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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Marmosa mexicana
Mexican Mouse Opossum
Merriam, 1897
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small arboreal marsupial with large eyes surrounded by dark fur patches, brown dorsal fur, and a long, prehensile tail.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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.Marmosa
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Merriam, 1897
Record Completeness
95%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
Inhabits humid tropical and deciduous forests, preferring the arboreal stratum and forest edges.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Omnivore: feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and nectar.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and strictly nocturnal.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Completely arboreal, rarely descends to the ground.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Pollinator of certain plant species and insect controller.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Seasonal reproduction with numerous litters.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 12.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
30 g - 60 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
0.5 - 0.8 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12 - 14
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 3 Years
Females2 - 3 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly prehensile tail that allows for agile movement between branches and large eyes adapted for night vision.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss and fragmentation of its forest habitat due to agriculture and urban development.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Since they lack a developed marsupium (pouch) like other opossums, the young cling tightly to the mother's abdominal fur.