Flying Squirrel Fundamentals Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pteromyini

The term, 'pteromyini', comes from Ancient Greek 'pteros' meaning 'wing' and 'mus' meaning mouse'. Pavo cristatus Is the Indian peafowl, Sciurus vulgaris is the red squirrel, and Sciurus carolinensis is the scientific name for the grey squirrel.

Answer: pink

Yes, they glow bright pink! One night, a biologist in Wisconsin, USA was looking for frogs and types of flora that glow under UV light. He heard a flying squirrel chirping and shone the UV at it as it glided by. It was bright pink. Stuffed specimens over 100 years old from museums glow as well. It is believed that this adaptation makes the squirrels more visible to each other.

Answer: False

Flying squirrels don't have wings, so they don't actually fly. They have flaps of skin that they use to glide from branch to branch. Flying squirrels actually use their tails for steering.

Answer: a drey

Depending on the species of flying squirrel and the region, the size of the drey and the materials used for construction will vary. Common materials are leaves, moss, twigs, lichen, and bark.

Answer: 40 days

Flying squirrels mate in late winter and give birth to helpless young whose eyes and ears are closed. Only the females take care of their offspring which are known as kits. They will nurse their babies for 65 days.

Answer: its flaps

The patagium (patagia, pl) is a flap that the squirrels use for gliding. The patagia connect from their wrists to their ankles and form a square that they use like a parachute.

Answer: specialized cartilage

The flaps are made from specialized cartilage that is not found in other gliding animals. Flying squirrels don't have a means of propulsion, which precludes them from being capable of true flight. They are able to glide up to 150 feet (45 metres) at a time, though.

Answer: False

Both North American flying squirrel species are completely nocturnal. They venture out at night to forage for food. Some will go to the ground but most prefer to stay in the trees.

Answer: omnivorous

Flying squirrels are omnivores. They eat nuts, fruit, spiders, fungi, birds, seeds, eggs, mushrooms, worms, birds, etc. They can eat similar things in captivity but they also enjoy hamster pellets, birdseed, and fresh vegetables as well.

Answer: True

Flying squirrels can be good pets as long as they are cared for properly. Make sure you are adequately prepared to care for them. In addition, the legalities of owning flying squirrels do vary from place to place, so make sure you educate yourself on the laws in your area before obtaining one of these beautiful creatures.