FaunaHub

Colugo (Flying Lemur) (Galeopterus variegatus)

MammalGlidingSoutheast Asia

Sunda colugo (Galeopterus variegatus) clinging to a tree trunk, showing its gliding membrane.

Sunda colugo (Galeopterus variegatus).

Image: Wich'yanan L, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Colugos, sometimes called “flying lemurs,” are tree-dwelling mammals of Southeast Asia and the most capable gliders among all mammals. The Sunda colugo (Galeopterus variegatus), shown here, has a remarkable gliding membrane (patagium) that stretches between almost all its limbs — neck, hands, feet, and tail — giving it the largest gliding surface of any gliding mammal and letting it travel impressive distances between trees.

Despite the nickname, a colugo is neither a lemur nor a true flier: it glides rather than flaps, and it forms its own distinct mammal order (Dermoptera), whose closest relatives are actually the primates.

Note: there are two colugo species; details here use the Sunda colugo as a reference. Treat general statements as approximate and verify against authoritative sources.

Habitat & Range

The Sunda colugo lives in the forests of Southeast Asia — including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and surrounding areas — in both rainforest and some plantations. It is almost entirely arboreal, spending its life among the trees and rarely, if ever, coming to the ground, where it moves only awkwardly.

Diet

Colugos are herbivores that feed mainly on young leaves, along with shoots, buds, flowers, sap, and some fruit. They have specialised comb-like lower teeth that may help with feeding and grooming. A leaf-based diet is relatively low in energy, which fits their generally slow, energy-conserving lifestyle.

Behavior

Colugos are nocturnal and solitary, resting by day clinging to trunks or hidden in foliage and gliding out to feed at night. A single glide can cover a long distance with little loss of height, making the patagium a highly efficient way to move through the forest without descending. Females carry their single young on the underside, even folding part of the membrane into a soft pouch-like carrier while gliding.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Colugos are seldom seen because of their nocturnal, treetop habits, but they depend on forest cover and connected canopy to glide and feed, so deforestation is the main concern; they are also hunted in some areas. The Sunda colugo is currently considered widespread. Consult authoritative sources for current status.

More photos of the colugo (flying lemur)

A colugo on a tree, its mottled gliding membrane wrapped around it.

Sunda colugo (Galeopterus variegatus).

Image: Andrew Holle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Colugo (Flying Lemur)

Is a colugo a lemur or can it fly?
Neither, despite the name 'flying lemur.' A colugo is not a lemur — it forms its own mammal order (Dermoptera) whose closest relatives are primates — and it does not truly fly. Instead it glides, using a large skin membrane to travel between trees without flapping.
What makes colugos special gliders?
Colugos have the most extensive gliding membrane of any mammal, stretching between the neck, all four limbs, and even the tail. This gives them the largest gliding surface relative to their body of any gliding mammal, letting them cover long distances between trees in a single, efficient glide.
What do colugos eat?
They are herbivores that eat mainly young leaves, plus shoots, buds, flowers, sap, and some fruit. This relatively low-energy, leaf-based diet matches their slow, energy-saving way of life high in the forest canopy.
How do colugos care for their young?
A colugo carries its single offspring on its underside, clinging to the mother. She can even fold part of her gliding membrane into a soft, pouch-like hammock to hold and shelter the youngster — including while she glides between trees.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.