Table 1 Genetic distance and description of facial color patterns for the different species (species are listed according to their genetic distance between red-fronted lemurs and the respective species)

Red-fronted lemurs

Dark red crown, black muzzle, golden-red cheek beard, creamy-white patches above the eyes.

Rufous brown lemurs

Genetic distance: 0.35

Allopatric heterospecific and very similar to red-fronted lemurs in facial color patterns: brick-red crown, golden-red cheek beard, black muzzle and black midfacial stripe extending from crown to nose.

White-fronted lemurs

Genetic distance: 0.72

Occurs in allopatry with red-fronted lemurs and facial color variation differs strongly from red-fronted lemurs. Black muzzle and white beard, cheeks and crown.

Brown lemurs

Genetic distance: 0.72

Occurs in allopatry with red-fronted lemurs and is slightly different in facial color patterns. Dark-brown to almost black muzzle and crown, light grey beard and variable patches of light fur above the eyes.

Red-bellied lemurs

Genetic distance: 4.57

Occurs in sympatry with red-fronted lemurs in the eastern parts of Madagascar but not at the study site in the West and is very different in facial color patterns. Black muzzle, face shading to black; patches of white skin form characteristic “tear-drops” beneath the eyes, no bushy beard.