The Spiny Lemurs
Elaphracanthus
This huge lemur has large spikes on the
end of it's tail, which it uses to
intimidate, or in some cases swat at, a
predator. The spines on the back are
not very large, but like hard wire, and
mostly deters a predator from biting
into their back.
This huge lemur has large spikes on the
end of it's tail, which it uses to
intimidate, or in some cases swat at, a
predator. The spines on the back are
not very large, but like hard wire, and
mostly deters a predator from biting
into their back.
Ericius
This is a large lemur that feeds on ferns
and even leaves. The tail tip is equipped
with a set of 4 sharp spikes which they use
to swat at an attacker. The row of spikes
on it's back also deters predators. When
attacked, this animal will turn it's back
toward the attacker, and swat it's spiked
tail from left to right, and point the spines
on it's back at the attacker. It keeps up
this display until the predator gives up.
This is a large lemur that feeds on ferns
and even leaves. The tail tip is equipped
with a set of 4 sharp spikes which they use
to swat at an attacker. The row of spikes
on it's back also deters predators. When
attacked, this animal will turn it's back
toward the attacker, and swat it's spiked
tail from left to right, and point the spines
on it's back at the attacker. It keeps up
this display until the predator gives up.
Erinalia
One of the few species in this family
that remained in the trees. These
lemurs are constant chatterers. They
call out to each other and even mimick
other animals in the forest around them,
like a modern lyrebird. This chattering
is so that they can communicate with
other members of their group, even
when they are far away from each
other.
One of the few species in this family
that remained in the trees. These
lemurs are constant chatterers. They
call out to each other and even mimick
other animals in the forest around them,
like a modern lyrebird. This chattering
is so that they can communicate with
other members of their group, even
when they are far away from each
other.
Erizo
This animal is unique in the family because
it has a collar of sharp spines around it's
head, particularly on the lower jaw area.
When threatened, they raise the spines on
their face and back and hunch up their
back to appear more menacing. They also
will swaft their tail at the attacker. This
impressive threat display will even hold big
predators like Deinognathus at bay.
This animal is unique in the family because
it has a collar of sharp spines around it's
head, particularly on the lower jaw area.
When threatened, they raise the spines on
their face and back and hunch up their
back to appear more menacing. They also
will swaft their tail at the attacker. This
impressive threat display will even hold big
predators like Deinognathus at bay.
Lipoechinus
This species lacks the huge spines seen in other
members of this family, but instead has small,
whisker-like hairs all over it's body. When a
predator bites into them, they usually get a
mouthful of sticky, prickly, whisker-like hairs,
while the animal makes a get-away. In the case
of determined predator, this animal also has a
club-like extension on the tail tip, they use to
slap at an attacker.
This species lacks the huge spines seen in other
members of this family, but instead has small,
whisker-like hairs all over it's body. When a
predator bites into them, they usually get a
mouthful of sticky, prickly, whisker-like hairs,
while the animal makes a get-away. In the case
of determined predator, this animal also has a
club-like extension on the tail tip, they use to
slap at an attacker.
Pachysetus
This is the largest member of this family and
also has the largest spines on it's back. They
use these spines to deter predators with. They
hunch up their back in a threat display and
shake the spines from side to side. If the
predator does not back down, they raise their
spines and run. Like other large Echilemurids,
they cannot take to the trees when danger
threatens. So, an aggressive display is
necessary for them.
This is the largest member of this family and
also has the largest spines on it's back. They
use these spines to deter predators with. They
hunch up their back in a threat display and
shake the spines from side to side. If the
predator does not back down, they raise their
spines and run. Like other large Echilemurids,
they cannot take to the trees when danger
threatens. So, an aggressive display is
necessary for them.
Setaglossus
This is the smallest member of it's family.
They spend nearly all their time on flowers,
gathering up nectar and pollen to feed on.
They mostly prefer to feed on flowers in the
Proteaceae family. Their delecate spines are
made to mimick the hair-like growths on the
flowers they live on.
This is the smallest member of it's family.
They spend nearly all their time on flowers,
gathering up nectar and pollen to feed on.
They mostly prefer to feed on flowers in the
Proteaceae family. Their delecate spines are
made to mimick the hair-like growths on the
flowers they live on.
| This is a family group of mostly large lemurs, all having spines of one kind or another on their body, usually used for protection and warding off predators. Most are ground-dwelling grazers, but a few smaller species have remained in the trees. |
