About Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840
Taxonomic Identification
The white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840) weighs between one and three pounds.
Physical Appearance
It has black and grey fur, with white hair covering its ears and face, and dark hair covering its long tail.
Diet
It is omnivorous, and feeds on invertebrates, small vertebrates, and fruits.
Habitat Types
White-eared opossums inhabit open areas, mountains, and deciduous forests.
Geographic Range
They are commonly found in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, the Andes, and the humid forests of Guyana, Suriname, and southern Venezuela.
Habitat Environmental Characteristics
These habitats have widely differing environmental characteristics, including rainfall, humidity, water balance, and temperature.
Breeding-related Habitat Shifts
The white-eared opossum frequently changes its habitat based on its breeding season.
Population Seasonality
Population densities are usually higher in wetter seasons, when young opossums are weaned and begin leaving to forage for food.
Social Behavior and Shelter
While the species is typically solitary and nomadic, some individuals will gather in groups in burrows, holes, empty garbage, or even under houses.
