flying-phalanger

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


included in the classof Phalanger (q.v.). The «flying» Phalangers «havedeveloped large parachute-like expansions of skin from thesides of the body, by means of which they are able to take longflying leaps from bough to bough, and thus from tree to tree.While the great majority of the members of the family arepurely vegetable feeders, . . . a few feed entirely or partlyon insects, while others have taken to a diet of flesh.» (R. Lydekker.)

They include the so-called Flying-Squirrel, Flying-Mouse, etc. There are three genera – – Acrobates (q.v.), called the Flying-Mouse, and Opossum-Mouse (q.v.).

Petauroides commonly called the Taguan, or Taguan Flying-Squirrel.

Petaurus (q.v.), commonly called the Flying Squirrel.

The species are – – Lesser F. – Ph. – – Petaurus breviceps.

♣ Papuan Pigmy F. – Ph. – – Acrobates pulchellus (confined to Northern Dutch New Guinea).

♣ Pigmy F. – Ph. – – A. pygmaeuss.

♣ Squirrel F. – Ph. – – Petaurus sciureus.

♣ Taguan F. – Ph. – – Petauroides volans.

♣ Yellow-bellied F. – Ph. – – P. australis.

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

← flying-mouse   ×   flying-squirrel →

Related Words