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
Caluromys derbianus
Derby's Woolly Opossum
(Waterhouse, 1841)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Derby's woolly opossum (Caluromys derbianus) is one of the most striking and charismatic marsupials in the Neotropics. Unlike common opossums, it has dense, soft, woolly fur of a beautiful reddish-brown or golden color, with a distinctive dark stripe running down the center of its back and another on its grayish face. It has large, bulging eyes adapted for night vision and pink, mostly hairless ears. Its long tail is furry on the half closest to the body (proximal) and bare on the final half (distal), being highly prehensile. It is a graceful, strictly arboreal species that rarely descends to the ground, moving with feline agility through the forest canopy.
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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.Caluromys
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Waterhouse, 1841)
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.
Decreasing
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 an exclusive inhabitant of the forest canopy. It prefers primary and secondary wet tropical forests, dry deciduous forests, and shaded plantations (such as cacao). It relies on continuous tree structure to move and forage. In Costa Rica, it is found in the lowlands and foothills of both slopes, from sea level up to 1,500 meters in elevation.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a nocturnal, solitary marsupial that moves silently through the mid to high canopy level. Its diet is markedly frugivorous and nectarivorous, supplemented with invertebrates, small birds, and lizards. It sleeps during the day in high tree hollows or in nests it builds with leaves in the density of lianas. Unlike the common opossum, it is much cleaner, more agile, and less aggressive.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary, except for mothers with their young or pairs during reproduction.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivore / Frugivore / Nectarivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Omnivorous consumer (frugivorous/nectarivorous tendency). Seed disperser and pollinator. It is main prey for nocturnal raptors (large owls), arboreal snakes (boas), and climbing felines like the margay.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
They breed year-round, but with a peak during the dry season when flowers and fruits are most abundant. Gestation lasts about 13-14 days. The young (usually 2 to 4) develop in the mother's marsupium, which is very well-developed unlike other species in its family.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
20.0 - 30.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
200 g - 400 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 6
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.
7 - 9 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.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Slightly more robust, but without obvious dimorphism to the naked eye.
Females Multi-lang
Possess a complete marsupium (pouch) that opens forward.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Stereoscopic Vision: Its large, forward-facing eyes provide excellent three-dimensional vision in the dark, crucial for calculating jumps between branches and catching moving insects in the canopy.
Specialized Prehensile Anatomy: In addition to its strong prehensile tail, the palms of its hind and front feet are bare and equipped with textured pads, which along with the opposable thumb (hallux) ensures a firm grip on smooth lianas and thin branches.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Canopy Fragmentation: Being strictly arboreal and avoiding descending to the ground, logging and the creation of clearings or roads divide populations and isolate them in forest patches.
Illegal Trade: Because of their woolly fur and adorable appearance, in some regions they are illegally captured to be sold as exotic pets.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Pollinating Mammal: It is known locally as the 'Balsa Fox' because it is a frequent visitor to the flowers of the balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale). When seeking nectar, its furry face gets covered in pollen, making it a key pollinator in the tropical forest.