Chromosomal evolution in Malagasy lemurs. VIII. Chromosome banding studies of Lepilemur ruficaudatus, L leucopus, and L septentrionalis.

The karyotypes of three Lepilemuridae species, Lepilemur ruficaudatus, L leucopus, and L septentrionalis, are described and compared. An almost complete analogy of chromosome banding is exhibited. Several complex chromosomal rearrangements, especially end-to-end translocations, have occurred in the evolution of these species. The chromosomal data indicate that the species studied are well separated. In addition, their common chromosomal characters show that they constitute a clearly distinct family among the lemurs.