Possums and opossums are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different animals. Both are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in pouches, but they belong to different taxonomic families and have distinct physical characteristics and behaviors.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between possums and opossums, including their habitats, diets, and behaviors.
Definition of Possum
Possums are marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. They belong to the suborder Phalangeriformes and are part of the larger order Diprotodontia, which also includes kangaroos and koalas. There are over 70 species of possums, with the common brushtail possum and the ringtail possum being the most well-known.
Possums are small to medium-sized animals, with a body length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) and a weight between 1 and 4.5 kilograms (2.2 to 9.9 pounds). They have a prehensile tail, which they use for balance and grasping branches, and sharp claws for climbing trees. Their fur is typically thick and soft, with colors ranging from gray to brown, and some species have distinctive markings or patterns.
Possums are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, where they feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasionally insects and small vertebrates. Possums are solitary animals, with each individual having its own territory.
Definition of Opossum
Opossums are marsupials native to the Americas, with the Virginia opossum being the only species found in the United States and Canada. They belong to the order Didelphimorphia and are part of the family Didelphidae. There are over 100 species of opossums, with the Virginia opossum being the most well-known.
Opossums are medium-sized animals, with a body length ranging from 38 to 51 centimeters (15 to 20 inches) and a weight between 2.5 and 5.5 kilograms (5.5 to 12 pounds). They have a long, hairless tail, which they use for balance and grasping branches, and sharp claws for climbing trees. Their fur is typically coarse and gray, with a white face and dark eyes.
Opossums are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, insects, small animals, and carrion. Opossums are solitary animals, with each individual having its own territory.
Possum vs Opossum
| Feature | Possum | Opossum |
| Native region | Australia, New Guinea, Sulawesi | Americas |
| Taxonomic order | Diprotodontia | Didelphimorphia |
| Number of species | Over 70 | Over 100 |
| Body length | 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) | 38 to 51 centimeters (15 to 20 inches) |
| Weight | 1 to 4.5 kilograms (2.2 to 9.9 pounds) | 2.5 to 5.5 kilograms (5.5 to 12 pounds) |
| Tail | Prehensile, fur-covered | Long, hairless |
| Fur | Thick and soft, gray to brown | Coarse, gray with white face |
| Diet | Leaves, fruits, flowers, insects, small vertebrates | Fruits, vegetables, insects, small animals, carrion |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, arboreal, solitary | Nocturnal, omnivorous, solitary |
What Does Playing Possum Mean?
“Playing possum” is a term that refers to the behavior of opossums when they are threatened. When an opossum feels threatened, it will “play dead” by lying on its side, closing its eyes, and excreting a foul-smelling liquid from its anus. This behavior is meant to deter predators, as many animals will not eat carrion.
The term “playing possum” has also been used to describe people who are pretending to be asleep or unconscious in order to avoid a situation or responsibility.
Conclusion
While possums and opossums may look similar and share some behaviors, they are actually two distinct animals with different habitats, diets, and behaviors. Possums are native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi, while opossums are native to the Americas.
Possums are primarily arboreal and feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers, while opossums are omnivorous and feed on a wide variety of foods.
Understanding the differences between these two animals can help you appreciate the diversity of marsupials and the unique adaptations that each species has developed to survive in its environment.