Northern flying squirrel
A species of New world flying squirrels Scientific name : Glaucomys sabrinus Genus : New world flying squirrels
Northern flying squirrel, A species of New world flying squirrels
Scientific name: Glaucomys sabrinus
Genus: New world flying squirrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Steve Ryan , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
These nocturnal, arboreal rodents have thick light brown or cinnamon fur on their upper body and greyish fur on the flanks and whitish fur underneath. They have large eyes and a flat tail. They can also be identified by their long whiskers, common to nocturnal mammals. The adult northern flying squirrel measures from 25 to 37 cm long, and their weight can range from 110 to 230 grams.
General Info
Lifespan
4-6 years
Diet
Northern flying squirrel primarily feeds on tree-borne insects and arthropods. Caterpillars, spiders, and beetles form a significant part of its diet. Occasionally, it garnishes its diet with fruits, leaves, and plant buds with a preference for native species.
Appearance
Northern flying squirrel is a small, squirrel-like mammal with a flat body shape and dense, soft fur. Its coloration ranges from silvery grey to dark brown, often with a white underbelly. Notable features include its large, round eyes and long, broad tail, and the skin flaps between its legs, used for gliding. The fur becomes denser in winter, but there are no major visual differences between genders or ages.
Behavior
Northern flying squirrel is an arboreal, mostly nocturnal mammal known for its gliding behavior, using patagium or 'gliding membranes' for aerial maneuvering. Solitary in nature, it marks territory with scent glands. Its foraging activities include gnawing on tree bark and consuming a variety of vegetation and small invertebrates.
Population
Stable
Photo By Steve Ryan , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Squirrels Species
Northern flying squirrel