The terms “possum” and “opossum” often cause confusion, though they refer to distinct marsupials with biological and geographical differences. Understanding this distinction reveals two separate groups of fascinating creatures.
The Opossum of North America
The animal most frequently referred to as an “opossum” in North America is the Virginia Opossum, scientifically named Didelphis virginiana. This species is the only marsupial native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States and into Central America, and is a nocturnal, solitary creature roughly the size of a domestic cat.
Virginia Opossums typically have grayish-white fur, a pointed white face, and a long, hairless, prehensile tail used for gripping branches, aided by opposable inner toes on their hind feet for climbing. A well-known behavior is “playing possum,” where it feigns death by entering an involuntary, catatonic state when threatened. Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide variety of foods from fruits and insects to carrion and small mammals.
The Possums of Australia
In contrast, “possums” are a diverse group of marsupials primarily native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. They belong to several families within the order Diprotodontia, distinguishing them taxonomically from their North American counterparts, and exhibit a wide range of appearances and behaviors.
Common examples include the arboreal brushtail and ringtail possums, which spend most of their lives in trees. Unlike the North American opossum, Australian possums often have thick, furry, prehensile tails for navigating arboreal environments. Their fur coloration varies widely, from silver-grey to golden or brown.
Distinguishing Features and Habitats
The primary distinction between an opossum and a possum lies in their biological classification and geographic origins. North American opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia and family Didelphidae, while Australian possums are part of the order Diprotodontia, encompassing families like Phalangeridae (brushtail possums) and Pseudocheiridae (ringtail possums). Despite both being marsupials, their evolutionary paths diverged significantly.
North American opossums typically have pointed faces, coarse gray fur, and mostly hairless tails. In contrast, Australian possums often feature more rounded faces, softer and thicker fur in various colors, and furry tails, sometimes with a bare underside near the tip. For instance, the common brushtail possum has a bushy tail, while the ringtail possum has a distinctive white-tipped tail. Behaviorally, the “playing possum” defense mechanism is characteristic of the North American opossum and is not observed in Australian possum species. Their native habitats are also entirely separate, with opossums found in the Americas and possums in Australasia.