Feathertail glider
Photo © Steve Parish Publishing

(Acrobates pygmaeus)

The Feathertail glider is the smallest glider. It can run up vertical panes of glass. Presumably it uses this skill to run around on the trunks and branches of smooth-barked gum trees.

Description

Body length 80mm; tail length 80mm; weight 13g. Mouse-sized body with grey-brown fur on the back and white belly. Distinctive tail with two rows of stiff hairs giving appearance of a feather.

Identification

Droppings 5mm x 2mm like mouse scats. Silent.

Habitat

Most treed habitats including dry and wet Eucalypt forest; rainforest at all altitudes.

Threats

Cats, clearing

Status

Common though rarely seen

Food

Nectar, pollen, invertebrates

Distribution

See map