Acrobatidae

Australian Zwerggleitbeutler ( Acrobates pygmaeus )

  • Australian Zwerggleitbeutler ( Acrobates pygmaeus )
  • Feathertail Beutler ( Distoechurus pennatus )

The Zwerggleitbeutler ( Acrobatidae ) are a family from the marsupial order DIPROTODONTIA. The family includes two species, the Australian Zwerggleitbeutler ( Acrobates pygmaeus ) and the spring tail Beutler ( Distoechurus pennatus ).

Description

Only one of the two types, the Zwerggleitbeutler, has a Gleitmembran, which is fixed to the limbs. In the spring tail Beutler it is missing, but interprets his physique suggests that he has developed from sliding ancestors. A special feature of both types is the one with the long hair almost spring- like action tail. Zwerggleitbeutler are small, they reach a body length 6-12 cm and a weight of 15 to 50 g The coat is soft, its color is gray-brown.

Dissemination and lifestyle

The Zwerggleitbeutler occurs all along the east coast of Australia, the spring tail Beutler lives in New Guinea. Both species are nocturnal and arboreal. During the day they hide in all sorts of hiding places such as tree holes or in self-made nests. At night, they go with nimble, deft movements in search of food. They live together in groups of up to 20 animals, but these groups have no structure and are not durable.

These animals feed on insects, worms, fruit, and occasionally nectar, they take up with her long tongue.

System

The membership of these animals has long been controversial. Previously they were attributed to the climbing marsupials or the Bilchbeutlern, only since the 1980s, they are managed as separate family. Younger research, they are likely to be most closely related to the trunk Beutler. The Gleitmembran is no relationship feature, as lubricious marsupials in three families, the Gleitbeutlern, the ring marsupials and just find the Zwerggleitbeutlern.

27737
de