Opossum vs Possum: The Short Answer
While people often use the terms interchangeably, an opossum and a possum are two entirely different animals. The opossum is a marsupial native to North America, specifically known as the Virginia opossum. The possum is a marsupial native to Australia and surrounding regions.
They belong to completely different scientific orders. The confusion stems from historical naming, where the Australian possum was named after the North American opossum due to a superficial resemblance. If you are in North America, you are looking at an opossum. If you are in Australia, it is a possum.
What is an Opossum?
The North American opossum, formally known as the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. They are incredibly resilient and adaptable creatures. You will often find them in suburban and urban environments across the United States.
Physical Characteristics of the Opossum
Opossums have a very distinct appearance that makes them easy to identify. They have coarse grayish-white fur and a pointed, pale face. One of their most defining features is their bare, hairless tail, which looks similar to a rat's tail.
This tail is prehensile, meaning it can be used to grasp branches and aid in climbing. They also possess 50 sharp teeth, more than any other North American land mammal. Additionally, they have opposable thumbs on their hind feet, making them excellent climbers.
Opossum Habitat and Diet
Opossums are highly adaptable scavengers that can thrive in a variety of environments. They live anywhere from deciduous forests to busy city neighborhoods. They are nocturnal and opportunistic omnivores, meaning they will eat almost anything they can find.
Their diet consists of insects, snails, rodents, berries, overripe fruit, garbage, and carrion. Interestingly, they are largely immune to snake venom and regularly eat venomous snakes. They also consume thousands of ticks every season, making them highly beneficial to the ecosystem.
What is a Possum?
The term "possum" technically refers to a suborder of marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. There are over 70 different species of Australian possums. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and the ringtail possum are the most well-known.
Physical Characteristics of the Possum
Unlike their North American namesakes, Australian possums look much more like large chinchillas or tree squirrels. They have thick, soft fur that can range from silver-gray to brown or black. Their faces are more rounded, and they have large, dark eyes adapted for night vision.
Their most distinguishing feature is their furry tail. The brushtail possum has a bushy tail similar to a fox's. The ringtail possum has a long, tapering tail with a white tip that it uses to grip branches.
Possum Habitat and Diet
Australian possums are primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. They are found in eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and urban areas across Australia. Like opossums, they are nocturnal.
However, their diet is mainly herbivorous. They prefer to eat eucalyptus leaves, flowers, shoots, and fruits. While they will occasionally eat insects or bird eggs, they do not scavenge for meat or garbage like the North American opossum.
The History of the Names
How did two completely different animals on opposite sides of the world end up with virtually the same name? The answer lies in the history of European exploration.
Captain John Smith and the Opossum
The word "opossum" originates from the Powhatan language, a Native American language spoken in Virginia. When English colonists, including Captain John Smith, encountered the animal in the early 1600s, they adapted the Powhatan word "opassom." This roughly translates to "white dog" or "white beast."
Smith recorded the animal in his writings, introducing the word to the English language. This allowed the Virginia opossum to be formally documented by Western explorers.
Sir Joseph Banks and the Australian Possum
Over a century later, in 1770, the British botanist Sir Joseph Banks was accompanying Captain James Cook on his voyage to Australia. Upon seeing a furry, tree-dwelling marsupial in Queensland, Banks thought it loosely resembled the American opossum.
He mistakenly recorded the Australian animal as a "possum," dropping the "o." The name stuck. Ever since, the entirely unrelated Australian marsupials have been known as possums.
Key Differences Summarized
To summarize the difference between opossum and possum:
- Location: Opossums live in North America; possums live in Australia.
- Appearance: Opossums have bare, rat-like tails and pointed faces. Possums have furry tails and rounded faces.
- Diet: Opossums are omnivorous scavengers. Possums are primarily herbivores.
- Taxonomy: Opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia. Possums belong to the suborder Phalangeriformes.