The terms “possum” and “opossum” often create confusion. This misunderstanding stems from historical naming conventions and the presence of similar-looking marsupials on different continents. This article clarifies the specific attributes of the North American opossum and various Australian possum species.
The North American Opossum
The North American opossum, scientifically known as Didelphis virginiana, is the only marsupial native to North America. It can be found from southern Canada down to northern Costa Rica, thriving in a variety of habitats including forests, open woods, and even urban areas near water sources. This nocturnal animal is roughly the size of a domestic cat, weighing between 0.3 to 6.4 kilograms and measuring 35 to 94 centimeters in length.
Distinctive features include its triangular head, long pointed snout, and bare ears. Its grayish fur covers most of its body, but its ears, feet, and tail are hairless. The tail is prehensile, meaning it can grasp and wrap around objects like tree limbs, though adults are too heavy to hang from it for extended periods. When threatened, this opossum famously “plays possum,” entering an involuntary coma-like state that can last for hours, deterring predators. It is an omnivore, consuming a wide range of foods including fruits, insects, small animals, and carrion.
The Australian Possum
Australia and surrounding regions are home to many species of marsupials referred to as possums, which are distinct from their North American counterpart. These animals belong to different marsupial families, primarily Phalangeridae and Petauridae. Common examples include the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and various Ringtail Possum species.
Australian possums are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their lives in trees, and are also nocturnal. Their appearance varies significantly among species, but Australian possums have furrier tails and larger, more prominent eyes. For instance, the Common Brushtail Possum has a bushy, prehensile tail and fur that ranges from silver-grey to brown or black. Their diets also differ, with Australian possums being herbivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits, though some may also consume insects.
Are They the Same?
Scientifically, “possums” and “opossums” are not the same animal, despite the similar-sounding names. The term “opossum” originated from the Algonquian word “opassom,” meaning “white dog” or “white beast,” and was first recorded in the early 1600s by English colonists in Virginia to describe the North American species. Later, when British explorers encountered similar-looking marsupials in Australia, they shortened the name to “possum,” leading to the present-day confusion.
The scientific distinction lies in their classification: North American opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia, while Australian possums are part of the order Diprotodontia. This means they are from entirely different branches of the marsupial family tree. Animals in Didelphimorphia are found in the Americas, while Diprotodontia is exclusive to Australasia, encompassing diverse marsupials like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Despite superficial resemblances, their evolutionary paths, physical characteristics, and geographical distributions confirm they are distinct creatures.