#didelphis virginiana

[deepfriedsharkbites]

Quite honestly, "slubbing" seems to be a pretty un-scientific term for this behavior! It is a marking behavior, much like domestic housecats do, and can be a sign of possession and affection. Here's some April slubbing, as promised. :)

North American Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

It seems I can't reblog with videos, so consider this a follow-up!

[shadyufo]

I'm pretty sure this absolute unit is the same hooligan that bit into a bottle of bug spray that then leaked all over the place a few nights ago.

[haveyouseenthisanimal-irl]

[akgulogulo]

Doodle of my wife

[possumcollege]

o-sym-poss-ium

[pitoframbling]

[ailurinae]

Late night walk, saw an opossum wandering around

[void-dragon4]

OUR HERO!!!!

the transition im crying

[orca-in-disguise]

Critter fact #112:

Opossums are the only marsupials in the United States

[deepfriedsharkbites]

Been a minute since I've done any updates! It's time for some possum posting!

This is April, a Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana who has been with us for just under a year now. D. virginiana are also known as North American opossums, as they're the only marsupials native to North America. While "possum" is a misnomer, it is simply a truncation with the same pronunciation and used interchangeably with "opossum."

Being marsupials, young are born into the pouch where they will nurse until matured. North American opossums have a 13 day gestation period, which at face value may be misleading! Actual time between gestation and weaning from the teat can take up to 50 days, at which point the babies will have opened their eyes.

Due to the rapid rate at which Didelphis virginiana reproduces, it is assumed there is no evolutionary pressure to adapt longer life spans. For this supposed reason, North American opossums have a wild lifespan ranging from 1.5-2 years, while captive North American opossums have a lifespan ranging from 3-4. Some accounts have claimed rare exceptions of captive lifespans up to 10 years, though finding sources is difficult and seem to be anecdotal.

Didelphis virginiana are, perhaps, most famously known for their near inability to carry rabies! This is due to a low ambient body temperature, as a study in "Journal of Mammalogy, Volume 50" demonstrates.

"The opossum, Didelphis marsupialis virginiana, was able to maintain body temperature close to the normal value of 35.46 ± 0.66°C (measured at Ta 25° C) at ambient temperatures ranging from 3 to 35° C" (Abstract, John J. McManus). *This article is unfortunately paywalled, but the abstract provides relevant information.

I cannot find or pick through conclusive numbers as to what temperature rabies dies/stops reproducing/becomes dormant in mammals, but I may be overlooking articles. This does not mean North American opossums are immune to rabies, it is just rare!

Due to exaggerated pupil dilation, North American opossums have poor eyesight in daylight or under bright light. It is a myth that Didelphis virginiana has overall poor eyesight. April can show you here that she means no harm! My hands just smell like food.

Because I can't include two videos in a single post, I'll reblog with a followup about a behavior known as "slubbing."

[spookyfoxdreamer]

[crudlynaturephotos]

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Virginia opossums have a great smile, thanks to their teeth! Adults have 50 teeth in total, the most of any North American mammal.

(Image: A virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) by Sergei Drovetski

If you like what I do, consider buying me a ko-fi!

[autistrix]

[https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/120585505] Virginia Opossum || Didelphis virginiana Observed in Canada Least Concern in location of observation

[orca-in-disguise]

Critter fact #110:

American opossums (Didelphis virginiana) don't carry more disease than other mammals, this is especially notable in that they have a low susceptibility to rabies. They also have some immunity to snake venom.

[punk-butch-bitch]

This week I found an opossum skeleton, almost entirely whole. I cleaned it and took it home and mounted it in a shadow box labeled with it’s scientific name, “Didelphis virginiana”. I walked to the gym even though it was cold and it took me 45 minutes. I tried octopus for the first time. I attended a rally for our rights. I took photos of things I found beautiful. I made a new playlist. I went to a goth club and danced for hours. A girl kissed me for the first time. If this is what life is like, then I finally understand why people can love living.