Squirrels of the World

86 Aeromys tephromelas

Aeromys tephromelas (Günther, 1873)

Black Flying Squirrel

description: This species is a large fl ying squirrel, with
naked ears and a body mass comparable to Petaurista elegans.
One subspecies is all black, and the other is orange red.

size: Female—HB 375.4 mm; T 443.5 mm; Mass 1253.8 g.
Male—HB 385.0 mm; T 395.0 mm; Mass 1068.0 g.
Sex not stated—HB 384.4 mm; T 466.7 mm; Mass 1092.7 g.

distribution: The black fl ying squirrel is distributed
across southern Thailand and peninsular Malaysia, includ-
ing Penang Island. It also occurs in Sumatra (Indonesia) and
on the island of Borneo (divided among Malaysia, Brunei
Darussalam, and Indonesia). Reports of A. tephromelas in
northern Thailand are not confi rmed.

geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.

A. t. tephromelas—See distribution above, except for Kali-

mantan (Indonesia). It is a totally black squirrel.

A. t. phaeomelas—Kalimantan (Indonesia). This is the orange

red subspecies.

conservation: IUCN status—data defi cient. Population

trend—no information.

habitat: A. tephromelas is found in both primary and sec-

ondary tropical lowland forests, often near villages and, less

often, in more dense and isolated forests.

natural history: The black fl ying squirrel appears to be

opportunistic and fl exible in the range of habitats it occu-

pies, as well as in its diet, which includes seeds, fruits, and

other plant material. This species is nocturnal and nests in

tree cavities when available. It is widespread in the region

but occurs in relatively low numbers.

general references: Aplin et al. 2008; Muul and Liat

1971; Scheibe et al. 2007; R. W. Thorington and Darrow

Aeromys Robinson and Kloss, 1915

This genus contains two species of fl ying squirrel. Like
other large fl ying squirrels, Aeromys experiences high wing
loading and must glide faster than smaller fl ying squirrels.
Aeromys has an uropatagium (an extension of the “wing”)
that reaches from the knee to the tail, as in Petaurista. Aero-
mys possesses the largest uropatagium among the fl ying

squirrels. This structure increases the patagial (“wing”)

area, helps overcome increased loading on the patagial

membrane, and allows these larger squirrels to have more

maneuverability during landing. Contrary to previous argu-

ments, analysis of the wrist anatomy suggests that Aeromys

does not belong to the Petinomys group.

Aeromys tephromelas. Photo courtesy Jon Hall, http://www.mammal

watching.com.

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