glaucomys volans

2 definitions found

glaucomys volans - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Flying squirrel \Fly"ing squir"rel\ (? or ?). (Zool.)
     One of a group of squirrels, of the genus Glaucomys
     (formerly Pteromus and Sciuropterus [1913 Webster]),
     especially Glaucomys volans and Glaucomys sabrinus,
     having parachute-like folds of skin extending from the fore
     to the hind legs, which enable them to make very long,
     gliding leaps.
     [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     Note: The species of Pteromys are large, with bushy tails,
           and inhabit southern Asia and the East Indies; those of
           Sciuropterus are smaller, with flat tails, and inhabit
           the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. The
           American species (Sciuropterus volucella) is also
           called Assapan. The Australian flying squirrels, or
           flying phalangers, are marsupials. See Flying phalanger
            (above).
           [1913 Webster]

glaucomys volans - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Glaucomys volans
      n 1: small large-eyed nocturnal flying squirrel of eastern
           United States [syn: southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans
           ]