Sugar Glider

marsupial · gliding · nocturnal · Australia

Masters of gliding. Sugar gliders have a stretchy fold of skin between their front and back legs that acts like a parachute, letting them sail from tree to tree in the darkness. They can glide incredibly far and steer themselves to land exactly where they want.

Sugar-loving treats. These little creatures love sweet foods like tree sap, nectar, and honeydew, which is how they got their sugary name. But they're not picky eaters and also munch on insects and tree gum.

Night acrobats. Sugar gliders are completely nocturnal and super active when darkness falls, performing amazing flips and tricks high in the forest canopy. Their scientific name actually means 'short-headed rope-dancer' because of all their aerial stunts.

Marsupial relatives. Unlike flying squirrels that they look similar to, sugar gliders are marsupials from Australia, meaning they carry their babies in a pouch. They evolved similar gliding abilities completely separately, which scientists call convergent evolution.

Highly social animals. Sugar gliders live in family groups and love company, often clinging together and making loud squeaking sounds to communicate with each other.