flying squirrel

views updated May 18 2018

fly·ing squir·rel • n. a small squirrel that has skin joining the fore and hind limbs for gliding from tree to tree. The two common North American species are the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and the southern flying squirrel (G. volans).

flying squirrel

views updated May 14 2018

flying squirrel Small, gliding rodent that lives in forests of Eurasia and the USA. It glides by means of furry flaps of skin that stretch out flat and taut on both sides of the body when the limbs are extended. Genus Pteromys. The African flying squirrel is of a separate genus (Anomalurus).

flying squirrel

views updated May 23 2018

flying squirrel (Petaurista alborufa) See SCIURIDAE.