Chordates • Earth.com

Patagonian opossum

(Lestodelphys halli)

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Description

Lestodelphys halli is a species of marsupial in the Didelphidae family.It is endemic to Argentina,where it can be found from Mendoza to Santa Cruz.It is the only species described for the genus Lestodelphys.The L.dalli is the marsupial distributed further south in the Americas,and one of the least known as the ecology and natural history.The Patagonian weasel ( Lestodelphys halli ) is a species of didelfimorph marsupial of the Didelphidae family exclusive of Argentina,where it lives in cold and dry environments,especially in the Patagonian and Monte Fitogeograficas Provinces,and perhaps in the Subantarctic Forest.Given its distribution it is the southernmost marsupial in the world,and is characterized by its low population density,despite having a wide geographical distribution.This weasel has the back is dark gray,and the ventral part white,with a dark ring that surrounds the eyes.Characteristics that it shares with the species of the genus Thylamys,considered as the sister taxon of Lestodelphys halli.The ears are short and rounded,and its short tail,not prehensile,has a thickening where it can store fat.The females do not have a pouch.It is a terrestrial and not arboreal animal.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Mammalia
Order:Didelphimorphia
Family:Didelphidae
Genus:Lestodelphys
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