AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Philander opossum
Gray Four-eyed Opossum
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Philander opossum, known as the gray four-eyed opossum, is a medium-small marsupial, much more slender and agile than the common opossum (Didelphis). Its most distinctive feature is two prominent cream or white circular patches located just above its dark eyes, giving it the appearance of having 'four eyes'. Its fur is short, dense, and dark gray to almost black on the back, contrasting sharply with a cream or yellowish belly. It has a pointed snout and a long prehensile tail that is furry at the base but bare for the rest of its length, almost always ending in a white or pale tip. It is an animal with a much more nervous and aggressive temperament than other opossums, fast in its movements, and intrinsically linked to aquatic environments.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Didelphimorphia
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Didelphidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Philander
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is a specialist of wet and riparian habitats. It prefers dense primary and secondary tropical forests, provided they are near rivers, streams, swamps, or ponds. It avoids dry savannas and wide-open spaces. Although it can tolerate some human alteration and is occasionally seen in crops or near rural areas, it strictly depends on water and surrounding forest cover. In Costa Rica, it is common in the lowlands and middle elevations of both slopes.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a solitary, extremely agile nocturnal forager. Although classified as an omnivore, its diet is much more carnivorous and insectivorous than that of other opossums. It patrols the edges of water bodies actively hunting frogs, toads, freshwater crabs, earthworms, large insects, and small rodents, occasionally supplementing with fruit and nectar. It is a territorial hunter, and males can engage in violent fights if their paths cross. It spends the day sleeping in its spherical nests in the trees.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary and highly territorial. Individuals actively avoid contact with each other and only meet for mating.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivore (with insectivorous/carnivorous tendency).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Intermediate predator (Mesopredator) and Omnivore. Keeps soil amphibian and insect populations under control. It is common prey for owls, ocelots, jaguarundis, coyotes, and snakes like the fer-de-lance.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Like the common opossum, its reproduction is rapid. Gestation lasts about 13 to 14 days. The extremely underdeveloped young migrate to the female's well-developed marsupium. Usually, 4 to 7 young are born and remain in the pouch for about 10 weeks. Females can have two or more litters a year depending on food availability and the length of the rainy season.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
25.0 - 35.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
300 g - 1.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 7
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
6 - 8 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
13 - 14
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
They are usually slightly heavier than females and more robust.
Females Multi-lang
Slightly smaller. Possess a functional and fully developed abdominal marsupium (pouch).
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Eye Mimicry (False Eyes): The pale patches above its real eyes act as an evolutionary defense mechanism. They trick nocturnal predators into believing the animal is awake, alert, or is a much larger animal, even when it is resting in the brush.
Semiaquatic and Climbing Anatomy: It is an excellent swimmer that doesn't hesitate to dive to escape or hunt amphibians, while its prehensile tail and agile hind legs allow it to quickly climb into the lower forest canopy if danger comes from the ground.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction of Riparian Forests: The felling of trees on riverbanks and the draining of wetlands for monoculture agriculture destroy its critical microhabitat.
Water Pollution: Agrochemicals dumped into rivers and ponds kill the amphibians and aquatic insects that make up a large part of its protein diet.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Fierce Defense: Unlike the common opossum which often plays dead (thanatosis), the four-eyed opossum rarely flees without a fight if cornered. It opens its mouth wide, bears its 50 sharp teeth, and emits very loud hisses and growls.
Branch Nests: To rest during the day, they build neat, spherical nests made of dry leaves and grass, usually located in the forks of low tree branches or among dense vines.