The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys momonga; Japanese: ニホンモモンガ; Hepburn: Nihon momonga) is a type of flying squirrel.
Its body is 14–20 cm long and the tail length is 10–14 cm. It weighs 150–220 g. It is much smaller than the Japanese giant flying squirrel which can reach 1500 g. Its back is covered with grey brown hair, and its belly is white. It has large eyes and a flattened tail.
It inhabits sub-alpine forests in Japan. It is nocturnal, and during the day it rests in holes in trees. It eats seeds, fruit, tree leaves, buds and bark. It can leap from tree to tree using a gliding membrane called the patagium. The patagium works as a wingsuit enabling it to maneuver and glide through the air.
When it feeds, the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel assumes a hanging posture. It will pull a twig to its mouth with its forepaws if the twig is not strong enough to support its weight and obtain food at the tip. While picking up food scattered on the ground, it will extend its body in an intermediate range around its body without moving its hind legs.
Japanese dwarf flying squirrels make their nests in the cavities of tree trunks. Tree cavities are very important nest resources for them. They tend to nest in conifers more than broad-leaved trees.
- From Wikipedia
Its body is 14–20 cm long and the tail length is 10–14 cm. It weighs 150–220 g. It is much smaller than the Japanese giant flying squirrel which can reach 1500 g. Its back is covered with grey brown hair, and its belly is white. It has large eyes and a flattened tail.
It inhabits sub-alpine forests in Japan. It is nocturnal, and during the day it rests in holes in trees. It eats seeds, fruit, tree leaves, buds and bark. It can leap from tree to tree using a gliding membrane called the patagium. The patagium works as a wingsuit enabling it to maneuver and glide through the air.
When it feeds, the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel assumes a hanging posture. It will pull a twig to its mouth with its forepaws if the twig is not strong enough to support its weight and obtain food at the tip. While picking up food scattered on the ground, it will extend its body in an intermediate range around its body without moving its hind legs.
Japanese dwarf flying squirrels make their nests in the cavities of tree trunks. Tree cavities are very important nest resources for them. They tend to nest in conifers more than broad-leaved trees.
- From Wikipedia
A friend of mine was interested in these adorable little creatures so I had to make a blog post about them. :)
These gentle tiny squirrels are true “pocket pets”. Flying squirrels form a deep bond with their human owner and enjoy spending hours climbing around or sleeping in their owners clothing. Squirrels are nocturnal but will adjust slightly to their owners and spend time awake with them. A gliding membrane which extends from front leg to its back leg is stretched out and allows the squirrel to glide from perch top perch up to 150 feet! It's large eyes, loving nature, and gliding ability make it a popular pocket pet.
- From Janda Exotics
- From Janda Exotics