# Slow Loris (*Nycticebus*) The Slow Loris is a small, nocturnal mammal known for its slow movements and big eyes. It lives in the forests of Southeast Asia and moves carefully to catch insects and fruits. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Loris ![Slow Loris](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426879/objects/6415.jpg) ## Appearance The Slow Loris has large, round eyes often encircled by dark patches, and small, almost hidden ears. Its soft, dense fur can be greyish-brown to reddish, with a lighter underside. A distinct dark stripe often runs down its back, contrasting with its rounded, compact body. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Primates - **Family:** Lorisidae - **Genus:** Nycticebus ## Interesting facts - Slow lorises have a 'tooth comb' formed by their lower teeth, perfect for grooming and scraping tree sap. - They can hang upside down for hours using a special network of blood vessels in their limbs! - To hide from danger, they can freeze completely still for a very long time, blending into the trees. - Unlike many mammals, their body temperature can fluctuate to save energy, like a mini-hibernation! ## Special abilities - **Venomous Whisper:** Slow Loris can deliver a toxic bite because they mix venom from a gland on their arm with their saliva, which helps them deter predators. - **Branch Cling:** Slow Loris has powerful hands and feet with opposable thumbs that help them cling tightly to branches for long periods. - **Night Seer:** Slow Loris can see in the dark due to huge eyes and a special reflective layer behind their retina, which helps them hunt nocturnal prey. - **Silent Stalker:** Slow Loris can move almost silently and incredibly slowly through the trees, which helps them sneak up on insects without being noticed. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 18-38 cm - **Weight:** 0.2-2 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-20 years - **Speed:** 0.5 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-2 - **Gestation:** 180-200 days ## Diet & Feeding Slow lorises are omnivores, eating insects, fruits, tree sap, and flower nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Insects, Fruits, Tree Gum/Sap, Nectar, Small Vertebrates - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Common House Cricket (*Gryllus assimilis*) — An important protein source for Slow Lorises. - **Eats:** Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Consumes nectar and pollen gathered by bees from flowers. - **Depends on:** Rubber Tree (*Hevea brasiliensis*) — Feeds on the sap and gum produced by these trees. - **Eaten by:** Barred Eagle-Owl (*Bubo sumatranus*) — A nocturnal predator that hunts small arboreal mammals. - **Eaten by:** [Reticulated Python](https://www.snappit.app/explore/reticulated-python) (*Malayopython reticulatus*) — Large constrictor snakes are known to prey on Slow Lorises. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Vampiric](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/vampiric): Vampiric organisms are those that obtain nutrients by feeding on the blood or bodily fluids of other animals. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Admire Slow Lorises from a distance as they can be dangerous if provoked. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Slow Loris? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Slow Loris? 18-38 cm ### How much does Slow Loris weigh? 0.2-2 kg ### How long does Slow Loris live? 12-20 years ### How fast can Slow Loris move? 0.5 km/h ### What does Slow Loris eat? Slow lorises are omnivores, eating insects, fruits, tree sap, and flower nectar. ### Where is Slow Loris usually found? Forests ### How does Slow Loris hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Zoologická zahrada Děčín - Pastýřská stěna](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/zoologick-zahrada-d-n-past-sk-st-na) — Ústí nad Labem Region, CZ · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Slow Loris: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/slow-loris)