Recreating Nature Indoors
Ever wonder who made the dioramas in our mammal halls? Read all about the artists who created these wonderful scenes. Learn more >
The Making of a Diorama
The Habitat Views video considers ways of looking at dioramas today, and documents the creation of several new displays. Take a look over on our YouTube Channel >
Field Trips & Travel
Galapagos: May 2010
Discover the Galapagos Islands, Darwin's living laboratory, on this Fellows adventure. Learn more >
Do Dolphins Have Hair?
Our mammal researchers answer this and other questions on our Mammalogy FAQs page.
Learn more >
Mammalogy Contacts
Jim Dines
Collections Manager
(213) 763-3400
jdines@nhm.org
David Janiger
Curatorial Assistant
(213) 763-3369
djaniger@nhm.org
User login
Virginia opossum
Didelphis virginiana (Kerr, 1792)
Scene:
Cascade Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of New YorkBackground artist:
unavailableOpossums are nocturnal and can be aggressive when threatened. They use various forms of intimidation to defend themselves but usually play dead when they encounter a more powerful opponent.
Opossums are the only marsupials (pouched mammals) native to the United States. Originally found only south of Pennsylvania, they have expanded into the northeast and Great Plains in historic times. They were introduced to California in 1890 and subsequently spread up the west coast.
Biological Information
Range:
In the eastern part of the United States from central America and Mexico north into southwest Ontario. Introduced to the west coast in 1890
Habitat:
Found in a range of environments but prefer stream banks and swamps
Status:
Appear to be extending their geographic range
Diet:
Omnivorous; insects and carrion with fruits and grains in season
Further information about this species may be found on the Animal Diversity Web page for Virginia opossum.