Winged lemur

A winged lemur is a small, energetic animal that is critically endangered. Momo is the most prominent winged lemur seen thus far, becoming Aang's pet after the boy's visit to the Southern Air Temple. Several other unnamed lemurs, some of which had different coloration, were seen opportunistically eating smashed fruit pies off the heads of several elder monks as Aang reminisced about life with Gyatso in the Southern Air Temple.

Anatomy
A winged lemur is equipped with large membrane-like wings attached to its arms; these allow it to take flight. It has a prominently black face, with two proportionately large green eyes, and its fur is mostly white with several black stripes, although other color markings have been seen. The winged lemur has two very wide and long ears on its head that give it fantastic hearing. It is also very quick and agile. The lemur seems to have a very acute sense of smell, as it is able to detect food at a moderate distance.

Connection
Real world lemurs are very similar in appearance to the winged lemur, with regards to body shape, color and face. The other half of the winged lemur's body structure appears to be bat-like; its wings are very similar to those of bats as well. There may be a connection to real life flying squirrels and sugar gliders. Furthermore, the lemur resembles the common house cat in terms of its demeanor, curiosity, and reactions. Winged lemurs may be based from the colugos, referred to as the "flying lemurs" of the real world. The coloration of their fur is very similar to that of a sifaka, a species of lemur.



Tamed behavior
The lemurs were extremely popular with Air Nomad children and adults alike; they were the Air Nomad children's favorite pets. The airbenders trained them to do many tasks, one of which was to retrieve their staffs if they dropped them off of their flying bison. The winged lemur loves food, and is not above taking it directly out of the hands of any person who might be holding it at the time. They like to be petted like dogs or cats. When a winged lemur is frightened or is threatening an enemy, it raises its back and hisses much like a common house cat.

Trivia

 * In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Momo was the only winged lemur to be seen outside of flashbacks.
 * In The Legend of Korra, there is a new species of winged lemurs, the ring-tailed winged lemur.
 * The winged lemurs have their own theme song; while it is normally fast and lively, the music is played in a slow, relaxed way while Momo is gorging himself.