Grayish mouse opossum facts for kids
The grayish mouse opossum (also called the gray mouse opossum) is a tiny opossum. Its scientific name is Tlacuatzin canescens. This small animal lives only in Mexico. It is the only species in its group, called Tlacuatzin.
Quick facts for kids Grayish mouse opossum |
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| T. canescens, Islas Marías. | |
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| T. canescens, Oaxaca, Mexico. | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tlacuatzin
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| Species: |
canescens
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| Grayish mouse opossum range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Marmosa canescens |
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Contents
What Does the Grayish Mouse Opossum Look Like?
The grayish mouse opossum is a very small animal. It measures about 20 to 35 cm (7.9 to 13.8 in) from its nose to the tip of its tail. Its tail alone is about 11 to 16 cm (4.3 to 6.3 in) long. Adult opossums weigh between 38 to 60 g (1.3 to 2.1 oz).
Their bodies are covered in short, soft fur. The fur feels a bit like wool. As their name suggests, their fur is pale to brownish grey. It becomes white or almost white on their belly and legs. They have clear black rings of fur around their eyes. Female opossums sometimes have orange fur patches. These patches are usually in their groin area. They can also spread to their thighs and up their body towards their throat.
Their whiskers are not very long. Their ears are round, dark, and do not have much hair. The tail is long and can grip things, like branches. It is mostly hairless, except for the part closest to the body. Female grayish mouse opossums have nine teats. However, unlike many other marsupials, they do not have a pouch to carry their young.
Where Do Grayish Mouse Opossums Live?
The grayish mouse opossum is native to Mexico. They are found mainly in the southern part of Sonora state. Their range extends south to Oaxaca. You can also find them on the Islas Marías and in central Yucatán.
They prefer dry habitats. This includes mixed forests where trees lose their leaves. They also live in scrubland, grasslands, and even on farms. They have been seen as high as 2,100 m (6,900 ft) above sea level. However, they are more often found below 1,000 m (3,300 ft).
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the grayish mouse opossum:
- Tlacuatzin c. canescens – This type lives in most of the opossum's range.
- Tlacuatzin c. gaumeri – This type lives in the Yucatán Peninsula.
The biggest dangers to these opossums are forests being cut down. They also face competition from animals brought in by humans. One example is the black rat (Rattus rattus).
Life and Habits of the Grayish Mouse Opossum
The grayish mouse opossum lives alone. They spend some time in trees but also a lot of time on the ground. They do not travel far from their feeding spots. This suggests they have a small area where they live.
These opossums eat many different things. They are omnivores. Their diet mainly includes insects like bugs, cockroaches, moths, and beetles. They also eat the young forms of these insects. Sometimes, they eat small lizards and bird eggs. They also enjoy fruits such as figs, bananas, and citrus fruits.
Many animals hunt the grayish mouse opossum. These include owls, like the barn owl, and other birds of prey. Domestic cats, jaguarundi, margay, ocelots, pumas, and larger snakes are also predators.
The grayish mouse opossum is a nocturnal animal. This means they are active at night. During the day, they rest in their nests. They often build nests in tree forks or hollows. They also use bushes, cacti, or cracks in rocks. Their nests are round and made of leaves, stems, and other plants. They line the inside with soft grass and plant fibers. Sometimes, they even use old nests built by orioles or wrens.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Grayish mouse opossums usually breed in late summer and early autumn. When they mate, they hang upside down by their tails. The male holds onto the female's neck with his jaws.
A female can have 8 to 14 babies at one time. The babies are very tiny when they are born. They quickly attach themselves to their mother's teats. The mother does not have a true pouch. Instead, a layer of hair keeps the young safe and warm. The young opossums leave the nest when they weigh about 20 g (0.7 oz).
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