Order Didelphimorphia (Opossums) Paul Dunay Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Keystone College March 21, 2011.

Order Didelphimorphia(Opossums)

Paul DunayWildlife and Fisheries Biology

Keystone CollegeMarch 21, 2011

Opossum vs. Possum

Ringtail Possum

Brushtail Possum Virginia Opossum

Water Opossum

Basic Facts

Largest order of marsupials in W. Hemisphere Generally solitary, slow moving, and nocturnal Most species are omnivores or opportunity eaters Long and scaly prehensile tail Length = 3 to 20 inches (7.5 to 50 cm)

Weight = 5 to 14 pounds (2.3 to 6.4 kg)

Non-Syndactylous Feet

Dental formula is 5/4, 1/1, 3/3, 4/4 = 50

Baby Opossums

Playing Possum

Virginia Opossum(Didelphis virginiana)

Water Opossum(Chironectes minimus)

Gray Four-eyed Opossum(Philander opossum)

Sources

• How stuff works

• Animal Encyclopedia and Diversity