Didelphimorphia is an order of marsupial mammals. Members of this order are called didelphimorphs, or opossums. They are primarily found in South America, though some are found in Central America and Mexico and one, the Virginia opossum, ranges into the United States and Canada. They have a variety of sizes, shapes, and fur patterns, and range in size from the 6 cm (2 in) (plus 9 cm (4 in) tail) Kalinowski's mouse opossum to the 55 cm (22 in) (plus 54 cm (21 in) tail) Virginia opossum. Didelphimorphs are primarily found in forests, as well as savannas, shrublands, and grasslands. Almost no population estimates have been made for didelphimorph species, though the one-striped opossum is classified as Critically Endangered with a population of less than ten, Handley's slender opossum is also critically endangered, and the red-bellied gracile opossum is extinct, having last been seen in 1962.
The 129 extant species of Didelphimorphia are grouped into a single family, Didelphidae, which is divided into four subfamilies: Caluromyinae, containing containing four species in two genera; Glironiinae, containing a single species; Hyladelphinae, also with a single species; and Didelphinae, containing 123 species split between 14 genera. Over one hundred extinct Didelphimorph species have been discovered, though due to ongoing research and discoveries the exact number and categorization is not fixed.[1]
Conservation status | |
---|---|
EX | Extinct (1 species) |
EW | Extinct in the wild (0 species) |
CR | Critically Endangered (2 species) |
EN | Endangered (0 species) |
VU | Vulnerable (5 species) |
NT | Near threatened (3 species) |
LC | Least concern (64 species) |
Other categories | |
DD | Data deficient (13 species) |
NE | Not evaluated (41 species) |
Conservation status codes listed follow the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Range maps are provided wherever possible; if a range map is not available, a description of the didelphimorph's range is provided. Ranges are based on the IUCN Red List for that species unless otherwise noted. All extinct species or subspecies listed alongside extant species went extinct after 1500 CE, and are indicated by a dagger symbol "".
The order Didelphimorphia consists of one family, Didelphidae, which is divided into the subfamilies Caluromyinae, Glironiinae, Hyladelphinae, and Didelphinae. Caluromyinae contains 4 species in 2 genera, Glironiinae and Hyladelphinae each contain a single species, and Didelphinae contains 123 species in 14 genera, as well as the extinct red-bellied gracile opossum, which was last seen in 1962. Many of these species are further subdivided into subspecies. This does not include hybrid species or extinct prehistoric species.[2][3]
Family Didelphidae
|
The following classification is based on the taxonomy described by Mammal Species of the World (2005), with augmentation by generally accepted proposals made since using molecular phylogenetic analysis.[4]
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bare-tailed woolly opossum | C. philander Linnaeus, 1758 Four subspecies
|
Eastern and northeastern South America![]() |
Size: 16–28 cm (6–11 in) long, plus 25–41 cm (10–16 in) tail[5] Habitat: Forest[6] Diet: Fruit, as well as gum, nectar, small vertebrates, and invertebrates[6] |
LC
|
Brown-eared woolly opossum | C. lanatus Olfers, 1818 Four subspecies
|
Central and northwestern South America![]() |
Size: 20–32 cm (8–13 in) long, plus 33–44 cm (13–17 in) tail[7] Habitat: Forest[8] Diet: Fruit, invertebrates, and some small vertebrates, as well as nectar and flowers[8] |
LC
|
Derby's woolly opossum | C. derbianus Waterhouse, 1841 Six subspecies
|
Central American and northwestern South America![]() |
Size: 22–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 38–45 cm (15–18 in) tail[9] Habitat: Forest[10] Diet: Fruit, seeds, leaves, soft vegetables, insects, and other small invertebrates[10] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Black-shouldered opossum | C. irrupta Sanborn, 1951 |
West-central South America![]() |
Size: 25–33 cm (10–13 in) long, plus 31–34 cm (12–13 in) tail[11] Habitat: Forest[12] Diet: Flowers and fruit, as well as small rodents[12] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chacoan pygmy opossum | C. formosa Shamel, 1930 |
Northeastern Argentina![]() |
Size: About 7 cm (3 in) long, plus 6 cm (2 in) tail[13] Habitat: Shrubland[14] Diet: Unknown[13] |
NT
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Water opossum | C. minimus Zimmermann, 1780 Four subspecies
|
Central America, northern South America, southeastern South America![]() |
Size: 27–40 cm (11–16 in) long, plus 30–43 cm (12–17 in) tail[15] Habitat: Forest and inland wetlands[16] Diet: Fish, crabs, other crustaceans, and insects, as well as frogs[16] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Agricola's gracile opossum | C. agricolai Moojen, 1943 |
Eastern Brazil![]() |
Size: 8–9 cm (3–4 in) long, plus 10–11 cm (4 in) tail[17] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[18] Diet: Unknown |
DD
|
Chacoan gracile opossum | C. chacoensis Tate, 1931 |
Southern South America![]() |
Size: 8–10 cm (3–4 in) long, plus 9–13 cm (4–5 in) tail[17] Habitat: Forest and grassland[19] Diet: Unknown fruit and insects[20] |
LC
|
Guahiba gracile opossum | C. guahybae Tate, 1931 |
Southern Brazil![]() |
Size: About 9 cm (4 in) long, plus 11 cm (4 in) tail[17] Habitat: Forest and grassland[21] Diet: Unknown |
DD
|
Red-bellied gracile opossum![]() |
C. ignitus Díaz, Flores, Barquez, 2002 |
Northwestern Argentina | Size: About 11 cm (4 in) long, plus 12 cm (5 in) tail[17] Habitat: Forest[22] Diet: Unknown |
EX
|
Unduavi gracile opossum | C. unduaviensis Shamel, 1930 |
Northern Bolivia![]() |
Size: 9–13 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 11–14 cm (4–6 in) tail[17] Habitat: Forest, grassland, and inland wetlands[23] Diet: Unknown |
DD
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Andean white-eared opossum | D. pernigra J. A. Allen, 1900 |
Northwestern South America![]() |
Size: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long, plus 25–54 cm (10–21 in) tail[24] Habitat: Forest, shrubland, and grassland[25] Diet: Small vertebrates, carrion, invertebrates, and plants[24] |
LC
|
Big-eared opossum | D. aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826 |
Eastern South America![]() |
Size: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long, plus 25–54 cm (10–21 in) tail[24] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[26] Diet: Arthropods and fruit, as well as other invertebrates and small vertebrates[27] |
LC
|
Common opossum | D. marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758 Two subspecies
|
Central American and norhtern South America![]() |
Size: 26–43 cm (10–17 in) long, plus 40 cm (16 in) tail[28] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[29] Diet: Omnivorous; eats invertebrates, vertebrates, leaves, fruit, nectar, and carrion[28] |
LC
|
Guianan white-eared opossum | D. imperfecta Mondolfi, Hernández, 1984 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long, plus 25–54 cm (10–21 in) tail[24] Habitat: Forest[30] Diet: Omnivorous; primarily fruit and insects[30] |
LC
|
Virginia opossum | D. virginiana Kerr, 1792 Four subspecies
|
North America and Central America![]() |
Size: 33–55 cm (13–22 in) long, plus 25–54 cm (10–21 in) tail[31] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[32] Diet: Omnivorous, including vertebrates, invertebrates, plant material, fruits, grains and carrion[31] |
LC
|
White-eared opossum | D. albiventris Lund, 1840 |
Eastern and southern South America![]() |
Size: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long, plus 25–54 cm (10–21 in) tail[24] Habitat: Forest, savanna, and shrubland[33] Diet: Small vertebrates, carrion, invertebrates, and plants[24] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aceramarca gracile opossum | G. aceramarcae Tate, 1931 |
Western Aouth America![]() |
Size: About 11 cm (4 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail[34] Habitat: Forest[35] Diet: Fruit, insects and other small invertebrates[35] |
LC
|
Agile gracile opossum | G. agilis (Burmeister, 1854) |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 8–12 cm (3–5 in) long, plus 10–16 cm (4–6 in) tail[36] Habitat: Forest[37] Diet: Insects and fruit[38] |
LC
|
Brazilian gracile opossum | G. microtarsus Wagner, 1842 Two subspecies
|
Southeastern South America![]() |
Size: About 10 cm (4 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail[39] Habitat: Forest[40] Diet: Insects, other invertebrates, and fruit[39] |
LC
|
Emilia's gracile opossum | G. emiliae Thomas, 1909 |
Scattered northern South America![]() |
Size: About 8 cm (3 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail[41] Habitat: Forest[42] Diet: Believed to be insects and fruit[41] |
DD
|
Northern gracile opossum | G. marica Thomas, 1898 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: About 10 cm (4 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail[43] Habitat: Forest and grassland[44] Diet: Believed to be insects and fruit[43] |
LC
|
Peruvian opossum | G. peruanus Tate, 1931 |
Central South America | Size: 9–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 13–16 cm (5–6 in) tail[36] Habitat: Forest[36] Diet: Unknown[36] |
NE
|
Wood sprite gracile opossum | G. dryas Thomas, 1898 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: About 11 cm (4 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail[45] Habitat: Forest[46] Diet: Believed to be insects and fruit[45] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Patagonian opossum | L. halli Thomas, 1921 |
Southern South America![]() |
Size: 13–15 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 8–10 cm (3–4 in) tail[47] Habitat: Shrubland, grassland, and desert[48] Diet: Invertebrates, as well as birds, reptiles, and fruit[47] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Big lutrine opossum | L. crassicaudata Desmarest, 1804 Two subspecies
|
Scattered South America (Massoia's lutrine opossum in red)![]() |
Size: 26–35 cm (10–14 in) long, plus 24–30 cm (9–12 in) tail[49] Habitat: Forest, grassland, and inland wetlands[50] Diet: Omnivorous; crabs, beetles, amphibians, birds, seeds, and vegetation, as well as other invertebrates, fish, and small mammals[49] |
LC
|
Massoia's lutrine opossum | L. massoia Martínez-Lanfranco, Flores, Jayat, D'Elía, 2014 |
South-central South America (big lutrine opossum in green)![]() |
Size: 18–24 cm (7–9 in) long, plus 20–26 cm (8–10 in) tail[51] Habitat: Forest and grassland[52] Diet: Small mammals, fish, and invertebrates, as well as bird eggs and fruit[51] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Adler's mouse opossum | M. adleri Voss, Giarla, Jansa, 2021 |
Panama | Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 21–24 cm (8–9 in) tail[53] Habitat: Forest[53] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Alston's mouse opossum | M. alstoni Allen, 1900 |
Central America, northwestern tip of South America![]() |
Size: 18–20 cm (7–8 in) long, plus 24–28 cm (9–11 in) tail[53] Habitat: Forest[55] Diet: Insects, small vertebrates, and fruit[55] |
LC
|
Anthony's woolly mouse opossum | M. perplexa Anthony, 1922 |
Central South America | Size: 11–16 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 5–8 cm (2–3 in) tail[56] Habitat: Forest[56] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Bare-tailed woolly mouse opossum | M. rutteri Thomas, 1924 |
Western South America | Size: 15–21 cm (6–8 in) long, plus 21–30 cm (8–12 in) tail[57] Habitat: Forest[57] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Bolivian woolly mouse opossum | M. rapposa Thomas, 1899 |
Western South America | Size: 11–19 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 16–24 cm (6–9 in) tail[57] Habitat: Forest[57] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Brazilian woolly mouse opossum | M. limae Thomas, 1920 |
Brazil | Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[54] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Guajira mouse opossum | M. xerophila Handley, Gordon, 1979 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 8–16 cm (3–6 in) long, plus 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tail[58] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[59] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as lizards, bird eggs, and small rodents[59] |
VU
|
Heavy-browed mouse opossum | M. andersoni Pine, 1972 |
Peru![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[60] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit[61] |
DD
|
Jansa's woolly mouse opossum | M. jansae Voss, Giarla, 2021 |
Central South America | Size: 15–18 cm (6–7 in) long, plus 6–7 cm (2–3 in) tail[56] Habitat: Forest[56] Diet: Unknown[56] |
NE
|
Linnaeus's mouse opossum | M. murina Linnaeus, 1758 |
Northern and eastern South America![]() |
Size: 11–15 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 13–21 cm (5–8 in) tail[62] Habitat: Forest[63] Diet: Insects, small animals, and fruit[63] |
LC
|
Little woolly mouse opossum | M. phaea Thomas, 1899 |
Northwestern South America![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[64] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
VU
|
Merida woolly mouse opossum | M. meridae Tate, 1931 |
Venezuela | Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[54] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Mexican mouse opossum | M. mexicana Merriam, 1897 Three subspecies
|
Mexico and Central America![]() |
Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 13–23 cm (5–9 in) tail[58] Habitat: Forest and grassland[65] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as small rodents, lizards, birds, and eggs[65] |
LC
|
North-western woolly mouse opossum | M. germana Thomas, 1904 |
Central South America | Size: 15–21 cm (6–8 in) long, plus 6–9 cm (2–4 in) tail[56] Habitat: Forest[56] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Panama mouse opossum | M. isthmica Goldman, 1912 |
Panama and northwestern South America | Size: 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long, plus 15–26 cm (6–10 in) tail[58] Habitat: Forest[66] Diet: Insects as well as fruit[66] |
NE
|
Peruvian woolly mouse opossum | M. parda Tate, 1931 |
Central Peru | Size: 13–18 cm (5–7 in) long, plus 21–27 cm (8–11 in) tail[57] Habitat: Forest[57] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Quechuan mouse opossum | M. macrotarsus Wagner, 1842 |
Western South America![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[67] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
LC
|
Red mouse opossum | M. rubra Tate, 1931 |
Western South America![]() |
Size: 12–20 cm (5–8 in) long, plus 18–22 cm (7–9 in) tail[58] Habitat: Forest[68] Diet: Insects and fruit[69] |
DD
|
Robinson's mouse opossum | M. robinsoni Bangs, 1898 Six subspecies
|
Northern South America and Central America![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[58] Habitat: Forest and savanna[70] Diet: Fruit and insects[70] |
LC
|
Rufous mouse opossum | M. lepida Thomas, 1888 |
Northwestern South America![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[71] Diet: Insects and fruit[71] |
LC
|
Simons's mouse opossum | M. simonsi Thomas, 1899 |
Western South America | Size: 9–16 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 12–19 cm (5–7 in) tail[58] Habitat: Forest[58] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Tate's woolly mouse opossum | M. paraguayana Tate, 1931 Two subspecies
|
Southeastern South America | Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[72] Diet: Omnivorous and insectivorous[72] |
LC
|
Tyler's mouse opossum | M. tyleriana Tate, 1931 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[73] Diet: Insects as well as fruit[74] |
DD
|
Waterhouse's mouse opossum | M. waterhousii Tomes, 1860 |
Central South America | Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[54] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
White-bellied woolly mouse opossum | M. constantiae Thomas, 1904 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[75] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
LC
|
Woolly mouse opossum | M. demerarae Thomas, 1905 Four subspecies
|
Northeastern South America![]() |
Size: 8–22 cm (3–9 in) long, plus 12–27 cm (5–11 in) tail[54] Habitat: Forest[76] Diet: Insects, small animals, fruit, and nectar[76] |
LC
|
Zeledon's mouse opossum | M. zeledoni Goldman, 1911 |
Central America and northwestern South America | Size: 11–16 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 14–21 cm (6–8 in) tail[58] Habitat: Forest[77] Diet: Insects as well as fruit[77] |
NE
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bishop's slender opossum | M. bishopi Pine, 1981 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 9–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 11–16 cm (4–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[79] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Brazilian slender opossum | M. paulensis Tate, 1931 |
Southeastern Brazil![]() |
Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[81] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Carr's slender opossum | M. carri Allen, Chapman, 1897 |
Northern South America | Size: 12–16 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 14–19 cm (6–7 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[78] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Cordillera slender opossum | M. chucha Díaz-Nieto, Voss, 2016 |
Columbia | Size: 9–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 11–15 cm (4–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[78] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Creighton's slender opossum | M. creightoni Voss, Tarifa, Yensen, 2004 |
Zongo River valley in Bolivia![]() |
Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[82] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
DD
|
Delicate slender opossum | M. parvidens Tate, 1931 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 9–11 cm (4 in) long, plus 14–16 cm (6–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[83] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Dusky slender opossum | M. fuscatus Thomas, 1896 Two subspecies
|
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 13–14 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 14–15 cm (6–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[84] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
DD
|
Gray slender opossum | M. incanus Lund, 1841 |
Eastern South America![]() |
Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[85] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Handley's slender opossum | M. handleyi Pine, 1981 |
Central Columbia![]() |
Size: 10–13 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 12–15 cm (5–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[86] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
CR
|
Junin slender opossum | M. juninensis Tate, 1931 |
Central Peru![]() |
Size: 9–11 cm (4 in) long, plus 12–14 cm (5–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[87] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
VU
|
Nicaraguan woolly mouse opossum | M. nicaraguae Thomas, 1905 |
Central America | Size: 16–18 cm (6–7 in) long, plus 24–29 cm (9–11 in) tail[53] Habitat: Forest[53] Diet: Insects and fruit, as well as nectar, small vertebrates, and eggs[54] |
NE
|
Ojasti's slender opossum | M. ojastii García, Sánchez-Hernández, Semedo, 2014 |
Venezuela | Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus 13–14 cm (5–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[78] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Panama slender opossum | M. invictus Goldman, 1921 |
Panama![]() |
Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 12–15 cm (5–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[88] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Pantepui slender opossum | M. pakaraimae Voss, Lim, Díaz-Nieto, Jansa, 2013 |
Northern South America | Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 15–17 cm (6–7 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[78] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Pinheiro's slender opossum | M. pinheiroi Pine, 1981 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 8–13 cm (3–5 in) long, plus 12–16 cm (5–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[89] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Río Magdalena slender opossum | M. magdalenae Díaz-Nieto, Voss, 2016 |
Columbia | Size: 9–11 cm (4 in) long, plus 12–14 cm (5–6 in) tail[78] Habitat: Forest[78] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Silva's slender opossum | M. marina Ferreira, Mendes-Oliveira, Lima-Silva, Rossi, 2020 |
Brazil | Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[80] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Soini's slender opossum | M. soinii Voss, Fleck, Jansa, 2009 |
Peru | Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[80] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Spectacled slender opossum | M. ocellatus Tate, 1931 |
Bolivia | Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[90] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Tschudi's slender opossum | M. caucae Thomas, 1900 |
Northwestern South America | Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[91] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
White-bellied slender opossum | M. noctivagus Tschudi, 1844 |
Western South America![]() |
Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[92] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
LC
|
Woodall's slender opossum | M. woodalli Pine, 1981 |
Brazil | Size: 9–17 cm (4–7 in) long, plus 10–22 cm (4–9 in) tail[80] Habitat: Forest[92] Diet: Insects and fruit[80] |
NE
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brown four-eyed opossum | M. nudicaudatus Geoffroy, 1803 Four subspecies
|
South America and Central America![]() |
Size: 19–31 cm (7–12 in) long, plus 19–39 cm (7–15 in) tail[93] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[94] Diet: Insects and other invertebrates, as well as fruit, seeds, and small mammals[93] |
LC
|
Common brown four-eyed opossum | M. myosuros Temminck, 1824 |
Central South America | Size: 21–29 cm (8–11 in) long, plus 25–34 cm (10–13 in) tail[95] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[94][95] Diet: Insects and other invertebrates, as well as fruit, seeds, and small mammals[93][95] |
NE
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amazonian red-sided opossum | M. glirina Wagner, 1842 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[97] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Arlindo's short-tailed opossum | M. arlindoi Pavan, Rossi, & Schneider, 2012 |
Northeastern South America | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[96] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
NE
|
Emilia's short-tailed opossum | M. emiliae Thomas, 1912 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[98] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Gardner's short-tailed opossum | M. gardneri Solari, Pacheco, Vivar, Emmons, 2012 |
Peru | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[96] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
NE
|
Gray short-tailed opossum | M. domestica Wagner, 1842 |
Central and eastern South America![]() |
Size: 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long, plus tail[99] Habitat: Forest, shrubland, and grassland[100] Diet: Insects, fruits, and small animals[99] |
LC
|
Handley's short-tailed opossum | M. handleyi Solari, 2007 |
Central South America | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[101] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
DD
|
Hooded red-sided opossum | M. palliolata Osgood, 1914 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[102] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Ihering's three-striped opossum | M. iheringi Thomas, 1888 |
Eastern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest and unknown[103] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
DD
|
Long-nosed short-tailed opossum | M. scalops Thomas, 1888 |
Eastern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[104] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Long-nosed short-tailed opossum | M. pinocchio Pavan, 2015 |
Southeastern Brazil | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[96] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
NE
|
Northern red-sided opossum | M. brevicaudata Erxleben, 1777 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[105] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Northern three-striped opossum | M. americana Müller, 1776 |
Eastern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[106] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
One-striped opossum | M. unistriata Wagner, 1842 |
Southeastern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[107] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
CR
|
Osgood's short-tailed opossum | M. osgoodi Doutt, 1938 |
Western South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[108] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Peruvian short-tailed opossum | M. peruviana Osgood, 1913 |
Peru | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[109] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Pygmy short-tailed opossum | M. kunsi Pine, 1975 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest and savanna[110] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Reig's opossum | M. reigi Lew, Pérez-Hernández, 2004 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[111] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
VU
|
Ronald's opossum | M. ronaldi Solari, 2004 |
Western South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[112] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Saci short-tailed opossum | M. saci Pavan, Mendes-Oliveira, Voss, 2017 |
Central Brazil | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[96] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
NE
|
Santa Rosa short-tailed opossum | M. sanctaerosae Voss, Pine, Solari, 2012 |
Bolivia | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[96] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
NE
|
Sepia short-tailed opossum | M. adusta Thomas, 1897 |
Northwestern South America![]() |
Size: 9–13 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 4–7 cm (2–3 in) tail[113] Habitat: Forest[114] Diet: Invertebrates, fruits and small vertebrates[113] |
LC
|
Southern three-striped opossum | M. theresa Thomas, 1921 |
Eastern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[115] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Voss's short-tailed opossum | M. vossi Pavan, 2019 |
Brazil | Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest[96] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
NE
|
Yellow-sided opossum | M. dimidiata Wagner, 1847 |
Southern South America![]() |
Size: 7–20 cm (3–8 in) long, plus 4–11 cm (2–4 in) tail[96] Habitat: Forest, grassland, and inland wetlands[116] Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, carrion, seeds, and fruit[96] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anderson's four-eyed opossum | P. andersoni Osgood, 1913 |
Northwestern South America![]() |
Size: 25–35 cm (10–14 in) long, plus 25–35 cm (10–14 in) tail[117] Habitat: Forest[118] Diet: Insects, other small invertebrates, eggs, and fruit[117] |
LC
|
Black four-eyed opossum | P. nigratus Thomas, 1923 |
Peru | Size: 20–38 cm (8–15 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[119] Habitat: Forest[119] Diet: Small mammals, other small vertebrates, eggs, insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and carrion[119] |
NE
|
Common four-eyed opossum | P. canus Osgood, 1913 |
Central South America | Size: 20–38 cm (8–15 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[119] Habitat: Forest[119] Diet: Small mammals, other small vertebrates, eggs, insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and carrion[119] |
NE
|
Dark four-eyed opossum | P. melanurus Thomas, 1899 |
Central America and northern South America | Size: 20–38 cm (8–15 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[119] Habitat: Forest[119] Diet: Small mammals, other small vertebrates, eggs, insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and carrion[119] |
NE
|
Deltaic four-eyed opossum | P. deltae Lew, Pérez-Hernández, Ventura, 2006 |
Northern South America![]() |
Size: 20–38 cm (8–15 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[119] Habitat: Forest and inland wetlands[120] Diet: Small mammals, other small vertebrates, eggs, insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and carrion[119] |
LC
|
Gray four-eyed opossum | P. opossum Linnaeus, 1758 Two subspecies
|
Northern and central South America and Central America![]() |
Size: 20–34 cm (8–13 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[121] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[122] Diet: Omnivorous, including invertebrates, small animals, leaves, bark, seeds, nuts, nectar, and fruit[121] |
LC
|
McIlhenny's four-eyed opossum | P. mcilhennyi Gardner, Patton, 1972 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 28–31 cm (11–12 in) long, plus 26–38 cm (10–15 in) tail[123] Habitat: Forest[124] Diet: Believed to be omnivorous[123] |
LC
|
Northern four-eyed opossum | P. vossi Gardner & Ramírez-Pulido, 2020 |
Mexico and Central America | Size: 20–38 cm (8–15 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[119] Habitat: Forest[119] Diet: Small mammals, other small vertebrates, eggs, insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and carrion[119] |
NE
|
Pebas four-eyed opossum | P. pebas Voss, Lim, Díaz-Nieto, Jansa, 2018 |
Western South America | Size: 20–38 cm (8–15 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[119] Habitat: Forest[119] Diet: Small mammals, other small vertebrates, eggs, insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and carrion[119] |
NE
|
Southern four-eyed opossum | P. quica Temminck, 1824 |
South-central South America | Size: 20–38 cm (8–15 in) long, plus 19–36 cm (7–14 in) tail[119] Habitat: Forest[119] Diet: Small mammals, other small vertebrates, eggs, insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and carrion[119] |
NE
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Argentine fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. sponsorius Thomas, 1921 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long, plus 6–17 cm (2–7 in) tail[125] Habitat: Shrubland[126] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
LC
|
Buff-bellied fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. venustus Thomas, 1902 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long, plus 6–17 cm (2–7 in) tail[125] Habitat: Forest, savanna, and shrubland[127] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
DD
|
Common fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. pusillus Desmarest, 1804 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 7–12 cm (3–5 in) long, plus 8–14 cm (3–6 in) tail[128] Habitat: Forest and savanna[129] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
LC
|
Dry Chaco fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. pulchellus Cabrera, 1934 |
Argentina | Size: 6–10 cm (2–4 in) long, plus 7–11 cm (3–4 in) tail[128] Habitat: Grassland and forest[128] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
NE
|
Dwarf fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. velutinus Wagner, 1842 |
Eastern South America![]() |
Size: 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long, plus 6–17 cm (2–7 in) tail[125] Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland[130] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
NT
|
Elegant fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. elegans Waterhouse, 1839 |
Southwestern South America![]() |
Size: 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long, plus 6–17 cm (2–7 in) tail[125] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[131] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
LC
|
Karimi's fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. karimii Petter, 1968 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long, plus 6–17 cm (2–7 in) tail[125] Habitat: Forest and savanna[132] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
VU
|
Mesopotamian fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. citellus Thomas, 1912 |
Argentina | Size: 9–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tail[128] Habitat: Grassland, savanna, and forest[128] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
NE
|
Paraguayan fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. macrurus Olfers, 1818 |
Central South America![]() |
Size: 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long, plus 6–17 cm (2–7 in) tail[125] Habitat: Forest, savanna, and shrubland[133] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
NT
|
Tate's fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. tatei Handley, 1957 |
Western South America![]() |
Size: 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long, plus 6–17 cm (2–7 in) tail[125] Habitat: Shrubland and desert[134] Diet: Insects, as well as fruit and small vertebrates[125] |
DD
|
White-bellied fat-tailed mouse opossum | T. pallidior Thomas, 1902 |
Southwestern South America![]() |
Size: 7–11 cm (3–4 in) long, plus 9–12 cm (4–5 in) tail[135] Habitat: Shrubland and desert[136] Diet: Arthropods, as well as leaves, fruit, and seeds[135] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Balsas gray mouse opossum | T. balsasensis Arcangeli, Light, Cervantes, 2018 |
Southern Mexico | Size: 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, plus 9–17 cm (4–7 in) tail[137][138] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[139][138] Diet: Insects and fruit[137][138] |
NE
|
Grayish mouse opossum | T. canescens Allen, 1893 |
Southern Mexico | Size: 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, plus 9–17 cm (4–7 in) tail[137] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[139] Diet: Insects and fruit[137] |
LC
|
Northern gray mouse opossum | T. sinaloae Allen, 1898 |
Western Mexico | Size: 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, plus 9–17 cm (4–7 in) tail[137][138] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[139][138] Diet: Insects and fruit[137][138] |
NE
|
Tres Marías gray mouse opossum | T. insularis Merriam, 1898 |
Islas Marías in Mexico | Size: 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, plus 9–17 cm (4–7 in) tail[137][138] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[139][138] Diet: Insects and fruit[137][138] |
NE
|
Yucatan gray mouse opossum | T. gaumeri Osgood, 1913 |
Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico | Size: 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, plus 9–17 cm (4–7 in) tail[137][138] Habitat: Forest and shrubland[139][138] Diet: Insects and fruit[137][138] |
NE
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bushy-tailed opossum | G. venusta Thomas, 1912 |
West-central South America![]() |
Size: 13–20 cm (5–8 in) long, plus 19–23 cm (7–9 in) tail[140] Habitat: Forest[141] Diet: Insects, seeds, fruit, and eggs[141] |
LC
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kalinowski's mouse opossum | H. kalinowskii Hershkovitz, 1992 |
North-central South America![]() |
Size: 6–10 cm (2–4 in) long, plus 9–12 cm (4–5 in) tail[142] Habitat: Forest[143] Diet: Unknown |
LC
|
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