About Didelphis aurita (Wied-Neuwied, 1826)
Common Names
The big-eared opossum, with the scientific name Didelphis aurita, is also commonly called saruê or gambá.
Geographical Distribution
It is a species of opossum that lives in South America, specifically occurring in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Historical Taxonomic Classification
For a period of time, this species was classified as a population of the common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis).
Nomenclature History
It was first described under the name Didelphis azarae by Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1824, but this name was incorrectly applied to the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) for more than 160 years, so the name azarae is no longer used for this species.
Female Home Range Behavior
Female big-eared opossums generally occupy smaller home ranges and move less often, because they carry their offspring.
