The big-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita), also known as a saruê, is an opossum species from South America. It is found in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

This species, which was considered a population of the common opossum (D. marsupialis) for some time, was originally described as D. azarae by Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1824, but this name was incorrectly given to the white-eared opossum (D. albiventris) for over 160 years. As such, the name azarae has been abandoned.

Big-eared opossum

Due to carrying offspring, female big-eared opossums tend to stay in smaller areas and reduce their movements.

Big-eared opossum

References

External links

facts and pictures at Animal Diversity Web

Diogo Loretto, & Marcus Vinícius Vieira. (2005). The Effects of Reproductive and Climatic Seasons on Movements in the Black-Eared Opossum (Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826). Journal of Mammalogy, 86(2), 287–293. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4094347

Big-eared opossum

Opossums

Marsupials of South America

Mammals of Brazil

Mammals of Argentina

Mammals of Paraguay

Mammals described in 1826