132 Pteromyscus pulverulentusSimilar wrist and carpal anatomy, important for maneuver-
ability in fl ying squirrels, suggests a close phylogenetic rela-
tionship between Pteromyscus and Aeretes, Belomys, Petau-
rista, and Tr ogopter u s, although a more thorough phylogenetic
treatment using 80 morphological characters groups Ptero-
myscus only with Aeromys, Belomys, and Tr ogopter u s.
general references: Ahl 1987; Aplin and Duckworth
2008; Haslauer 2002; Muul and Liat 1971, 1974; R. W. Thoring-
ton and Darrow 2000; R. W. Thorington and Heaney 1981;
R. W. Thorington, Pitassy, et al. 2002.Trogopterus Heude, 1898
This genus contains a single species.
Trogopterus xanthipes
(Milne-Edwards, 1867)
Complex-Toothed Flying Squirrel
description: The complex-toothed fl ying squirrel is a me-
dium-sized fl ying squirrel. Its fur is gray at the base; brown
to reddish at the tips; and, overall, appears a uniform red-
dish brown on the dorsum, and similar but lighter and
browner on the venter. Long black hairs are found at the
base of the ears and the tip of the tail. Its common name
refers to the numerous ridges on the crown of the upper and
lower cheek teeth. This species is considered most closely
related to Belomys.
size: Female—HB 309.9 mm; T 298.7 mm.
Male—HB 330.0 mm; T 270.0 mm.
Sex not stated—HB 300.0 mm.Trogopterus xanthipes. Photo courtesy James Eaton / Birdtour
Asia.