From en.wikipedia.org:
[Genus of rodents] {{Automatic taxobox | image = Britannica Flying-squirrel
Pigmy African Flying-Squirrel.png | image_caption = Pygmy scaly-tailed flying
squirrel | taxon = Idiurus | authority = Matschie, 1894 | type_species =
_Idiurus zenkeri_ | type_species_authority = Matschie, 1894 |
subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = _Idiurus macrotis_<br/> _Idiurus
zenkeri_ }}
The FLYING MICE, also known as the PYGMY SCALY-TAILS, PYGMY SCALY-TAILED
FLYING SQUIRRELS, or PYGMY ANOMALURES are not true mice, not true squirrels,
and are not capable of true flight.[1] These unusual rodents are essentially
miniaturized versions of anomalures and are part of the same sub-Saharan
African radiation of gliding mammal.
** Characteristics
These animals resemble mice with gliding membranes and long, sparsely-haired
tails. Their appearance is similar to some marsupial gliders. They are less
than 10 cm (4 inches) in head and body length and weigh 14-35 grams (1/2 - 1.2
oz). They have a morphologically specialized tongue..[2]
Flying mice are nocturnal and are found in the poorly explored tropical
forests of central (and to a lesser extent western) Africa. Little is known
of their habits as a result. It has been suggested that one or both species
may live in colonies of dozens of individuals. Bats may also be found sharing
these tree-hollow colonies.
** Species
- Long-eared flying mouse ( _Idiurus macrotis_ )
- Pygmy scaly-tailed flying squirrel ( _Idiurus zenkeri_ )
** See also
- Gliding mammal
** References
[Reflist]
** Further reading
- Dieterlen, F. 2005. Family Anomaluridae. pp. 1532–1534 _in_ Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
- Kingdon, J. 1997. The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. Academic Press Limited, London.
- Nowak, Ronald M. 1999. _Walker's Mammals of the World_ , 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1936 pp. [0-8018-5789-9]
- Durrell, Gerald 1974. "The Bafut Beagles", 4th impression. Hart-Davis, MacGibbon pp 204–254( [0 246 63513 4] )
[Anomaluridae nav] [state=collapsed] [from=Q928256]
Category:Anomalures Category:Taxa named by Paul Matschie