Lorisidaeis a family ofstrepsirrhineprimates. Thelorisidsare arborealprimates and include thelorises,pottosandangwantibos. There are fivegeneraand nine species of lorid (Wilson & Reeder, 2005).
Lorisids live in tropical, centralAfrica as well as in south and southeastAsia. Lorisid eyes are large and forward-facing. The ears are small and often partially hidden in the fur. The index finger is short. The second toe of the hind legs has a fine claw for grooming, as is typical for strepsirrhines. Their tails are short or are missing completely. Theirdental formulais similar to that of lemurs:2.1.3.32.1.3.3
Lorisids arenocturnalandarboreal. Unlike the closely relatedgalagos, lorisids never jump. Some have slow deliberate movements, whilst others can move with some speed across branches. It was previously thought that all lorisids moved slowly, but investigations using red light proved this to be wrong. Nonetheless, even the faster species freeze or move slowly if they hear or see any potential predator. This habit of remaining motionless whilst in danger is successful only because of the leafy environment of their jungle home, which helps to conceal their true position.With their strong hands they clasp at the branches and cannot be removed without significant force. Most lorisids are solitary or live in small family groups.
The main diet of most lorisids consists ofinsects, but they also consumebirdeggs, small vertebrates, fruits, and sap.
