Striped Possum
Dactylopsila trivirgata
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Diprotodontia · Petauridae
About
The striped possum or common striped possum is a member of the marsupial family Petauridae. It is found mainly in New Guinea. The species is black with three white stripes running head to tail, and its head has white stripes that form a 'Y' shape. It is closely related to the sugar glider, and is similar in appearance.
Fun Fact
The fourth finger has an unusual hooked nail which it uses to extract insects out of cracks.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Lives in Queensland, Australia, in rainforests and eucalypt woodland along the east coast of Cape York Peninsula and as far south as Townsville, but is uncommon and rarely seen in Australia.
Diet
Diet consists of wood-boring insect larvae, which are extracted from rotten branches probing with its elongated fourth finger and its powerful incisor teeth which are used to rip open tree bark to expose insects.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance