Feathertail glider

Feathertail glider[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Acrobatidae
Genus: Acrobates
Desmarest, 1818
Species:
A. pygmaeus
Binomial name
Acrobates pygmaeus
(Shaw, 1793)
Distribution of the feathertail glider
Acrobates pygmaeus

The feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus), also known as the pygmy gliding possum, pygmy glider, pygmy phalanger, flying phalanger and flying mouse,[3] is a species of marsupial native to eastern Australia. It is the world's smallest gliding mammal and is named for its long feather-shaped tail.

A second species, the broad-toed feathertail glider (Acrobates (Dromicia) frontalis, De Vis 1887) is recognised by some authors[4] based on unpublished genetic studies and cryptic morphological differences in toe and tail characteristics. With this recognition, it is suggested that Acrobates pygmaeus takes the common name narrow-toed feathertail glider.

  1. ^ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 56. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. OCLC 62265494.
  2. ^ Dickman, C.; McKenzie, N. & Menkhorst, P. (2016). "Acrobates pygmaeus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T40584A21963834. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T40584A21963834.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Acrobates pygmaeus (G. Shaw, 1794)". ASM Mammal Diversity Database. American Society of Mammalogists. Retrieved 2007-02-16.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Harris2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).