They have a well-developed sense of smell and eat mostly insects. They are restricted to forested areas of the Andes Mountains. Most inhabit wooded areas. Phalangerids are omnivorous, eating a wide variety of plants as well as insects, eggs and young birds. They are nocturnal, arboreal creatures inhabiting wooded areas.
Ringtails are strictly herbivorous.
Their incisors are used to tear away the tree bark. As in skunks, the striped pattern is associated with a powerful musky scent. Gliders have furred membranes that extend from the body between the limbs that function as lifting surfaces for gliding. The gliding style is similar to that of the flying squirrels. The greater glider has a specialized diet, feeding mainly on eucalyptus leaves and blossoms.