You are here

Propithecus diadema Bennett, 1832

Scientific name: 
Scientist name: 
Bennett, 1832
Malagasy: 
Simpona, Simpony, Sadabe (Tsinjoarivo)
English: 
Diademed Sifaka
German: 
Diademsifaka
Other english: 
Diademed Simpona
French: 
Propithèque à diadème

Species

Identification

Propithecus diadema is the largest of the sifakas, and rivals the indri for the title of largest living lemur. It has a head-body length of 50–55 cm, a tail length of 44–50 cm, an overall length of 94–105 cm, and a weight of 6.0–8.5 kg (Glander et al., 1992; Powzyk, 1996; Smith and Jungers, 1997; Lehman et al., 2005a; K. Glander, pers. comm.). Comparing maximum weights for the largest diademed sifakas and the largest indris, it appears that the largest indris exceed the largest diademed sifakas in size by a kilogram or less, so these two species are quite similar in size. Propithecus diadema is also one of the most colorful and attractive of all the lemurs. Its coat is long and silky. The forehead, cheeks and throat are white, and a black crown may extend down the nape of the neck. The muzzle is short, the dark gray to black face is bare, and the eyes are reddish-brown. The shoulders and upper back are slate-gray, the lower back lightening to silver-gray. The flanks and tail are pale gray to white, and the base of the tail is often golden-yellow. The arms and legs are orange to yellow-gold, and the hands and feet are black. The ventral coat typically is white to pale gray. Males possess a large reddish-brown cutaneous gland in the middle of the throat, and a perianal patch of similar color is also believed to be glandular (Petter, 1962a). This large and distinctive sifaka cannot be confused with any other lemur.