Southern flying squirrel
A species of New world flying squirrels, Also known as Mexican flying squirrel Scientific name : Glaucomys volans Genus : New world flying squirrels
Southern flying squirrel, A species of New world flying squirrels
Also known as:
Mexican flying squirrel
Scientific name: Glaucomys volans
Genus: New world flying squirrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Joshua Mayer , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Southern Gliding Squirrels (Glaucomys volans) is a rodent species of the squirrel family (Sciuridae).
General Info
Lifespan
4-6 years
Diet
The primary diet of southern flying squirrel varies seasonally, focusing on foliage, blossoms, bark, and insects during warmer months. In colder seasons, it predominantly consumes tree buds, bark, and mast, showing a preference for soft mast like tree fruits and nuts. Adapted to a forested environment, southern flying squirrel also encompasses an occasional carnivorous diet, feeding on small invertebrates or bird eggs for protein needs.
Appearance
The southern flying squirrel is a small, squirrel-like species with a rounded body and sharp claws. It boasts fur, which is gray on top grading into chestnut towards its underparts, while its tail is flattened and heavily furred. Notably, this mammal possesses distinctive flaps of skin between its fore and hind limbs, acting as wings for gliding. There are no significant visual differences between ages or genders.
Behavior
Southern flying squirrel is nocturnal, participating in most of its activities during the night, primarily spending its day in tree cavities. The species lives solitarily or in monogamous pairs, territorially defending in particular their nesting sites. Southern flying squirrel's survival tactic is gliding from tree to tree in search of food, using a patagium skin membrane, demonstrating impressive aerial agility.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Squirrels Species
Southern flying squirrel 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
