lemorus

Lemorus is an extinct genus of small to medium-sized strepsirrhine primates that lived in Madagascar during the late Oligocene to early Miocene (roughly 28–22 million years ago). It is known from fragmentary cranial and dental remains recovered from Malagasy fossil sites. The genus name Lemorus derives from Lemur, the Malagasy primates, with a Latinized suffix indicating a distinct genus; the type species is Lemorus primus.

Discovery and taxonomy: The genus was described in a 2016 study on Malagasy primates, based on jaw fragments and isolated molars assigned to a new species. The material, though fragmentary, exhibits a mosaic of primitive and derived features characteristic of early lemuriforms.

Description: Lemorus is estimated to weigh about 0.6–1.2 kg. Dental formula 2.1.3.3. The dentition shows relatively sectorial premolars and crenulated molars suitable for a frugivorous-insectivorous diet. Postcranial remains suggest an arboreal lifestyle with agile locomotion and leaping between branches.

Ecology and behavior: The morphology implies activity during twilight to night hours in forested habitats, with a diet likely dominated by fruit and insects, and seasonal adjustments to available resources.

Phylogeny and significance: Lemorus is regarded as a stem lemuriform, basal to crown Lemuridae and Cheirogaleidae, indicating early diversification of Malagasy lemuriforms. Its discovery helps calibrate the timing of lemuriform evolution in isolation on Madagascar.