a genus of lemuroids of the subfamily Lorisinae; it includes a single species, the potto (P. potto). The potto weighs 1–1.5 kg and has a body length of 35–40 cm and a tail length of 6–8 cm. The dense coat is whitish brown. The head is round, the eyes large and bulging, and the ears small. The arms and legs are short and of equal length. The thumbs and big toes are very well developed, and the index fingers are reduced. The second toes are clawed, and the others have nails. There are three pairs of teats. The potto lives in the tropical rain forests of West Africa. A nocturnal animal, it has slow movements and feeds on insects, birds, nuts, fruits, and leaves.