White-bellied woolly mouse opossum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White-bellied woolly mouse opossum |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Marmosa
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| Species: |
constantiae
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| White-bellied woolly mouse opossum range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Micoureus constantiae (Thomas, 1904) |
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The white-bellied woolly mouse opossum (Marmosa constantiae) is a small animal that belongs to the marsupial family called Didelphidae. Marsupials are known for carrying their young in a pouch, but this opossum does not have one. It used to be in a different group called Micoureus, but in 2009, scientists moved it into the Marmosa group. This animal was named after Constance Sladen, who helped pay for an expedition in 1902 where the first one was found.
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About the White-bellied Woolly Mouse Opossum
This opossum is one of the bigger types of mouse opossums. Its body, from head to tail, is about 11 to 18 centimeters (4 to 7 inches) long. Its tail is even longer, measuring about 15 to 23 centimeters (6 to 9 inches). These opossums weigh between 35 and 144 grams (1.2 to 5 ounces).
Their fur is thick and feels like wool. Most of their body is grey, but the fur on their head and belly is a yellowish-buff color. They have thin, black rings of fur around their eyes. The tail is furry only at the very start. Most of the tail is dark, almost black, but the last third suddenly turns a pale pink color.
Their feet are wide, with strong claws and special bumps on the bottom of their toes. These features help them climb trees easily. Female opossums of this species do not have a pouch. However, they have fifteen teats arranged in a circle, which is more than their close relatives.
Where They Live and Their Home
The white-bellied woolly mouse opossum lives in several countries in South America. You can find them in northern Bolivia, in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, and in northern Argentina. They have also been seen recently in Paraguay.
These opossums prefer to live in moist tropical forests. They are often found where these wet forests meet drier areas. They can live anywhere from low lands near the sea up to mountain forests as high as 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet).
Life and Habits
This opossum spends most of its time in trees, which means it is an arboreal animal. It lives alone and is nocturnal, meaning it is active at night. During the night, it mostly stays in the lower parts of the forest.
The white-bellied woolly mouse opossum eats both plants and animals, making it an omnivore. It especially likes to eat insects, such as bugs, and also eats plant material.
Not much is known about how they have babies. However, it seems they can breed all year round. Mothers have been found with up to seven young babies attached to their teats.
See also
In Spanish: Marmosa lanuda de vientre pálido para niños
