Phalangeriformes

Phalangeriformes are quadrupedal marsupials with long tails. They are a paraphyletic suborder of Diprotodontia, consisting of about 70 species of small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. It includes possums, gliders, and cuscus. Phalangeriformes species are typically nocturnal and at least partially arboreal. They mostly inhabit vegetated habitats, and several species have adjusted well to urban settings. Diets range from generalist herbivores or omnivores (the common brushtail possum) to specialist browsers of eucalyptus (greater glider), insectivores (mountain pygmy possum) and nectar-feeders (honey possum). The smallest phalangeriforme species, indeed the smallest diprotodont marsupial, is the Tasmanian pygmy possum, with an adult head-body length of 70 mm (2+3⁄4 in) and a weight of 10 g (3⁄8 oz). The largest are the two species of bear cuscus, which may exceed 7 kg (15 lb 7 oz). The common name "possum" for various Phalangeriformes species derives from the creatures' resemblance to the opossums of the Americas (the term comes from Powhatan language aposoum "white animal", from Proto-Algonquian *wa·p-aʔɬemwa "white dog"). However, although opossums are also marsupials, Australasian possums are more closely related to other Australasian marsupials such as kangaroos.