| either of two lemurlike mammals, Cynocephalus variegatus, of southeastern Asia and the East Indies, or C. volans, of the Philippines, having broad folds of skin on both sides of the body to aid in gliding from tree to tree: now rare. |
| flying lemur n. Either of two arboreal mammals, Cynocephalus volans of the Philippines or C. variegatus of southeast Asia, that are sustained in gliding leaps by a wide, fur-covered membrane extending from each side of the body. Also called colugo. |
flying lemur
either of the two species of primitive gliding mammals found only in Southeast Asia and on some of the Philippine Islands. Flying lemurs resemble large flying squirrels, as they are arboreal climbers and gliders that have webbed feet with claws. The form of the head and the nocturnal habit, however, recall the lemurs, hence their name. The long limbs and the tail are connected by broad folds of skin, as in bats. The limbs are outstretched when the animal leaps from high in the trees, and its controlled glide can cover 70 metres (230 feet) while losing little altitude.
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