Sepia short-tailed opossum explained

The sepia short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis adusta) is a species of opossum in the family Didelphidae found in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

Description

The species has dark brown fur and is distinct from other members of its genus by having no streaks on its trunk.

Taxonomic notes

The Peruvian short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis peruviana; Osgood, 1913) was at one point included under this species.[1]

Ecology

Its habitat consists of different types of forests up to 2200 meters above sea level, as well as grasslands. These areas have about 5 m annual rainfall, so they find ways to remain above the water. The opossum hunts invertebrates on the ground, but remains of beetles and small frogs have also been seen. They are nocturnal and live in tree holes.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Solari . Sergio . A new species of Monodelphis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) from southeastern Peru . Mammalian Biology . 2004 . 69 . 3 . 145–152 . 10.1078/1616-5047-00129 . 2004MamBi..69..145S . 28 January 2023.
  2. Gardner, Alfred L. "Order Didelphimorphia: Family Didelphidae." Mammals of South America. Vol. 1. Chicago: University of Chicago, 2007. 85-86.