Types of Possums

Is it possum or opossum? Well, that depends on the animal type to which you are referring. While it’s not widely known, there is a difference between possum vs. opossum. Opossums are marsupials living in North America. Possums are marsupials living in Australia and its surrounding islands.

The opossum is a marsupial of the order Didelphimorphia endemic to the Americas. The largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere, it comprises 103 or more species in 19 genera. Opossums originated in South America and entered North America in the Great American Interchange following the connection of the two continents. Their unspecialized biology, flexible diet, and reproductive habits make them successful colonizers and survivors in diverse locations and conditions.

The gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum) is an opossum species from Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and southwestern Brazil, at altitudes from sea level to 1600 m, but generally below 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

Baby opossums, like their Australian cousins, are called joeys. Female opossums often give birth to very large numbers of young, most of which fail to attach to a teat, although as many as thirteen young can attach, and therefore survive, depending on species.

Marmosa mexicana is a small to moderate-sized reddish-brown marsupial, varying from bright to dull coloration. Hairs of the back, sides and outer surfaces of legs are lead-colored at the base and tipped with reddish brown.

Short-tailed opossums are adept as escaping, so whatever enclosure is provided should be thoroughly escape proof. An aquarium (15-20 gallon) with a tight fitting lid, or a narrow-mesh wire cage should work well. The ambient temperature should be kept at 70 - 80 F.

The three species in the genus Caluromys, commonly known as woolly opossums, are members of the order Didelphimorphia.. Species and subspecies. Subgenus Mallodelphys. Derby's woolly opossum, Caluromys derbianus