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Gray short-tailed opossums are relatively small animals, with a superficial resemblance to voles.In the wild they have head-body length of 12 to 18 cm (4.7 to 7.1 in) and weigh 58 to 95 grams (2.0 to 3.4 oz); males are larger than females. [5]
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.
Gray short-tailed opossum. M. domestica (Wagner, 1842) Central and eastern South America: Size: 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long, plus tail [100] Habitat: Forest, shrubland, and grassland [101] Diet: Insects, fruits, and small animals [100] LC Unknown [101] Handley's short-tailed opossum. M. handleyi Solari, 2007: Central South America
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. An opossum may also use its tail as a brace and a fifth limb when climbing.
The six species in the genus Didelphis, commonly known as Large American opossums, are members of the opossum order, Didelphimorphia. The genus Didelphis is composed of cat -sized omnivorous species, which can be recognized by their prehensile tails and their tendency to feign death when cornered.
The grayish mouse opossum is an unusually small opossum, measuring 20 to 35 cm (7.9 to 13.8 in) in total length, including an 11- to 16-cm (4.3- to 6.3-in) tail. Adults weigh from 38 to 60 g (1.3 to 2.1 oz). The body is covered in short, soft fur, with a slightly woolly texture.
Gracile mouse opossums, excluding the fat-tailed mouse opossum, in general, have a prehensile tail that is thin and very long. The tails of mouse opossums are naked. [2] Mouse opossums have ears that are, both, large and naked. [2] General opossums, including Gracilinanus species, have noses that are pointed.
The tail is an additional several inches, and makes up between 30 and 50% of the animal’s total length. Males weigh 17 to 52 grams (0.60 to 1.83 oz) and females from 12 to 37 grams (0.42 to 1.31 oz). [3] The gracile opossum’s coat comes in various colors and tones, including beige, sandy-or amber-tinted, with darker ears and extremities.