Didelphis virginiana

"The Virginia Opossum, the only marsupial found north of Mexico, is an adaptable omnivore at home on the ground and in the trees. Opossums prefer forested habitats, but they are quite successful even in urban areas. They are active at night, year-round: in freezing weather, an unlucky opossum can lose its ear-tips and the end of its tail to frostbite.  Like all marsupials, opossums give birth to tiny, undeveloped young. The embryos develop in the mother's womb for less than two weeks, then the newborn opossums crawl from the birth canal to the mother's pouch, where they fasten tight to a nipple. They stay there, attached to the nipple, for 55 or 60 days. A female opossum usually has 13 nipples, and litters are usually smaller than that, but a baby that cannot attach to a nipple dies. After about 60 days the young opossums leave the pouch, but they stay close to their mother—sometimes riding on her back when they are out at night—and nurse for another month or more."

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account

The Virginia Opossum is a cat-sized, tree-climbing animal with a pale face, naked leaf-like ears, and pink, pointy nose. Their underfur is pale in color with a coarse, grizzled overcoat that makes the animal appear gray to brown to black. On the ground they move about with a slow, hobbling gait. The opossum is unlike any other animal in the United States: it has 50 teeth, a pouch in which it carries its young, a prehensile tail and opposable thumbs on its hind feet. Although they can be aggressive when threatened, when facing a larger opponent they often "play dead," entering into a state of catatonia in hopes they will be passed over. Their flexible tail is scaly and mostly hairless, and used for balance and gripping branches and objects making them agile climbers. They do not sleep hanging from their tails. The Virginia opossum has the distinction of being North America's only marsupial, sometimes considered a "pouched" mammal. This is an ancient species is more closely related to the koala and the kangaroo than it is to the rodents in the area. Opossums are mainly active during the night. During the day they sleep in opportunistic dens and nests of other animals or spaces under human structures. In New England, they may make more permanent nests during the winter to return to each day. Virginia opossum are opportunistic scavengers. Their diets include many kinds of bugs and insects, carrion, snails, mice and rats, and fallen fruit. They are useful in their environments as they will eat food other animals might not.

Virginia opossums are native to the Nearctic and found in North America and Central America. They are the only marsupials native to someplace other than the Australian region. Virginia opossums are naturally found in areas east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. They can also be found on the west coast of the United States, though this is not part of their original range; they were introduced by humans to the west coast. Virginia opossums are also found through most of Central America. The range of Virginia opossums is expanding northward, and they are now found in southern Ontario, Canada. (McManus, 1974)

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

This species is found in Central America, from Costa Rica to Mexico and in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, and north into southwestern Ontario, Canada. Some populations are also found along the west coast of the United States. Their range, limited by winter temperatures and snow depth, appears to be expanding northwards (Gardner, 2005).This species can be found from lowlands to 3,000 m (Reid, 1997).

Opossums are found in North America, from Central America and Mexico in the south, through the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and north into southwestern Ontario. Opossums are also found along the west coast of the United States. Their range appears to be expanding northward (McManus, 1974).

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: Most of eastern U.S. and adjacent southeastern Canada, ranging west to South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona, south to southern Central America; introduced in Pacific Coast states, ranging up Columbia River to Idaho. Range is expanding north and west.

Virginia opossums have a long head with a pointed snout and long whiskers. Their long tails have little fur and are scaly in appearance. Females have a fur-lined pouch in their belly in which they carry their young. Fur color varies depending on where they live. In northern areas, they have thick white underfur with black tips, and on top of this fur is a grayish protective coat of hair. Southern populations have much less underfur. Most Virginia opossums have white cheek hairs. Virginia opossums are about the size of a large house cat. Their total length varies between 350 and 940 mm. Their tail makes up between 216 and 470 mm of this length. Males are larger than females, weighing 0.8 to 6.4 kg, while females weigh 0.3 to 3.7 kg.

Range mass: 0.3 to 6.4 kg.

Range length: 35.0 to 94.0 cm.

Average length: 74.0 cm.

Sexual Dimorphism: male larger

Average basal metabolic rate: 5.299 W.

Opossums have a heavy set body that resembles a large house cat. They have a long head with a pointed snout. Their faces have long whiskers. All opossums have long, tapered tails with a scaly appearance. Females have a fur-lined pouch to carry their young (Baker, 1983). The color of the opossum varies by the region. Northern populations have thick underfur that is white in color and has black tips. The pale guard hairs give the opossum a gray appearance. In southern populations, the underfur is much sparser. Both northern and southern populations have white cheek hairs (McManus, 1974). Total length varies between 350 and 940 mm, tail length varies between 216 and 470mm. Males are larger than females with male weight ranging from 0.8 to 6.4 kg and female weight ranging from 0.3 to 3.7 kg (Wilson and Ruff, 1999).

Range mass: 0.3 to 6.4 kg.

Range length: 35.0 to 94.0 cm.

Average length: 74.0 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Average basal metabolic rate: 5.299 W.

Length: 102 cm

Weight: 6300 grams

Sexual Dimorphism: Males are slightly larger and much heavier than females, with larger canine teeth.

Length:
Average: 740 mm
Range: 350-940 mm

Weight:
Range: 0.8-6.4 kg males, 0.3-3.7 kg females

Virginia opossums are found in a variety of environments, ranging from relatively dry to more wet environments. They prefer areas of deciduous forest where permanent water is available, especially streams and swamps. Virginia possums also do well in urban and suburban environments.

Habitat Regions: temperate

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

Opossums are found in a variety of environments, ranging from relatively arid to mesic environments. They prefer wet areas, however, especially streams and swamps. It is hard to determine the exact home range of an opossum because of their unusual movement patterns (McManus, 1974).

Habitat Regions: temperate

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest

Comments: Very adaptable; may be found in most habitats. Prefers wooded riparian habitats. Also in suburban areas. Abandoned burrows, buildings, hollow logs, and tree cavities are generally used for den sites. In southeastern New York, all weaning dens were in burrows; weaning dens were in more densely vegetated habitats than were nonweaning dens (Hossler et al. 1994).

Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Home range often elongate, varies from 1-58 acres; average 11.5 (Lay 1942). Mean radius from nest site 2000 ft. Ontario population had average range length of 3200 ft (Llewellyn and Dale 1964).

Virginia Opossums are also considered to be nomadic, remaining in an area only six months to a year (Hunsaker and Shupe 1977). Home ranges in the United States varied from 4.7 to 254 hectares, averaging about 20 hectares (Hunsaker 1977); in Venezuela home ranges varied from an average of 11.3 hectares in the dry season to 13.2 hectares in the wet season (Sunquist et al. 1987).

Virginia opossums are omnivorous, and a majority of their diet is composed of Insecta and remains of dead animals (carrion). They are also known to eat plants, including fruits and grains in season, as well as worms, Squamata, Insecta, eggs, young Aves, and garbage. Virginia opossums are immune to rattlesnake venom and actively hunt Viperidae. After eating, Virginia opossums groom themselves like a cat.

Animal Foods: reptiles; eggs; carrion ; insects; terrestrial worms

Plant Foods: seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit

Opossums are omnivorous, including a wide variety of food in their diet (Baker, 1983). A majority of their diet is composed of insects and carrion. Opossums are also known to eat plants, including fruits and grains in season.

Primary Diet: omnivore

Comments: Highly opportunistic. Foods include insects and other invertebrates, fruits, grains, carrion, small vertebrates, and human garbage.

As scavengers, Virginia opossums play an important role in the ecosystem by eating foods and garbage that other animals may not. They are important prey items for a variety of predators.

Virginia opossums are well-known for pretending to be dead to avoid being eaten by predators. This is called "playing dead" or "playing possum." When threatened, Virginia opossums enter a catatonic state where they appear to be dead; they go limp and their breathing becomes almost undetectable. They re-awaken when the perceived danger passes.

Common predators of Virginia opossums include Canis latrans, Vulpes vulpes, Lynx rufus, Canis lupus, large Strigiformes, and Accipitridae. Juveniles may also be preyed on by Squamata and smaller birds of prey, such as Falconidae. Homo sapiens hunt Virginia opossums for food (McManus, 1974; MN Department of Natural Resources, 2011).

Known Predators:

• humans (Homo_sapiens)
• large owls (Strigiformes)
• hawks (Accipitridae)
• coyotes (Canis_latrans)
• red foxes (Vulpes_vulpes)
• snakes (Squamata)
• falcons (Falconidae)
• bobcats (Lynx_rufus)
• dogs (Canis_lupus)

As scavengers, Virginia opossums play an important role in the ecosystem by eating foods and garbage that other animals may not. They are important prey items for predators in the areas where they occur.

Virginia opossums are well-known for pretending to be dead to avoid being eaten by predators. This is called "playing dead" or "playing possum." When a Virginia opossum thinks that it is being threatened it will go into a catatonic state where it appears to be dead, they go limp and their breathing becomes almost undetectable. They re-awaken when the perceived danger passes.

Virginia opossums are preyed on by predators such as coyotes, foxes, large owls, and hawks. As young they may also be preyed on by snakes and smaller birds of prey, such as falcons. Humans hunt Virginia opossums for food.

Known Predators:

• humans (Homo sapiens)
• large owls (Strigiformes)
• hawks (Accipitridae)
• coyotes (Canis latrans)
• red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Didelphis virginiana is prey of:
Strigiformes
Accipitridae
Homo sapiens
Canis latrans
Vulpes vulpes

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Didelphis virginiana preys on:
Ambystoma annulatum
Plethodon cinereus
Trachemys scripta
Eumeces fasciatus
Diadophis punctatus
Zenaida asiatica
Otus asio
Parascalops breweri
Myotis austroriparius
Lasiurus seminolus
Plecotus rafinesquii

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Populations typically include a high percentage of young. Winter density was 1/9.9 ha and 1/44.5 ha at two locations in Tennessee (Kissell and Kennedy 1992).

When threatened, Virginia opossums click their teeth, growl, and screech.  They have poor vision, but this is not a considerable problem as they are mostly active at night.

Communication Channels: acoustic

Comments: Almost exclusively nocturnal. Maximum activity between 2300 and 0200 h (McManus 1971). Activity decreases during cold periods.

Virginia opossums rarely live longer than 18 months. The oldest known opossum in the wild was 3 years old when last captured. Although they are preyed upon by several predators, most are killed by cars.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 3.0 (high) years.

Virginia opossums rarely live for longer than 18 months. The oldest known opossum in the wild was 3 years old when last captured. Although they are preyed upon by several predators, most are killed by cars.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 3.0 (high) years.

Maximum longevity: 6.6 years (captivity) Observations: In the wild, these animals do not live more than 2 or 3 years. One animal has been known to live 6.6 years in captivity (Richard Weigl 2005). Animals living on predator-free islands, live longer, start reproducing at later ages, have smaller litter sizes, and appear to age slower than their mainland counterparts (Austad 1993).

The mating period of Virginia opossums generally does not last longer than 36 hours. Females mate with only one male, and they reject other males after mating. Eggs are fertilized in the Fallopian tubes.

The mating season of Virginia opossums lasts from January to July. Females are pregnant for 12 to 13 days. Females generally give birth to 7 to 9 babies per litter, though they can have has many as 13 in a litter. They have 1 to 2 litters each year. Young opossums weigh about 0.16 g at birth. Just after birth, the tiny young crawl into their mother's pouch and attach themselves to a nipple. Babies remain attached to their mother's nipple for the first 50 to 65 days. Young are weaned after 95 to 105 days and are no longer dependent on their mother. Females are able to breed in their first year.

Breeding season: Virginia opossums mate between January and July.

Range number of offspring: 1 to 13.

Average number of offspring: 7 to 9.

Average gestation period: 12.5 days.

Range weaning age: 95.0 to 105.0 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 6.0 to 12.0 months.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 6.0 to 12.0 months.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); fertilization ; viviparous

Average birth mass: 0.147 g.

Average gestation period: 12 days.

Average number of offspring: 15.

Female Virginia opossums provide considerable care to their young after birth. After young are born, they crawl to their mother's pouch and affix themselves to a nipple. Babies remain attached to their mother's nipple for 50 to 65 days. For the next month, young continue to nurse but often leave their mother's pouch. They remain close to their mother when outside of her pouch. When young are mouse-sized, they often ride on their mother's back, especially at night. Young Virginia opossums are weaned at 95 to 105 days of age and are no longer dependent on their mother. There is no maternal bond between the mother and young after they are weaned.

Parental Investment: altricial ; female parental care ; pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)

The mating season for opossums lasts from January to July. Copulation is usually initiated by the male. After copulation, the female rejects any more solicitations. The egg is fertilized in the Fallopian tubes. Birth occurs about 12.5 to 13 days after copulation. The average litter size ranges from 7 to 9. Depending on latitude, opossums have one or two litters per year. The young opossums weigh about 0.16 grams at birth. They are fixed to the nipple for the first 50 to 65 days of their lives. By 95 to 105 days, the young no longer depend on their mother. There is no maternal bond between the mother and young after they are weaned. Females are able to breed in their first season (McManus, 1974).

Breeding season: January-July

Range number of offspring: 1.0 to 13.0.

Average gestation period: 12.5 days.

Range weaning age: 95.0 to 105.0 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 6.0 to 12.0 months.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 6.0 to 12.0 months.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); viviparous

Average birth mass: 0.147 g.

Average gestation period: 12 days.

Average number of offspring: 15.

Parental Investment: altricial ; female parental care

U.S. mating season January-July. Commonly 2 litters/year, sometimes 3; usually 1/year in north. Gestation lasts 13 days. As many as 23 offspring may compete for 13 or so teats. Average of 8-9 young are weaned after 10-12 weeks. Sexually mature at 9 months. Juveniles experience a high rate of mortality (Hossler et al. 1994). Females seldom live through more than one reproductive season.

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.

There are 19 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.

Download FASTA File

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 3
Specimens with Barcodes: 49
Species With Barcodes: 1

Virginia opossums adapt well to human presence. Their range also is expanding, and their populations are increasing.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Justification

History

• 1996
  Lower Risk/least concern

Adapted well to the presence of humans. Opossums appear to be extending their geographic range. The population density in the wild is not very high (one animal per ten acres).

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N4 - Apparently Secure

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Conservation Actions

Virginia opossums raid garbage cans in search of food, though their foraging activity is typically not disruptive (Baker, 1983). They occasionally enter hen houses, causing problems and eating eggs, although they rarely feed on live animals. Virginia opossums also can carry and transmit human diseases, such as rabies.

Negative Impacts: injures humans (carries human disease)

In the southeastern United States, opossums are sometimes hunted for food. Opossums are used as research animals in a variety of laboratories, and their fur is occasionally used by humans. They also help to control garden pests.

Positive Impacts: food ; body parts are source of valuable material

Occasionally opossums have been known to get into human garbage, however their foraging activities are typically not disruptive (Baker, 1983). They are scavengers and rarely prey on live animals. Opossums can carry and transmit human diseases such as rabies, as can most mammals.

In the southeastern United States, opossums are sometimes hunted for food. Opossums are used as research animals in a variety of laboratories, their fur is used occasionally, and they help to control garden pests.

Positive Impacts: body parts are source of valuable material