Pteromys volans orii Flying Squirrel Gliding Between Trees

This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), gliding from the top of one tree to another. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range. Although these animals are primarily nocturnal, they sometimes emerge during the day. Usually this is for brief durations to urinate or defecate. In this instance, this particular individual was one of two males competing for the right to mate with a female. Such reproduction-related competition sometimes takes place during daylight hours.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: japanese-dwarf-flying-squirrel-airborne-202002-15570.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 8256x5504 / 130.1MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Mammal Squirrel Animalia Chordata Mammalia Rodentia Sciuridae Pteromys volans orii Eurasian Small Flying Squirrel Ezo Momonga Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel Russian Flying Squirrel Siberian Flying Squirrel Pacific Japan Hokkaido Nocturnal
Contained in galleries: Japan

This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii), gliding from the top of one tree to another. Known locally as ezo-momonga, this sub-species of Siberian flying squirrel is found only in Hokkaido, Japan. Mature females measure up to 15cm, males up to 18cm (not including tail). These animals weigh up to 120g and are capable of gliding considerable distances. During flight, they use their patagia (membranes of skin between their forelimbs and hind limbs) and tails (10-12cm) to achieve lift, directional control and maneuvering capability. One study in Japan recorded a maximum glide distance exceeding 49m, though most flights fell into the 10m to 20m range. Although these animals are primarily nocturnal, they sometimes emerge during the day. Usually this is for brief durations to urinate or defecate. In this instance, this particular individual was one of two males competing for the right to mate with a female. Such reproduction-related competition sometimes takes place during daylight hours.