the santa lucia mountains slender salamander ( batrachoseps luciae ) is a species of salamander in the family plethodontidae .

it is endemic to california in the united states , where it is known only from monterey county .

this salamander is distributed in the santa lucia range in california 's central coast region .

it lives in moist montane chaparral and woodlands and temperate coniferous forest , and it can tolerate disturbed habitat when adequate cover is present .

this species and several other native california salamanders were described as new species in 2001 when the batrachoseps pacificus species complex was split according to the results of a phylogenetic analysis .

the santa lucia mountains slender salamander ( batrachoseps luciae ) is a species of salamander in the plethodontidae family .
other plethodontid salamanders occurring with the range of santa lucia mountains slender salamanders include ensatinas ( ensatina eschscholtzii ) and arboreal salamanders ( aneides lugubris ) .
n . feeding behavior . santa lucia mountains slender salamanders , similar to other species of batrachoseps , likely capture small insect prey using their projectile tongue .
at their southern range limits , santa lucia mountains slender salamanders come close to populations of san simeon slender salamanders ( b . incognitus ) and black - bellied slender salamanders ( b . nigriventris ) , but range overlap is unknown ( jockusch et al . , 2001 ) .
4 . conservation . santa lucia mountains slender salamanders are moderately widespread throughout the northern santa lucia mountains and are abundant at a few sites . portions of the range occur on publicly owned lands or other large land holdings that are likely to remain relatively undisturbed for the foreseeable future . aside from local extirpations associated with human development , there are no known significant conservation concerns .
1 . historical versus current distribution . santa lucia mountains slender salamanders ( batrachoseps luciae ) were described in 2001 on the basis of differences in allozymes and in dna haplotypes in the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b ( jockusch , 1996 ; jockusch et al . , 2001 ) . santa lucia mountains slender salamanders are distributed throughout the northern santa lucia mountains along the pacific coast in monterey county ( jockush et al . , 2001 ) . they currently are known from a number of monterey county locations in central coastal california . the northernmost known location is on the monterey peninsula and the southernmost is near the monterey / san luis obispo county line . inland , they are found along the carmel valley and the eastern slopes of the santa lucia mountains from arroyo seco at least as far south as 36 ˚n . differences between historical and current distributions are not apparent .
h . aestivation / avoiding dessication . unknown , but likely in populations occurring on the eastern flanks of the santa lucia range . on the western flank of these mountains , santa lucia mountains slender salamanders have been found under surface cover year - round . the presence of sharply rising mountain slopes adjacent to the pacific ocean results in frequent summer fogs that in turn allow salamanders to remain surface active outside the rainy season . we have recorded santa lucia mountains slender salamanders under surface cover at substrate temperatures of 7 . 4–8 . 4 ˚c ( mean 7 . 9 ˚c ; n = 14 ) in january , although we expect activity across a broader range of temperatures .
recent studies on slender salamanders have continued to divide them into more and more species . most available books include these monterey bay salamanders in the species batrachoseps pacificus , the pacific slender salamander . in 2001 researchers split it out into its own species .
this species is broadly distributed in the northern santa lucia mountains , monterey county , california , usa , from the monterey peninsula to near the monterey - san luis obispo county line ( jockusch et al . 2001 ) .
2 . historical versus current abundance . unknown . santa lucia slender salamanders have been found abundantly at only a few sites , including the type locality , a park in the city of monterey ( jockusch et al . , 2001 ) .
endemic to california . found along the western slope of the northern santa lucia mountains in monterey county from the monterey peninsula south to near the san luis obispo county line , and on the eastern slopes from arroyo seco south to at least the 36th parallel .
batrachoseps : greek - amphibian , frog lizard - describes lizard - like appearance . luciae : derived from the santa lucia mountains , the center of the distribution of this species . from scientific and common names of the reptiles and amphibians of north america - explained © ellin beltz
a small slim salamander , with 18 - 19 costal grooves . short limbs , a narrow head , long slender body , very long tail , and conspicuous costal and caudal grooves give this species the worm - like appearance typical of most slender salamanders . there are four toes on the front and hind feet , which is also typical of slender salamanders . ( other california salamanders have five toes on the hind feet . )
e . adult habitat . san lucia mountains slender salamanders are found predominantly in moist redwood and mixed coniferous forests . inland , they occur mainly on wooded ( with predominant vegetation being tan bark oaks and maples ) , north - facing slopes . during favorable climatic conditions , san lucia mountains slender salamanders also can be found under suitable cover in open , disturbed habitats , including the type locality , a park in the city of monterey ( jockusch et al . , 2001 ) . in the big sur area , they have been found in wet , creekside situations .
slender salamanders use several defense tactics , including : - coiling and remaining still , relying on cryptic coloring to avoid detection . - uncoiling quickly and springing away repeatedly bouncing over the ground , then remaining still again to avoid detection . - detaching the tail , which wriggles on the ground to distract a predator from the salamander long enough for it to escape . ( after its tail is detached or severed , the salamander will grow a new tail . )
i . egg deposition sites . a cluster of 19–20 eggs was found beneath a log in pacific grove on 10 february , along with several adult santa lucia mountains slender salamanders , one of which was positioned ca . 5 cm from the cluster ( d . roberson ; urltoken almost certainly these eggs were deposited by more than one female ; this appears to be the first example of communal nesting ( jockusch and mahoney , 1997 ) for this species .
k . interspecific associations / exclusions . santa lucia mountains slender salamanders and gabilan mountains slender salamanders ( b . gavilanensis ) are parapatric , their ranges largely interdigitating for ca . 80 km along a broad ecotone in carmel valley . populations of these species occur to within a few km of each other in carmel valley , but sympatry has not been discovered ( yanev , 1978 ; jockusch et al . , 2001 ) . similarly , their ranges converge in the monterey peninsula in an area with continuous habitat ; further collecting in this region seems likely to reveal sympatry . they also occur within a few hundred meters of each other in the nacimiento river valley in extreme southern monterey county .
based on studies of mtdna and allozymes , santa lucia mountains slender salamanders are known to be close relatives of b . incognitus , b . minor , and b . gavilanensis ( jockusch et al . , 2001 ; jockusch and wake , 2002 ) . there is some evidence that b . luciae and b . gavilanensis may have been in genetic contact early in their history , although there is no indication of present gene exchange despite sharing a long border through carmel valley ( jockusch et al . , 2001 ) .
elizabeth l . jockusch , kay p . yanev , and david b . wake ' ' molecular phylogenetic analysis of slender salamanders , genus batrachoseps ( amphibia : plethodontidae ) , from central coastal california with descriptions of four new species . ' ' herpetological monographs , # 15 2001 .
active on rainy or wet nights when temperatures are moderate . along the fog - cooled coastal side of the mountains , salamanders have been found under surface objects year - round . on the hotter and drier eastern slopes , they probably aestivate underground in the summer . typically found under rocks , logs , bark , and other debris .
a member of family plethodontidae , the plethodontid or lungless salamanders . plethodontid salamanders do not breathe through lungs . they conduct respiration through their skin and the tissues lining their mouth . this requires them to live in damp environments on land and to move about on the ground only during times of high humidity . ( plethodontid salamanders native to california do not inhabit streams or bodies of water but they are capable of surviving for a short time if they fall into water . ) plethodontid salamanders are also distinguished by their naso - labial grooves , which are vertical slits between the nostrils and upper lip that are lined with glands associated with chemoreception . all plethodontid salamanders native to california lay eggs in moist places on land . the young develop in the egg and hatch directly into a tiny terrestrial salamander with the same body form as an adult . ( they do not hatch in the water and begin their lives as tiny swimming larvae breathing through gills like some other types of salamanders . )
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thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on the iucn red list of threatened species website , we are grateful for your input .
frost , d . r . 2014 . amphibian species of the world : an online reference . version 6 ( 27 january 2014 ) . new york , usa . available at : urltoken . ( accessed : 27 january 2014 ) .
justification : listed as least concern since , although its extent of occurrence is less than 5 , 000 km2 , it is common and occurs in an area of extensive , suitable habitat which appears not to be under threat , it has a presumed large population , and it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category .
total population size is unknown but probably is at least 10 , 000 . species has been found abundantly at only a few sites ( jockusch et al . 2001 ) .
primary habitat is mesic redwood and mixed evergreen forests ; inland , also inhabits wooded north - facing slopes with tan oak and maples ; when surface moisture is present , can be found under cover in open , disturbed habitats ( jockusch et al . 2001 ) .
better information on abundance , trends , and threats is needed . its habitat is in protected areas .
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batrachoseps gavilanensis occurs very close to b . luciae and the ranges of both salamanders meet in one region . they are identical in appearance . at one time they were considered to be the same species , b . pacificus .
adults are 1 1 / 4 - 1 4 / 5 inches long ( 3 . 2 - 4 . 6 cm ) from snout to vent .
the ground color is dark blackish - brown overlayed with a brass or reddish dorsal stripe that is less apparent in older animals . the venter is lighter , grayish brown . there is some whitish speckling and metallic iridophores
most likely eats small invertebrates . feeding behavior is not known , but other batrachoseps species are sit - and - wait predators that use a projectile tongue to catch prey .
reproduction is terrestrial . females lay eggs in moist places on land , underground or under surface objects .
captive females from two localities laid average egg clutches of 5 . 1 and 10 . 6 eggs . eggs hatched in an average of 78 days . one probable communal nest has been found containing 19 eggs and several adult salamanders .
inhabits moist locations in redwood and mixed evergreen forests . mostly found on north - facing slopes . also found in open areas in parks in the city of monterey .
listed as imperiled by natureserve for no specific reason . there are no described significant conservation concerns regarding this species .
powell , robert . , joseph t . collins , and errol d . hooper jr .
the following status listings are copied from the april 2018 special animals list and the 2017 endangered and threatened animals list , both of which are published by the california department of fish and wildlife . if no status is listed here , the animal is not included on either cdfw list . this most likely indicates that there are no serious conservation concerns for the animal . to find out more about an animal ' s status , you can go to the natureserve and iucn websites to check their rankings . check here to see the most current complete lists .
vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range , relatively few populations ( often 80 or fewer ) , recent and widespread declines , or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state .
the following account is modified from amphibian declines : the conservation status of united states species , edited by michael lannoo ( ©2005 by the regents of the university of california ) , used with permission of university of california press . the book is available from uc press .
ii . clutch size . jockusch ( 1997b ) induced oviposition in gravid females collected from two localities . average clutch sizes were 5 . 1 eggs ( carmel valley , n = 10 clutches ) and 10 . 6 eggs ( monterey , n = 13 clutches ) .
c . direct development . developmental times for eggs incubated in the lab at 13 ˚c averaged 78 d ( jockusch 1997b ) . dates of hatching in the wild are unknown .
l . age / size at reproductive maturity . unknown . based upon measurements of a small series , males range from 32 . 0–40 . 1 ( mean 36 . 3 , n = 10 ) mm svl , females from 36 . 8–44 . 8 ( mean 41 . 2 , n = 10 ) mm svl .
p . anti - predator mechanisms . coiling and tail autotomy are common defensive responses in several species of attenuate batrachoseps
s . comments . although only recently described , specimens now referred to this species have been in scientific collections for many years though assigned to other taxa ( e . g . , b . attenuatus [ hendrickson , 1954 ] ; and later , b . relictus [ brame and murray , 1968 ] and b . pacificus [ yanev , 1980 ] ) . yanev ( 1978 , 1980 ) , on the basis of allozymes , first identified the major lineages within the central coastal b . pacificus complex . subsequently , these have been recognized as distinct species ( gavilanensis , incognitus , luciae , and minor ) ; jockusch et al . , 2001 ) .
acknowledgments . we thank don roberson for information concerning his discovery of a communal nest .
> university of california , berkeley , ca , usa . accessed 9 jul 2018 .
these little salamanders are very common in the woods on the monterey peninsula , and even in the yards . they range in dorsal color from the reddish brown here to very dark brown , nearly black .
you can copy this taxon into another guide . if you are one of the editors of this guide it should copy everything , but if you ' re not , it will only copy the licensed content .
data and apps idaho fish and wildlife information system bringing information to bear on the management and conservation of fish , wildlife , and plants in idaho .
frost , darrel r . 2004 . amphibian species of the world : an online reference . version 3 . 0 ( 22 august , 2004 ) . electronic database accessible at urltoken american museum of natural history , new york , usa
amphibian species of the world : an online reference v5 . 3 , database ( version 5 . 3 )
frost , darrel r . 2009 . amphibian species of the world : an online reference . version 5 . 3 ( 12 february , 2009 ) . electronic database accessible at urltoken american museum of natural history , new york , usa
banks , r . c . , r . w . mcdiarmid , a . l . gardner , and w . c . starnes
checklist of vertebrates of the united states , the u . s . territories , and canada , draft ( 2004 )
crother , b . i . , j . boundy , j . a . campbell , k . de quieroz , d . frost , d . m . green , r . highton , et al .
crother , brian i . , jeff boundy , frank t . burbrink , et al . / moriarty , john j . , ed .
scientific and standard english names of amphibians and reptiles of north america north of mexico , with comments regarding confidence in our understanding , sixth ed .
crother , brian i . , jeff boundy , jonathan a . campbell , kevin de quieroz , darrel frost , et al .
disclaimer : itis taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available , and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties . however , it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes . while every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up - to - date information available , ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the united states is a party , wildlife statutes , regulations , and any applicable notices that have been published in the federal register . for further information on u . s . legal requirements with respect to protected taxa , please contact the u . s . fish and wildlife service .
using this photo this image has a creative commons attribution - noncommercial 3 . 0 ( cc by - nc 3 . 0 ) license . if you have questions , contact will flaxington flaxington [ at ] hotmail . com .
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anacampsis prasina is a moth of the gelechiidae family .

it was described by meyrick in 1914 .

it is found in guyana .

the wingspan is about 15 mm .

the forewings are olive-green , irregularly sprinkled with whitish and with black basal dots on the costa and in the middle .

there small black triangular spots on the costa at one-fifth , before the middle , and before the subterminal line .

there are some raised scales in the disc about one-fifth , and towards the dorsum before the middle .

there is also a small black spot towards the costa before the second costal spot .

the stigmata are black , the discal approximated , the second larger , the plical obliquely before the first discal .

the subterminal line obscure and whitish-green , from three-fourths of the costa to the tornus , somewhat sinuate inwards on the upper half .

two blackish dots are found on the costa towards the apex and termen beneath the apex .

the hindwings are dark fuscous .

anacampsis prasina

agriastis prasina meyrick , 1914 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1914 : 251 ; tl : british guiana , mallali
anacampsis malella amsel , 1959 ; bull . soc . ent . egypt . 43 : 65
anacampsis sacramenta keifer , 1933 ; calif . dept . agric . , mon . bull . 22 : 362
gelechia ( anacampsis ) tristrigella walsingham , 1882 ; trans . amer . ent . soc . 10 : 181
anacampsis languens meyrick , 1918 ; exotic microlep . 2 ( 5 ) : 142 ; tl : ecuador , duran
anacampsis aedificata meyrick , 1929 ; exot . microlep . 3 ( 16 ) : 507 ; tl : brazil , para
anacampsis diplodelta meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 76 ; tl : brazil , parintins
anacampsis embrocha meyrick , 1914 ; ann . transv . mus . 4 ( 4 ) : 192 ; tl : new hanover
anacampsis flexiloqua meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 80 ; tl : peru , iquitos
anacampsis idiocentra meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 80 ; tl : brazil , santarem
anacampsis nonstrigella busck , 1906 ; can . ent . 38 ( 4 ) : 121 ; tl : oak station , pennsylvania
anacampsis parviocellatella bruand , 1850 ; mém . soc . doubs 3 ( 3 , livr . 5 - 6 ) : 40
anacampsis petrographa meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 79 ; tl : brazil , obidos
anacampsis poliombra meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 77 ; tl : brazil , parintins
anacampsis cosmia meyrick , 1921 ; ann . transv . mus . 8 ( 2 ) : 77 ; tl : natal , durban
anacampsis lapidella walsingham , 1897 ; proc . zool . soc . lond . 1897 : 81 ; tl : west indies , grenada
anacampsis quinquepunctella walsingham , 1897 ; proc . zool . soc . lond . 1897 : 80 ; tl : west indies , grenada
anacampsis conistica walsingham , 1910 ; biol . centr . - amer . lep . heterocera 4 : 35 ; tl : mexico , sonora
anacampsis lithodelta meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 77 ; tl : peru , jurimaguas , iquitos
anacampsis lupinella busck , 1901 ; can . ent . 33 ( 1 ) : 14 ; tl : high park , toronto , canada
anacampsis perquisita meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 78 ; tl : brazil , para , teffé
anacampsis insularis walsingham , 1897 ; proc . zool . soc . lond . 1897 : 81 ; tl : west indies , st . thomas
anacampsis solemnella ; park , 1991 , ann . hist . - nat . mus . hung . 83 : 121 ; [ nhm card ]
anacampsis capyrodes meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 80 ; tl : brazil , obidos , parintins , teffé
anacampsis rivalis meyrick , 1918 ; exotic microlep . 2 ( 5 ) : 141 ; tl : s . india , shevaroys ; ceylon , kandy
anacampsis ursula walsingham , 1910 ; biol . centr . - amer . lep . heterocera 4 : 35 ; tl : mexico , morelos , cuernavaca
anacampsis fragariella busck , 1904 ; proc . u . s . nat . mus . 27 ( 1375 ) : 760 ; tl : pullman , washington
anacampsis argyrothamniella busck , 1900 ; proc . u . s . nat . mus . 23 ( 1208 ) : 231 ; tl : palm beach , florida
anacampsis primigenia meyrick , 1918 ; exotic microlep . 2 ( 5 ) : 141 ; tl : colombia , cali , 500ft ; ecuador , huigra , 4500ft
anacampsis cornifer walsingham , 1897 ; proc . zool . soc . lond . 1897 : 79 ; tl : west indies , st . croix ; st . thomas
anacampsis paltodoriella busck , 1903 ; proc . u . s . nat . mus . 25 ( 1304 ) : 848 ; tl : mesilla park , new mexico
anacampsis triangularis braun , 1923 ; proc . calif . acad . sci . ( 4 ) 12 ( 10 ) : 118 ; tl : angeles bay , lower california
anacampsis considerata meyrick , 1922 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1922 : 78 ; tl : brazil , parintins , manaos , teffé ; peru , jurimaguas , iquitos
anacampsis phytomiella busck , 1914 ; proc . u . s . nat . mus . 47 ( 2043 ) : 8 ; tl : alhajuela , cabima and porto bello , panama
anacampsis coverdalella kearfott , 1903 ; j . n . y . ent . soc . 11 : 162 , pl . 9 , f . 13 ; tl : natchitoches parish , louisiana
anacampsis rhabdodes walsingham , 1910 ; biol . centr . - amer . lep . heterocera 4 : 36 , pl . 1 , f . 30 ; tl : mexico , tabasco , teapa
anacampsis lagunculariella busck , 1900 ; proc . u . s . nat . mus . 23 ( 1208 ) : 230 , pl . 1 , f . 6 ; tl : palm beach , florida
anacampsis primigenia ; [ nhm card ] ; [ sangmi lee & richard brown ] ; landry & roque - albelo , 2010 , revue suisse zool . 117 ( 4 ) : 735 , 699 ( list )
anacampsis psoraliella barnes & busck , 1920 ; contr . nat . hist . lepid . n . am . 4 ( 3 ) : 226 , pl . 28 , f . 10 ; tl : iowa , sioux city
anacampsis meibomiella forbes , 1931 ; j . agric . porto rico 15 ( 4 ) : 376 , pl . 42 , f . 16 ; tl : puerto rico ,
e . e . a . de cuba
anacampsis populella ; [ nacl ] , # 2246 ; [ nhm card ] ; lee , hodges & brown , 2009 , zootaxa 2231 : 31 ; sumpich & skyva , 2012 , nota lepid . 35 ( 2 ) : 173 ; [ fe ]
anacampsis niveopulvella ; busck , 1904 , proc . u . s . nat . mus . 27 ( 1375 ) : 761 ; [ nacl ] , # 2243 ; [ nhm card ] ; lee , hodges & brown , 2009 , zootaxa 2231 : 31
anacampsis ( anacampsini ) ; lee , hodges & brown , 2009 , zootaxa 2231 : 30 ; [ sangmi lee ] ; landry & roque - albelo , 2010 , revue suisse zool . 117 ( 4 ) : 735 , 699 ( list ) ; [ fe ]
anacampsis quinquepunctella ; walsingham , 1910 , biol . centr . - amer . lep . heterocera 4 : 35 , pl . 1 , f . 35 ; meyrick , 1929 , exot . microlep . 3 ( 16 ) : 507 ; [ nhm card ] ; [ sangmi lee & richard brown ]
anacampsis lagunculariella ; brown , adamski , hodges & bahr , 2004 , zootaxa 510 : 78 ; busck , 1914 , proc . u . s . nat . mus . 47 ( 2043 ) : 7 ; [ nacl ] , # 2240 ; [ nhm card ] ; [ sangmi lee & richard brown ] ; lee , hodges & brown , 2009 , zootaxa 2231 : 31
820x623 ( ~ 87kb ) russia , moscow area , 14 . 8 . 2008 , photo © d . smirnov
the exact identification of this species is still unknown , but tentatively assumed to belong into this group .
compsolechia anisogramma meyrick , 1927 ; exot . microlep . 3 ( 12 ) : 353 ; tl : china , shanghai
larva on argyrothamnia blodgettii busck , 1900 , proc . u . s . nat . mus . 23 ( 1208 ) : 231
untomia cenelpis walsingham , 1911 ; biol . centr . - amer . lep . heterocera 4 : 77 , pl . 2 , f . 34 ; tl : mexico , tabasco , teapa
chlorodecta ( meyrick , 1932 ) ( compsolechia ) ; exotic microlep . 4 ( 7 ) : 197
compsolechia comparanda meyrick , 1929 ; exot . microlep . 3 ( 16 ) : 506 ; tl : arizona , palmerlee ; texas , alpine
crypticopa ( meyrick , 1931 ) ( gelechia ) ; an . mus . nac . hist . nat . buenos aires 36 : 384
larva on fragaria busck , 1904 , proc . u . s . nat . mus . 27 ( 1375 ) : 761
= ; hodges , 1986 , moths amer . n of mexico 7 . 1 : 14 ; lee , hodges & brown , 2009 , zootaxa 2231 : 30
lita fuscella eversmann , 1844 ; fauna lep . volgo - uralensis . . . : 581
tachyptilia hirsutella constant , 1885 ; ann . soc . ent . fr . ( 6 ) 4 : 256 , pl . 10 , f . 17 ; tl : alpes - maritimes
homoplasta ( meyrick , 1932 ) ( compsolechia ) ; exotic microlep . 4 ( 7 ) : 197
gelechia ( tachyptilia ) innocuella zeller , 1873 ; verh . zool . - bot . ges . wien 23 ( abh . ) : 249 ; tl : texas
agriastis inquieta meyrick , 1914 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1914 : 253 ; tl : british guiana , bartica
aproaerema kearfottella busck , 1903 ; proc . u . s . nat . mus . 25 ( 1304 ) : 842 ; tl : new jersey
compsolechia lacteochrella [ = lacteusochrella ] meyrick , 1925 ; in wytsman , genera insectorum 184 : 123 ( emend . )
larva on laguncularia racemosa busck , 1900 , proc . u . s . nat . mus . 23 ( 1208 ) : 231
strobisia levipedella clemens , 1863 ; proc . ent . soc . philad . 2 : 4
compsolechia lignaria meyrick , 1926 ; exot . microlep . 3 ( 10 ) : 292 ; tl : e . siberia , khaborowsk
larva on lupinus perennis busck , 1901 , can . ent . 33 ( 1 ) : 15
maculatella ( lucas , 1956 ) ( tachyptilia ) ; bull . soc . sci . nat . maroc 35 : 256
gelechia multinotata meyrick , 1918 ; exotic microlep . 2 ( 5 ) : 134 ; tl : british guiana , bartica , mallali
gelechia niveopulvella chambers , 1875 ; can . ent . 7 ( 11 ) : 210 ; tl : canada
agriastis nocturna meyrick , 1914 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1914 : 252 ; tl : british guiana , mallali
tachyptilia panormitella caradja , 1920 ; dt . ent . z . iris 34 ( 1 / 2 ) : 106
agriastis peloptila meyrick , 1914 ; trans . ent . soc . lond . 1914 : 251 ; tl : british guiana , mallali
gelechia pomaceella walker , 1864 ; list spec . lepid . insects colln br . mus . 29 : 620 ; tl : ega
= ; park , 2001 , insecta koreana . 18 ( 1 ) : ( 87 - 90 )
larva on populus tremula , salix caprea , s . alba , s . spp .
larva on croton scouleri , exedeconus miersii landry & roque - albelo , 2010 , revue suisse zool . 117 ( 4 ) : 737
larva on prunus salicina park , 1991 , ann . hist . - nat . mus . hung . 83 : 121
gelechia subactella walker , 1864 ; list spec . lepid . insects colln br . mus . 30 : 1026 ; tl : australia ?
larva on salix phylicifolia , s . caprea , s . lapponum , s . repens
gelechia tephriasella chambers , 1872 ; can . ent . 4 ( 4 ) : 68 ; tl : kentucky
cathegesis tridentella walsingham , 1910 ; biol . centr . - amer . lep . heterocera 4 : 28 , pl . 1 , f . 24 ; tl : mexico , guerrero , amula , 6000ft
tachyptila trifoliella constant , 1890 ; bull . soc . ent . fr . 1889 : cxxv
gelechia ( teleia ) viretella zeller , 1877 ; horae soc . ent . ross . 13 : 340 , pl . 4 , f . 110
[ afromoths ] de prins , j . & de prins , w . , 2013
sangmi lee , richard brown & sibyl bucheli . gelechioidea - a global framework ;
[ ² ] this may require parentheses or not . i don ' t have the necessary information for this taxon .
expedition of the california academy of sciences to the gulf of california in 1921 . the tineid moths
icones insectorum rariorum cum nominibus eorum trivialibus , locisque e c . linnaei . . . systema naturae allegatis . holmiae
lepidoptera britannica , sistens digestimen novam lepidopterorum quae in magna britannica reperiunter . . . adjunguntur dissertationes variae ad historiam naturalam spectantes
die schmetterlinge deutschlands und der schweiz . 2 . abteilung , kleinschmetterlinge . 2 . die motten und federmotten
systematische bearbeitung der schmetterlinge von europa , zugleich als text , revision und supplement zu j . hübner ' s sammlung europäischer schmetterlinge , die schaben und federmotten , ( 1847 - ) 1853 - 1855 )
the moths of america north of mexico including greenland . fascicle 7 . 1 . gelechioidea , gelechiidae ( part ) , dichomeridinae
zeller , 1877 exotische microlepidopteren horae soc . ent . ross . 13 : 3 - 493 , pl . 1 - 6
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to cite this page : myers , p . , r . espinosa , c . s . parr , t . jones , g . s . hammond , and t . a . dewey . 2018 . the animal diversity web ( online ) . accessed at https : / / animaldiversity . org .
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the common spotted cuscus ( spilocuscus maculatus ) is a cuscus , a marsupial that lives in the cape york region of australia , new guinea , and nearby smaller islands .

common spotted cuscus

species . the common spotted cuscus will often selectively consume young shoots and leaves . less frequently , common spotted cuscus eat immature coconuts , fruits of
) in the cape york peninsula . both the southern common cuscus and the common brushtail possum belong to the same family as the common spotted cuscus , family
the genus spilocuscus has two species only . the common names of the two are common spotted cuscus and black spotted cuscus . they are marsupials and belong to the phalanger group which includes the possum - like animals . the common spotted cuscus is also called the short - tailed spotted cuscus and the spotted phalanger .
there is little information on the ecosystem roles of the common spotted cuscus . the common spotted cuscus can be parasitized by nematodes and cestodes . the cestode species include
the common spotted cuscus is hunted for its meat and fur in new guinea .
an arboreal species , the common spotted cuscus is found in tropical and mangrove forests .
the common spotted cuscus is a marsupial found in australia , indonesia and papa new guinea .
in captivity the common spotted cuscus has been documented to live for seven to nine years .
information on the common spotted cuscus is currently being researched and written and will appear here shortly .
little is known about reproduction in the common spotted cuscus , except that they are a polygamous species .
the common spotted cuscus spends its time sleeping in a nest built in the fork of a tree .
compared to other mammals , the common spotted cuscus has a relatively low basal metabolic rate . the average basal metabolic rate of the common spotted cuscus is 6 . 27 w and their basal body temperature is 34 . 6°c . this species exhibits sexual dichromatism , where male pelage is white with red / brown spots and female pelage is all white without spots . before reaching adult pelage coloration juveniles have grey downy pelage . fur of the common spotted cuscus is thick and insulative . a ring of yellow - red skin is present around the blue - green eye of the common the spotted cuscus . the southern common cuscus , a species that has range overlap with the common spotted cuscus , has brown pelage with a dorsal stripe , a longer snout and larger ears than the common spotted cuscus . another species that has range overlap with the spotted common cuscus , the common brushtail possum has grey pelage , a bushy tail and longer ears compared to the spotted common cuscus .
) . common spotted cuscus exhibit predator avoidance by camouflaging themselves with surrounding foliage when they are resting in trees .
is a large cestode that is found in the small intestine of the common spotted cuscus . the nematode species include
( common spotted cuscus ) . it has recently been reclassified as a unique species ( flannery , 1987 ) .
in new guinea , common spotted cuscus are found in secondary forests , and tropical lowland forests , which are located from 500 m ( sea level ) to 1000 m . within these forests , common spotted cuscus forage in the understory , subcanopy , and canopy layers . common spotted cuscus can also live in close proximity to human civilizations , where they inhabit agricultural matrices and coconut plantations . in australia , common spotted cuscus also inhabit freshwater and saline mangrove forests .
of the cuscus as natives hunt the cuscus for both the meat of the cuscus and the thick fur of the cuscus .
the common spotted cuscus is an arboreal species . although they are skilled climbers they have also been documented walking between trees and are capable of galloping . this species is mainly crepuscular but can also be active at night . during the day the common spotted cuscus can be found sleeping in the forest canopy where they shield themselves with foliage to camouflage their bodies from predators . common spotted cuscus have been observed using behavioral thermoregulation , panting and licking their feet , to stay cool . common spotted cuscus are mainly solitary . captive male common spotted cuscuses are aggressive and cannot be held in the same enclosure .
newt is a common spotted cuscus . many different varieties of cuscus and tree kangaroos are found on the island where we live . newt is a lowlands’ species .
) in new guinea and in a small portion of the cape york peninsula in australia . the common spotted cuscus also has a small amount of range overlap with the common brushtail possum (
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the common spotted cuscus belongs to the same family as the brushtail possum ( trichosurus vulpecula ) , distributed across the eucalypt forests of much of australia .
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rainforests and adjacent forests on cape york peninsula north of coen , including the iron and mcilwraith ranges . the common spotted cuscus also occurs in new guinea .
observations of probable camouflaging behaviour in a semi - commensal common spotted cuscus spilocuscus maculatus maculatus ( marsupialia : phalangeridae ) in new ireland , papua new guinea .
habitat unlike the majority of its relations , the common spotted cuscus does not restrict itself to rainforests but frequents freshwater mangrove swamps as well as dense wooded forests .
menzies , j . 1972 . notes on a hand - reared spotted cuscus : phalanger maculatus .
female black - spotted cuscus have four mammae . their pouches are forward opening and well developed .
little is known about parental investment in the common spotted cuscus , but mothers have been observed carrying offspring on their back following offspring emergence from the mother ' s pouch .
according to the iucn , the black - spotted cuscus has been classified as critically endangered since 2010 .
spilocuscus rufoniger : black - spotted cuscus . ( n . d . ) . in encylopedia of life online
heinsohn , t . 2002 . observations of probable camouflaging behaviour in a semi - commensal common spotted cuscus spilocuscus maculatus maculatus ( marsupialia : phalangeridae ) in new ireland , papua new guinea .
though the common spotted cuscus is an omnivore , its diet primarily consists of fruits , flowers , and leaves . occasionally , however , it will also snack on small birds and reptiles .
, the family to which the common spotted cuscus belongs , average litter size is typically 1 . 3 offspring . the number of offspring is limited by food availability which influences the reproductive capacity of individuals . the common spotted cuscus has a low reproductive rate , where it is typical for them to breed only once a year . the gestation period for the common spotted cuscus ranges from 20 to 42 days . offspring exit the females pouch at five to seven months of age . male testes descend at eight months and females have an estrous cycle of twenty - eight days .
neonates . little else is noted in regards to the parental investment and care of the black - spotted cuscus .
the common spotted cuscus is actually a herbivore . although sometimes it eats fruit , they mainly feed on plants , like leaves and grass . it finds most of its food on the ground , by climbing down the trees in the rainforest . sometimes the spotted cuscus can sometimes even feed on small birds and small reptiles .
branches . it also has been found resting in tree hollows or under tree roots . it is slow moving and somewhat sluggish , sometimes mistaken for sloths other possums , or even monkeys . the common spotted cuscus is
currently , plans for oil palm activities and logging concessions are underway in locations that are home to the black - spotted cuscus .
bey , lisa ( 2014 ) .
spilocuscus rufoniger : black - spotted cuscus .
animal diversity web . retrieved from urltoken
spilocuscus rufoniger : black - spotted cuscus . ( n . d . ) . in encyclopedia of life online . retrieved from urltoken
sp . overall , parasite diversity in the family phalangeridae , to which the common spotted cuscus belongs , is much lower compared to other metatherian families . the decrease in parasite diversity is attributed to the arboreal lifestyle of phalangerids .
the cuscus is thought to breed throughout the year rather than having a strict breeding season . the mother cuscus gives birth to between 2 and 4 baby cuscus after a
little is known regarding the mating behavior of black - spotted cuscuses . courting is typically performed on tree limbs . black - spotted cuscuses produce offspring via
common in many parts of new guinea and probably not threatened , but classified as data deficient .
evolutionary distinct & globally endangered ( 2010 ) . black - spotted cuscus ( spilocuscus rufoniger ) . zsl living conservation . retrieved from urltoken
cuscus is nocturnal animal ( active during the night ) . it rests during the day in dense vegetation . cuscus is very shy animal and it can be spotted in the wild at extremely rare occasions .
the common spotted cuscus has relatively thick fur that allows it to maintain an even body temperature with minimal energy expenditure . in hot weather , cuscus lose heat by panting and licking saliva onto their bare - skinned feet and face . although primarily arboreal , they are capable of travelling long distances on the ground .
there is little known about the communication and perception in the common spotted cuscus , but females are known to produce a bray call when in oestrous . both sexes are known to make several types of calls , including hissing , screeches and buccal clicks .
the common spotted cuscus occupies rainforest from sea - level to the peaks of the coastal ranges . they are generalist herbivores , consuming the foliage and fruits of a variety of rainforest trees and vines . cuscus also inhabit nipa palms , freshwater and saline mangroves , large paperbarks and other tree species growing in riparian gallery forest .
spp . have been found with chew marks on them that are thought to be from this cuscus . black - spotted cuscus are thought to be omnivorous , possibly feeding occasionally on small animals ( flannery , 1995 ) .
their ( spotted cuscus ) habitat is lowland tropical rainforest and adjacent mangroves . cuscuses are nocturnal and nest in hollow trees and clumps of vegetation at nightime .
from just 15cm to more than 60cm in length , although the average sized cuscus tends to be around 45cm ( 18inches ) . the cuscus has small ears and large eyes which aid the cuscus through its
saragih , e . , m . sadsoeitoboen , f . pattiselanno . 2010 . the diet of spotted cuscus ( spilocuscus maculatus ) in natural and captivity habitat .
the black - spotted cuscus is indigenous to the island of new guinea . although the species is spread throughout northern new guinea , it has been commonly seen in
this striking coat is what makes the spotted cuscus one of the world ' s prettiest marsupials , but it also makes it stand out like a beacon in the forest canopy .
black - spotted cuscuses can be distinguished from other cuscuses by their teeth . they have low crowns and small
the spotted cuscus is a large species of possum found in australasia . in this animalsake article , we will cover some interesting facts that will help you know more about this unique marsupial .
the tail is flexible , often kept curled up when the cuscus is resting .
the female has four teats in a forwardly opening pouch : up to three pouch - young may be carried but usually only one young is reared . after leaving the pouch , the young spotted cuscus is carried on the mother ' s back . breeding appears to take place throughout the year . the male spotted cuscus
scent - marks
his territory and defends it very aggresively
, the black - spotted cuscus , is restricted to northern new guinea . it is found in the provinces of papua new guinea , morobe province , sattelberg ( smithsonian institution , 1993 ) .
tail which is naked ( has no fur ) at the end . this allows the cuscus to be able to grip onto the tree branches more easily when the cuscus is moving from tree to tree and resting during the day . the cuscus also has long , sharp claws which help the cuscus when it is moving around in the trees . the cuscus has thick , woolly fur which can be a variety of
in which the cuscus exists . more and more of the secluded forests where the cuscus dwells are being cut down , with the trees being sold to logging companies .
. bigger birds do get revenge for their bird pals though , as the cuscus’ main predators are often larger birds of prey who attack and eat the baby cuscus .
occurs in rainforest from sea level up to 8 , 900 ft ( 2 , 700 m ) , but is most common at intermediate elevations .
status the cuscus is not regarded as threatened . this is due to three factors :
due to similarities in appearance and movement , cuscus was considered to be a close relative of monkey . but it ' s not . closest relative of cuscus is opossum .
the spotted cuscus is an elusive and secretive animal that is hard to spot in the wild . when you do spot one though , you will realize that it is one of the most exuberant experiences .
people into papua new guinea , which destroys the habitats of the black - spotted cuscuses and contributes to their decline .
) hunt the common spotted cuscus as a food source or for clothing and accessories ( bags and hats ) . in new guinea , hunting is often done for rituals , such as , birthdays , birthing ceremonies , or male initiation ceremonies . hunters are most commonly adult and / or adolescent males and hunting is carried out in groups of one to ten individuals .
the cuscus is an arboreal mammal and spends its life almost exclusively in the trees . the cuscus rests in the trees during the day , sleeping in the dense foliage and awakens at night to start moving through the trees in search of food . the cuscus is an omnivorous
in 2002 , ecologist thomas heinsohn from the australian national university visited new ireland , a large island off the east coast of papua new guinea . here he met an adult male spotted cuscus sleeping in a coconut palm .
cuscus is territorial animal . it will use its saliva to mark the boundaries of its territory . when someone tries to occupy his territory , cuscus will hiss and physically attack the intruder .
like balls of fluff , cuscus species are some of the most adorable marsupials on the planet .
of just a couple of weeks . as with all marsupials , the female cuscus has a pouch on her tummy which the newborn cuscus babies crawl into and stay until they are bigger , less
due to the way that the cuscus moves through the trees and uses its tail to grip onto branches . it was later discovered that the cuscus was actually most closely related to the possum .
despite hunting , it is still common in new guinea and most islands ; however it is rarely seen in australia , mostly because it is a very shy creature . the
cuscus are possums found in new guinea and parts of australia , which are classified into 4 taxonomic genera , with 13 species . they are marsupials , generally about the size of a common house cat , who live high in the trees of dense woodlands , moving about the tree canopy very slowly , which means they are rarely seen . read on to learn about the cuscus .
arboreal animals that feed chiefly on fruit and leaves the spotted cuscus is known to eat fruits and leaves and , in captivity , is partial to meat and eggs : it is therefore likely that it eats eggs , nestling birds and other small animals .
cuscus is a solitary creature that meets with other cuscuses only for mating . they can mate throughout the whole year .
the spotted cuscus’ life cycle isn’t set . the mother usually gives birth to her babies anytime throughout the year . she normally gives birth to 2 - 3 babies in a year and those babies develop in the mother’s pouch . the pouch is a characteristic of a marsupial . in most cases only two baby cuscus’ live and the other one can’t live because it hasn’t had any time to develop .
cuscuses are an important source of meat for people throughout the new guinea region , and they are widely hunted . however , in some areas of indonesia such as the sula islands in the western moluccas , cuscuses are not eaten in accordance with religious traditions . common brushtail possums have unfortunately become a significant environmental and agricultural pest in new zealand , where they have been introduced and are now widespread and common .
occurs throughout eastern and southwestern australia and in tasmania and , until recently , it occupied much of central australia . it is now common in new zealand , where it was introduced about 150 years ago .
in the spotted cuscus ( p . maculatus ) of australia and new guinea , the male usually is brown , with large pale blotches ; the female is plain - coloured . some other cuscuses are nearly black , with faint spotting ( males ) ; still others are plain whitish .
species . the black - spotted cuscuses are primarily arboreal ; they only descend to the ground periodically . being nocturnal creatures , they rest in a curled position on high branches throughout the day . naturally , they are sluggish creatures with predominantly solitary lifestyles . feeding and nesting is performed individually . interactions and encounters between individuals of this species typically involve aggression . there have been no reports of arboreal predators in the habitats of the black - spotted cuscus .
as it is very common in many areas , the brush - tailed possum is considered to be not threatened , although it has undergone a wide decline in central australia and may be declining in southwest australia .
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there are no specific predators of the animal . it is mainly the large snakes or birds of prey that hunt the young . the spotted cuscus , like other cuscuses , only has one deadly predator , human . the docile animal is hunted by humans for their thick fur and meat .
due to its large size in comparison to other marsupials , it is frequently hunted for its meat . in addition , its dense , colorful fur makes it favorable for capes and headwear . the existence of the black - spotted cuscus in a limited environment makes it an easy hunting target .
both sexes are generally solitary , and breeding is continuous year - round . a single young is most common , and infants leave the pouch permanently five to seven months after birth . mating system is not known .
dawson , t . , r . degabriele . 1973 . the cuscus ( phalanger maculatus ) - - a marsupial sloth ? .
. if human interaction and scary as f * * k birds don’t kill them , cuscus live from 8 - 12 years .
source / reference article learn how you can use or cite the cuscus article in your website content , school work and other projects .
threats birds of prey , pythons and humans are all predators of the cuscus . in new guinea , it is hunted for its meat and pelt . continued development of land by humans with a resultant decrease of its habitat may eventually have an impact on the cuscus .
. although it looks somewhat of a mix between a monkey and a sloth , the cuscus is actually a subspecies of the possum .
is the largest species of phalangerid , with females weighing between 6 and 7 kg on average ( nowak , 1999 ) . the head and body average 70 cm in length , with the tail adding an additional 50 cm on average . female black - spotted cuscus are larger than males of the species . although both male and female have striking black and red coloration , their pelage is sexually dimorphic . females have a dark saddle on their backs , whereas males have only an area of mottling or spots . young go through a sequence of color changes as they mature . the fur of black - spotted cuscus is dense and wooly .
because it is common in developed areas such as city parks and suburban backyards , this possum has a closer interaction with people than any other australian mammal . pelts of common brush - tailed possums have been widely trapped and sold for the fur trade in australia . in many areas , it is considered an agricultural pest and a potential vector of disease , and it is a pest in both crops and native forest in new zealand , where it is non - native .
latinis , k . 1996 . hunting the cuscus in the western seram : the role of the phalanger in subsistence economies in central maluku .
nutrition the cuscus is omnivorous and eats leaves , fruits , blossoms , small animals such as lizards or birds and , occasionally , eggs .
reproduction mating occurs at any time of the year . the common spotted cuscus is polygamous . the gestation period is around 13 days . being marsupials , the young are about one gram in weight when born and are helpless . they make their way instinctively to the pouch where they remain for six to seven months . the pouch is forward - opening and has four teats but generally two offspring is the maximum raised in a litter . once the baby leaves the pouch , it is carried on the back of the mother for some weeks . the lifespan can be eleven years .
and able to start feeding themselves . typically only one of the cuscus babies will survive and emerge from the pouch after 6 or 7 months .
the largest of the possums , the cuscus is still actively hunted by the people of new guinea , who value its protein - rich meat .
of papua new guinea . it dwells in undisturbed lower - montane , tropical , primary forests and lowland areas of thick brushwood below 1200 meters in elevation . black - spotted cuscuses have been located in
black - spotted cuscuses primarily use their tails for grasping . they are naked at the tip , and the underside of the tails are streaked with calluses for ease of picking up items such as food .
the common spotted cuscus is about the size of a common house cat , weighing between 1 . 5 to 6 kilograms ( 3 . 3 to 13 . 2 lb ) , body size approximately 35 to 65 centimetres ( 14 to 26 in ) long , and a tail 32 to 60 centimetres ( 13 to 24 in ) long . it has a round head , small hidden ears , thick fur , and a prehensile tail to aid in climbing . its eyes range in colour from yellows and oranges to reds , and are slit much like a snake’s . all four of its limbs have five digits and strong , curved claws , except the first digit on each foot . the second and third digits of the hind foot are partly syndactylous : they are united by skin at the top joint but divide at the claws . these smaller claws can serve as hair combs when cleaning .
cuscus has rounded head with small ears and large , round eyes . eyes can be orange , red or yellow . they are designed for night vision .
cuscus is arboreal creature ( lives in the treetops ) . life on the trees ensures plenty of food and serves as a good hiding place from predators .
cuscus has five , strong digits equipped with nails that ensure strong grip and stability on the branches . besides for climbing , nails play role in grooming .
black - spotted cuscuses have round heads with a short , pointed snout . the frontal skull bones are convex , which gives them their bulging forehead , and they have a large sinus that is closed off from the
cuscus can be black , brown , gray , or lighter colors such as tan , white , or cream , or a mix of these , sometimes with a spotted or mottled appearance . they are considered to be the most colorful marsupial . their coloration often changes as they become older , and the male and female often have different markings , making them “sexually dimorphic . ”
that are extremely difficult to spot in the wild . it is said to be one of the most rewarding sights , if you spot a cuscus in its natural
cuscus is covered with thick , wooly fur that can be black , brown , white , tan or grey in color . fur can be covered with spots .
sinery , a . , c . boer , w . farida . 2013 . population dynamics of cuscus in tourist island of ahe , district of nabire , papua .
. humans are the biggest predator though , as deforestation , meat and lust for its thick , wooly fur are the catalysts for the death of most cuscus species .
the spotted cuscus , its body which is covered in fur ranging from tan to creamy white ( or greyish ) in colour , with spots of chestnut and black on the back , and with grey or reddish - brown legs is sometimes described as having a monkey like apperance , especially the face which is round , small eyes , a sensitive nose and with ears that are barely visible .
awc implements a prescribed burning program at piccaninny plains to protect the edges of rainforest and riparian gallery forest along the wenlock and archer rivers . annual fauna surveys have confirmed the persistence of breeding populations of spotted cuscuses at piccaninny plains .
. the cuscus is a large marsupial native to the northern forest of australia and papua new guinea , about the size of a house cat with ‘more to love . ’
. although they are generally shy creatures , the male cuscus can become extremely aggressive with other male cuscus . they spit on branches and twigs of trees to inform others of their territory and mediate social interactions . if they encounter another male in their area , they make barking , snarling , and hissing noises , and stand upright to defend their territories .
cuscus are potentially vulnerable to a loss of habitat resulting from changes in fire regimes , particularly an increased incidence of late dry season fires which can damage the edges of rainforest patches .
sinery , a . , c . boer , w . farida . 2012 . the population condition and availability of feed of cuscus in the arfak mountain nature reserve , west papua .
adult black - spotted cuscuses weigh approximately 6 to 7 kg ( 13 to 15 lb ) on average . typically , they are 120 cm in length , with the head and body measuring approximately 70 cm , and the tail measuring 50 cm .
cuscus is an animal of medium size . it can reach 14 to 26 inches in length and weigh between 3 . 3 and 13 pounds . it has 13 to 24 inches long tail .
baby spends 6 to 7 months in the mother ' s pouch . after that period it leaves the pouch and begins independent life . cuscus reaches sexual maturity at the age of one year .
description the common spotted cuscus is about the same size as a large cat . it is 35 to 65cm in length with the tail adding another 32 to 60cm . it weighs from 1 . 5 to 6 kg . its thick fur makes the small ears almost invisible . the head is round with a flat face and the prehensile tail assists in climbing trees by being able to curl and grip around branches . there are five digits on the feet . the first digit is free of claws but the rest have strong , curved claws . climbing is also facilitated by the first and second digits of the forefeet being opposable . only the first digit of the hind feet is opposable . the second and third toes of the hind feet are partly fused ( syndactylous ) and are ideal for use as grooming tools .
during steady observation through binoculars over the next hour , the resting cuscus was observed to actively grab hanging palm frond pinnae with its forepaws , pull them in towards itself , and tuck them in around its body to improve its quite effective camouflaging shield of vegetation ,
heinsohn reported in the journal australian mammology .
eventually only patches of its bright white and ginger - red spotted pelage were visible with the aid of binoculars through gaps in the camouflaging foliage .
the spotted cuscus measures anywhere around 18 inches ( 45 cm ) in length . it is covered with thick woolly fur that is variable in color . the female has a creamy coat , while the male has creamy gray to orange rust coat with irregular spots . their skin is yellowish pink in color . they have really small ears and a rim around the large eyes that is thought to be useful for a nocturnal life . they have strong claws that help them climb .
. the cuscus is a shit predator in the grand scheme of things . it has an extremely low metabolism and body temperature , they have a similar speed to a sloth and rarely catch other animals .
, which is unique to marsupials . there are also inflated frontal sinuses present in the species , which is thought to be a derived characteristic within the phalangeridae family . thus , certain distinct features of the black - spotted cuscuses allow them to be classified them as marsupials in the phalangeridae family .
wilson and reeder ' s mammal species of the world is the classic reference book on the taxonomic classification and distribution of the more than 5400 species of mammals that exist today . the third edition includes detailed information on nomenclature and , for the first time , common names . each concise entry covers type locality , distribution , synonyms , and major reference sources . the systematic arrangement of
females have four mammae . two to four young have been reported in a litter , but a single young is most common . infants exit the pouch six to seven months after birth . it is not known whether breeding is seasonal or takes place year - round . the estrous cycle lasts four weeks ; at the peak of the cycle , females are highly vocal . mating system is not known .
when the cuscus was discovered , it was thought to be a monkey because of its prosimian - like movements ; it grips branches with its partially hairless , prehensile tail as it travels slowly and deliberately through the rain - forest canopy .
the colourful cuscus is a rather secretive arboreal possum . it has a prehensile tail with a scaly inner surface , free from fur . this acts like another hand , helping the cuscus to clamber around without difficulty . mating can occur at any time of year , with the young being born after a very short gestation period , following which they transfer to the pouch , where there are four teats . this marsupials can fall victim to snakes such as pythons , and birds of prey .
indigenous new guineans hunt cuscus for their meat and for their very thick fur , which is used to make caps , capes , and clothing ornaments . their natural habitat is steadily declining because of deforestation , usually for logging , but also for agriculture .
has short snouts , and their ears are almost invisible . the head is round with a pointed snout and large eyes that are adapted for a nocturnal lifestyle . the first and second fingers are opposable to the other fingers . their foreclaws are curved and sharply pointed for climbing . the foot is modified for grasping in that the big toe is opposed to the others . this toe is also clawless . the second and third toes are small and fused . black - spotted cuscus have highly prehensile tails that are naked at the terminal end . the underside of the tail is striated with calluses for grasping .
both adult males and females exhibit red and black fur that is dense and woolly . however , females are bigger and have a uniformly dark , saddle - like coloration , while males have spotty colorations . the pelages of the young transform through a series of colors during maturation . the undersides of black - spotted cuscuses have areas of yellow and white . females possess four
because of their woolly fur and large eyes , these are endearing animals . when first discovered , it was thought they were related to monkeys , and they were referred to as the “monkey marsupial . ” because of their nocturnal , arboreal lifestyle , there are several interesting facts about cuscus .
. the cuscus is a primarily nocturnal animal , sleeping throughout the day and wakes up at night in search of food throughout the trees , feasting on small birds , reptiles , leaves and fruit . yeah , you thought this adorable little thing was herbivorous didn’t you ? sorry to disappoint .
cuscus are primarily herbivorous as they mainly eat leaves , fruits , and flowers . however , they occasionally eat small birds , reptiles , and eggs , which makes them omnivores . they have a low metabolism , and move slowly ( like a sloth ) , which means they only rarely catch animals .
the cuscus population is dwindling due to widespread deforestation and hunting by man . the destruction of their natural habitat has brought these beautiful , peaceful animals to the brink of extinction . if you want to do something for this species , stop buying fur and fur products , and avoid eating their meat .
zoos and research establishments that keep cuscus emphasize the need for expert knowledge of the behavior of the species . some species are solitary , but will tolerate other individuals if there is sufficient space in the enclosure . all species should be provided with a nest - box , branches for climbing , and an appropriate diet .
most of these animals live almost entirely in the canopy of trees in dense woodlands , tropical forests , and mangroves ; these species rarely move down to the ground . other cuscus species spend much of the day sleeping in burrows , spending some time on the ground , but moving into the trees at night for foraging .
with nothing but claws , teeth , and some kicky back legs to defend itself , the cuscus is easy prey for large birds like the papuan eagle , tree pythons , and yes , humans . one strategy to hide itself is a nocturnal lifestyle , but how does it keep out of sight in the light of day ?
a relatively large phalanger ( weighing up to 13 . 2 lb [ 6 kg ] ) with large round eyes and very small ears . the coat is colorful but very variable , and differs characteristically both between the sexes and among the four subspecies . males may be pure white or spotted with red - orange , black , or gray , while females are often unspotted , with an unbroken black or gray
saddle
on the back .
the newborn cuscus crawl into the pouch and stay there feeding for 5 – 8 months , until they are bigger and stronger , and become able to start feeding themselves outside of the pouch . usually , only 1 offspring survives the time in the pouch . in some species , the mother carries the young on her back after they have emerged from the pouch .
wilson and reeder ' s mammal species of the world is the classic reference book on the taxonomic classification and distribution of the more than 5400 species of mammals that exist today . the third edition includes detailed information on nomenclature and , for the first time , common names . each concise entry covers type locality , distribution , synonyms , and major reference sources . the systematic arrangement of information indicates evolutionary relationships at both the ordinal and the family level . this indispensable reference work belongs in public and academic libraries throughout the world and on the shelf of every biologist who works with mammals .
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this marsupial only lives on the indonesian island of sulawesi ( celebes ) and belongs to the same family as the australian possums . it has a stocky body with thick , dark - coloured fur above and pale fur below . unlike the other two species of cuscus living on sulawesi , this species lives in trees and has a long prehensile tail to help it climb .
cuscuses don ' t curl themselves up in tree hollows like other possums do , so heinsohn could spot it resting between the branches , about 12m up , with its head tucked between its legs in typical cuscus sleeping fashion . curiously though , it looked like a palm frond had been deliberately pulled down and tucked around its body , obscuring the brightest shades of its coat .
. they are not yet on the official endangered species list as of yet – they are certified as ‘vulnerable’ with wildlife campaigners the wildlife conservation society in papua new guinea doing all they can to preserve the future of cuscus . “it’s a lovely animal with a chestnut - burgundy coat , yellow racing stripes on the back and it’s beautiful , ” wcs biologist nathan whitmore said .
this animal does not appear to have an exact breeding season ; rather , it is thought they breed throughout the year . most cuscus species do not form bonds , but other species mate for life , meaning they are “monogamous . ” the mother gives birth to between 2 and 4 babies after a pregnancy ( “gestation period” ) of just 14 – 20 days . like all other marsupials , the mother has a pouch ( “marsupium” ) on her stomach . this encloses 2 – 4 mammary glands .
often , hunters will sell cuscus meat at the open markets in town . when they catch smaller ones or a baby they try to sell them live . a local guy was once out hunting and had killed newt’s mother to eat . this guy was looking for some money so he sold us newt . if we had not bought her , she would have been fattened up and eaten as well . newt was definitely motherless when we got her , and we saved her from ending up on the menu herself ! this is how newt came to be part of our family .
she has a lot of talents . she is very good at cleaning her fur and face daily . she will even do the same for us if we are in need of a cleaning . she seems to think my shampoo leaves a residue . while most cuscus learn to sleep upright on a tree limb , newt prefers to sprawl out and sleep on her back . she has trained the boys to do just about everything for her . all she has to do is open her eyes during the day and they bring her food , water , an extra pillow , or just about anything to ensure she is comfortable .
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justification : listed as least concern in view of its wide distribution , large population , occurrence in a number of protected areas , resilience to habitat disturbance and hunting , and because its population is probably stable .
this widespread species is found through much of the southern moluccan islands ( indonesia ) , including buru , seram , banda , and ambon ( possibly introduced to these islands ) ; it is present on the islands of misool and yapen , the kai islands and the aru islands ( all indonesia ) ; it is distributed over much of the island of new guinea ( indonesia and papua new guinea ) ; and is present on the cape york peninsula , north of coen , in australia . it has been introduced to the islands of mussau and new ireland ( papua new guinea ) , and to salayer island , south of sulawesi , indonesia ( george 1987 ) . it has an altitudinal range of sea level to 1 , 400 m asl .
it is an arboreal and nocturnal species , found in primary , secondary , and disturbed tropical moist forest . it has additionally been recorded in mangrove forest . females are believed to rear a single young ( winter and leung 1995 ) .
there appear to be no major threats to this species . it is locally hunted for food and skins in parts of its range ( e . g . , new guinea ) .
this species is listed on appendix ii of cites . it is present in a number of protected areas . further studies into the taxonomy of this species are needed .
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i thought you might be interested in this item at urltoken title : mammal species of the world : a taxonomic and geographic reference author : don e wilson ; deeann m reeder publisher : baltimore : johns hopkins university press , ©2005 . isbn / issn : 0801882214 9780801882210 0801882389 9780801882388 0801882397 9780801882395 oclc : 57557352
information indicates evolutionary relationships at both the ordinal and the family level . this indispensable reference work belongs in public and academic libraries throughout the world and on the shelf of every biologist who works with mammals .
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this indispensable reference work belongs in public and academic libraries throughout the world and on the shelf of every biologist who works with mammals .
a uniquely valuable compendium of taxonomic and distributional data on the world ' s living and historically extinct mammalian species . contributors and editors alike deserve the thanks of all
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classified as least concern ( lc ) on the iucn red list ( 1 ) .
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( clemens , et al . , 1989 ; dawson and degabriele , 1973 ; flannery , 1995 ; heinsohn , 2002 ; helgen and flannery , 2004 ; long , 2003 ; menzies , 1972 ; richards and gamui , 2011 ; saragih , et al . , 2010 ; savage , et al . , 2004 ; sinery , et al . , 2012 ; strahan , 1995 ; ungar , 2010 )
( fisher , et al . , 2001 ; hayssen , et al . , 1993 ; sinery , et al . , 2013 )
( chen , et al . , 2005 ; clemens , et al . , 1989 ; heinsohn , 2002 ; long , 2003 ; strahan , 1995 ; woinarski , et al . , 2014 )
( chen , et al . , 2005 ; heinsohn , 2002 ; latinis , 1996 ; saragih , et al . , 2010 ; sinery , et al . , 2013 )
( beveridge and spratt , 2015 ; beveridge , 1985 ; clemens , et al . , 1989 ; ewers , 1973 ; spratt , et al . , 1991 )
( latinis , 1996 ; richards and gamui , 2011 ; sinery , et al . , 2013 )
alyssa eby ( author ) , university of manitoba , jane waterman ( editor ) , university of manitoba , tanya dewey ( editor ) , university of michigan - ann arbor .
living in australia , new zealand , tasmania , new guinea and associated islands .
having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror - image halves . animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides , as well as anterior and posterior ends . synapomorphy of the bilateria .
having markings , coloration , shapes , or other features that cause an animal to be camouflaged in its natural environment ; being difficult to see or otherwise detect .
animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature . endothermy is a synapomorphy of the mammalia , although it may have arisen in a ( now extinct ) synapsid ancestor ; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities . convergent in birds .
forest biomes are dominated by trees , otherwise forest biomes can vary widely in amount of precipitation and seasonality .
offspring are produced in more than one group ( litters , clutches , etc . ) and across multiple seasons ( or other periods hospitable to reproduction ) . iteroparous animals must , by definition , survive over multiple seasons ( or periodic condition changes ) .
the area in which the animal is naturally found , the region in which it is endemic .