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They measure 9 to 12 centimetres (3.5 to 4.7 in) from their nose to the base of the tail. The tail measures 4 to 6 centimetres (1.6 to 2.4 in). They weigh around 17 to 30 grams (0.60 to 1.06 oz). They have a conspicuous reddish head and brown rump and back. The chin, throat, groin and flanks are grayish-brown.
Some species of opossums have prehensile tails, although dangling by the tail is more common among juveniles. An opossum may also use its tail as a brace and a fifth limb when climbing. The tail is occasionally used as a grip to carry bunches of leaves or bedding materials to the nest. [43]
The bushy-tailed opossum is a medium-sized opossum characterized by a large, oval, dark ears, fawn to cinnamon coat with a buff to gray underside, grayish limbs, and, as its name suggests, a furry tail. The face is marked by two bold, dark stripes extending from either side of the nose through the eyes to the back of the ears.
Short-tailed opossums have been found to use nuzzling in chemosensory and exploratory behavior for recognizing individuals of the same species. In Monodelphis domestica, nuzzling and snout-rubbing transforms odor from dry components like glandular secretions, feces, and urine, into moist naso-oral secretions that reach the vomeronasal organ to be processed chemically.
The ventral side of this pygmy opossum is a lighter color with pale, ivory patches of fur mixed throughout. [4] In addition to fur, vibrissae can be found in three locations on the face, including the nose, above the eyes and near the ears, and under the chin. [4] M. kunsi lacks a mid-sagittal crest; however, it does have a throat gland present ...
They also have hairless ears and a long, flat nose. Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal, [15] and opposable, clawless thumbs on their rear limbs. Opossums have 13 nipples, arranged in a circle of 12 with one in the middle. [16] [17] The dental formula of an opossum is 5.1.3.4 4.1.3.4. [18]
The cheeks, throat, belly and inner surfaces of legs are yellowish with a median white pectoral area. [3] Body hair continues onto the tail for approximately 10 mm. Its nose is pink, ears are grayish brown, and its tail is a dusky brown. It possesses a prehensile tail of equal length to its body.
The big lutrine opossum ("lutrine" means "otter-like" and "crass" meaning "thick, fat" and "cauda" meaning "tail") is a very peculiar opossum, having a long weasel-like body, short legs, small rounded ears, and dense reddish or yellowish fur. [3] Nocturnal and crepuscular, they generally live in grasslands and savannas near water. They are ...