Biology:Lutreolina

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Short description: Genus of marsupial

Lutreolina
Temporal range: Miocene - Recent
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle (Pl. 30) (8386027817).jpg
Big lutrine opossum (L. crassicaudata)
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Didelphimorphia
Family: Didelphidae
Tribe: Didelphini
Genus: Lutreolina
Thomas, 1910
Type species
Didelphis crassicaudata
Desmarest, 1804
Species
  • Lutreolina crassicaudata
  • Lutreolina massoia
  • Lutreolina biforata
  • Lutreolina materdei

Lutreolina is a genus of opossum found in South America. Both extant species in this genus are known as lutrine opossums. They have an otter-like body plan and occasionally semiaquatic tendencies, hence the genus name Lutreolina, which is Latin for "otter-like".

Formerly, only one species, the big lutrine opossum (previously known as just the lutrine opossum) was recognized, but a 2014 study described a second species, Lutreolina massoia, on genetic and morphological grounds.[1]

There are also two fossil species recognized, Lutreolina biforata (formerly placed in Hyperdidelphys)[2] and Lutreolina materdei.

References


Wikidata ☰ Q16335775 entry