ''M. mamiratra'', synonymous to ''M. lokobensis''<ref name="nature"/> ** Bemanasy mouse lemur, ''M. manitatra''<ref name="Hotaling"/> ** Margot Marsh's mouse lemur, ''M. margotmarshae''<ref name="new_Microcebus01" /> ** Marohita mouse lemur, ''M. marohita''<ref name="Rasoloarison et al."/><ref name="LiveScience SP"/> ** Mittermeier's mouse lemur, ''M. mittermeieri'' ** Gray mouse lemur, ''M. murinus'' ** Pygmy mouse lemur, ''M. myoxinus'' ** Golden-brown mouse lemur, ''M. ravelobensis'' ** Brown mouse lemur, ''M. rufus'' ** Sambirano mouse lemur, ''M. sambiranensis'' ** Simmons' mouse lemur, ''M. simmonsi'' ** Anosy mouse lemur. ''M. tanosi''<ref name="Rasoloarison et al.">{{cite journal|last1=Rasoloarison |first1=Rodin M. |first2=David W. |last2=Weisrock |first3=Anne D. |last3=Yoder |first4=Daniel |last4=Rakotondravony |first5=Peter M. |last5=Kappeler |year=2013|title=Two New Species of Mouse Lemurs (Cheirogaleidae: Microcebus) from Eastern Madagascar |journal=International Journal of Primatology|pages=1–15 |doi=10.1007/s10764-013-9672-1 |volume=34|issue=3 |s2cid=17860060 }}</ref><ref name="LiveScience SP">{{cite web|url=http://www.livescience.com/28172-two-mouse-lemurs-new-species.html |title=Tiny Lemur Twins Are 2 New Species |first=Stephanie |last=Pappas |work=LiveScience |date=26 March 2013}}</ref> ** Northern rufous mouse lemur, ''M. tavaratra''<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Schüßler|first1=Dominik|last2=Blanco|first2=Marina B.|last3=Salmona|first3=Jordi|last4=Poelstra|first4=Jelmer|last5=Andriambeloson|first5=Jean B. |last6=Miller |first6=Alex |last7=Randrianambinina |first7=Blanchard |last8=Rasolofoson |first8=David W.|last9=Mantilla-Contreras|first9=Jasmin|last10=Chikhi|first10=Lounès|last11=Louis|first11=Edward E.|title=Ecology and morphology of mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) in a hotspot of microendemism in northeastern Madagascar, with the description of a new species |journal=American Journal of Primatology|year=2020|volume=82|issue=9|language=en|article-number=e23180|doi=10.1002/ajp.23180|pmid=32716088|issn=1098-2345|doi-access=free}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|2}}

==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140419235414/http://www.eskeletons.org/taxon/mouse_lemur/boneviewer/skull/cranium.html#Caudal Mouse lemur skeleton] – Skeleton from the University of Texas at Austin * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100916065719/http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/genus/Mouse_lemur BBC video clips and news articles]

Category:Mouse lemurs Category:Taxa named by Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire