11.2. Didelphis virginiana: Virginia Opossum http://www.ck12.org
11.2 Didelphis virginiana: Virginia Opossum
Common Name
- Virginia Opossum
- Possum
- Common Opossum
Description
Didelphis virginiana, also known as the Virginia opossum, is a species of the class Mammalia. The Virginia
Opossum is the only marsupial that inhabitants North America. The Virginia opossum is a slow mover, and it can
be found in urban areas. The Opossum is the size of a regular domesticated cat, and it has a grey grizzly coat of
fur. Possums can be found often in a backyard. They scavenge leftover food and compost from your trash cans.
The opossum is famous for its signature move, “playing possum”. If harmed or threatened, the Virginia opossum
will collapse to the ground, and release a foul smell. It convinces predators the prey is dead, and they will leave the
“dead body” alone.
The complete taxonomic classification is:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Didelphimorphia
- Family: Didelphidae
- Genus:Didelphis
- Species:D. virginiana