Common Opossum
The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is a large, gray, omnivorous marsupial of Central and South America, a close tropical cousin of the Virginia opossum. It is common in forests, farms and cities.
The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is a large, gray, omnivorous marsupial of Central and South America, a close tropical cousin of the Virginia opossum. It is common in forests, farms and cities.
🧬 Field Guide Specimen: Open Common Opossum in the CRV Science Field Guide to log the specimen, see its place among the Mammals lineages in the Cladogram Explorer, and test your recall in the Red List conservation game.
Resistant to Snake Venom
Opossums of this genus carry a blood protein that neutralizes many snake venoms. Researchers have tested peptides derived from it as a possible antidote. See Virginia Opossum.
A Tail That Grips
The scaly tail is prehensile and helps the animal climb. Females carry as many as thirteen young in the pouch, and the young climb on her back when they leave.
A Disease Host
Opossums can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease. They also eat many ticks and insects and are generally beneficial.
Common Opossum at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Didelphis marsupialis |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Didelphimorphia |
| Family | Didelphidae |
| Field Guide group | Mammals: Marsupialia (Metatherians) |
| Diagnostic feature (Field Guide) | Cat-sized omnivore with grizzled black-tipped fur, yellowish cheeks, a naked prehensile tail, and 50 teeth; females carry young in a pouch. |
| IUCN Red List status | Least Concern (LC), assessed 2021 |
| Order | Didelphimorphia |
| Tail | Prehensile |