The common four-eyed opossum (Philander canus) is a species of opossum from South America.[2]
| Common four-eyed opossum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
| Order: | Didelphimorphia |
| Family: | Didelphidae |
| Genus: | Philander |
| Species: | P. canus |
| Binomial name | |
| Philander canus (Osgood, 1913) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
This species has grayish upperparts and buff-colored underparts. The upper parts are silver- and brownish-tipped but grayish overall, and the head is very dark brown. It has two patches of buff above either eye. The underparts are buff-colored near the stomach but whiter near the sides. The tail is bicolored, with the final third being lighter than the basal two-thirds. The toes are white, and the rest of the feet are dark-colored.[3] The species ranges from 500 millimeters (19.6 inches) to 582 millimeters (22.9 inches), and is on average 526 millimeters (21.1 inches). The tail averages 288 millimeters (11.3 inches).[4]
Range
This species is widespread. It is found in Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela; it may also occur in Ecuador.[2]
Habitat
This species occurs across a wide variety of habitats. It has been recorded from the Cerrado, Chaco, Pantanal, Llanos, and Amazonia ecoregions. It is likely restricted to gallery forests across the southern part of its range, but has also been recorded from savannas and dry grasslands.[5] In the central and northern parts of its range it can withstand a variety of forest habitats.[6] Where this species is sympatric with other members of the genus Philander, it is unknown if this species occupies the same habitat or is more restricted.[2]
Etymology
The common name "four-eyed opossum" comes from the spots above the eyes of this species looking like another set of eyes. The specific name "canus" comes from Latin and means "white" or "hoary",[7] in reference to the lighter color of this species.[3]
Taxonomy
Although this species was initially described as a valid species, it was considered a subspecies of the gray four-eyed opossum until 2018.[2] Some sources, such as the Mammal Diversity Database, consider Philander mondolfii and Philander olrogi to be junior synonyms of this species.[8][2] It is not recognized by the IUCN.
References
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