The terms “possum” and “opossum” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion. While both are marsupials, they are distinct creatures native to different continents. This article clarifies their unique characteristics and geographical distributions.
The American Opossum
The American opossum, specifically the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. These cat-sized mammals have grayish fur, a pointed snout, and small, hairless ears. Their long, scaly, prehensile tail can grasp objects and aid in climbing, though they cannot hang by it for extended periods. Their hind feet also have opposable “thumbs,” assisting with climbing.
Virginia opossums are adaptable, inhabiting environments from forests and wetlands to suburban and urban areas across North, Central, and South America. They are nocturnal omnivores, using their keen sense of smell to find a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, plants, small animals, and carrion. When threatened, they are known for an involuntary defense mechanism called “playing possum,” where they enter a temporary, coma-like state, appearing dead to deter predators.
The Australian Possums
In Australia and surrounding regions, the term “possum” refers to a diverse group of marsupials, not a single species. These Australian possums belong to different families, primarily Phalangeridae and Petauridae, varying widely in size, appearance, and behavior. For instance, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is cat-sized with thick, woolly fur, a bushy tail, and pointy ears, while the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) is smaller with a distinctive white-tipped tail.
Most Australian possums are arboreal, living primarily in trees, and possess strong limbs, sharp claws, and prehensile tails that help them navigate forest and woodland habitats. They are predominantly nocturnal, resting in tree hollows or nests called dreys during the day. Their diets vary, but many are herbivores, feeding on leaves (especially eucalyptus), flowers, and fruits, with some also consuming insects or nectar.
Unraveling the Names: Are They Related?
The shared names “opossum” and “possum” cause considerable confusion, but the animals are only distantly related marsupials. The word “opossum” originated from the Powhatan language (an Algonquian dialect), first recorded by early European settlers in Virginia in the early 1600s, meaning “white animal” or “white dog”. Later, when European explorers encountered similar-looking marsupials in Australia, they shortened the name to “possum” due to a superficial resemblance.
Despite the similar names and both being marsupials, American opossums and Australian possums belong to different taxonomic orders. American opossums are classified under Didelphimorphia, while Australian possums fall under Diprotodontia. This means their evolutionary paths diverged millions of years ago, making them distant cousins rather than close relatives. Their similar appearances and behaviors are an example of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits by adapting to similar environments or ecological niches.