There are no known adverse affects of L. crassicaudata on humans.
Predators and anti-predation behaviors for the species are not reported. However, we may assume that they fall prey to a number of small and large carnivores which inhabit the same habitats.
The basic body plan of L. crassicaudata is weasel-like. This species has short, rounded ears and a thick tail that is naked at the tip. The tail is prehensile, though not as much as in other didelphid species, and is 210 to 330 mm long. Adults have a head and body length of 200 to 400 mm. As adults, males tend to be larger than females, weighing between 455 and 1100 g, whereas females have been recorded as 176 to 800 g. Though there is no question that females do have a pouch, the amount of development of the pouch is unclear.
Coat color varies within the species. This appears to be a geographic variation, and may be due to differences in diet or climate. The upper part of the coat is generally pale yellow, buff, or dark brown, whereas the under part varies from a reddish-ochraceous to pale or dark brown.
Range mass: 176 to 1100 g.
Average mass: 432.6 g.
Range length: 466 to 781 mm.
Average length: 574.1 mm.
Sexual Dimorphism: male larger
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Average basal metabolic rate: 2.265 W.
There is no information on longetivity in the wild. One captive specimen was reported to have survived for three years.
Range lifespan
Status: captivity: 3 (high) years.
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 3.0 years.
L. crassicaudata occupies grassland, savanna grassland, and gallery woodland, and is often found near areas of permanent water. It is found in areas subject to periodic flooding, and is reportedly the most adapted didelphid to life on the pampas. It has been trapped at elevations up to 1700 m.
Range elevation: 1700 (high) m.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; forest
Wetlands: marsh
Other Habitat Features: riparian
There are two distinct ranges known for thick-tailed opossums, Lutreolina crassicaudata. One range is east of the Andes, between Bolivia and southern Brazil at the northern end, and central Argentina at the southern end. A second range, far to the north and including Guyana, eastern Venezuela, and eastern Columbia, has yielded fewer specimens.
Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )
The species is omnivorous. Individuals are reported to feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. In a study of fecal samples to determine diet, crabs, beetles, vertebrates, and fruit were all found. Specimens included animals from the classes Aves and Diplopoda, and the orders Decapoda, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Opiliones. Plants were from the families Arecaceae, Cecropiaceae, Moraceae, Piperaceae, and Solanaceae. One successful captive diet included butterfish, meat, frogs, earthworms, shrimp, and mice.
Animal Foods: birds; mammals; amphibians; reptiles; fish; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; terrestrial worms; aquatic crustaceans
Plant Foods: fruit
Primary Diet: omnivore
Though it has not been documented directly, L. crassicaudata exhibits the ecological requirements to be a seed disperser, especially for pioneer or secondary plants. To the extent that any predators rely on this species for food, these animals are likely to have some affect of predator populations.
Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds
At one time in Argentina, the animals were trapped, and their pelts were used for trimming garments. However, this practice has declined, since the color tends to fade from the hairs.
Positive Impacts: body parts are source of valuable material
There is no special conservation status for the species at this time.
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
There is no information on the modes of communication in L. crassicaudata. However, it is likely that they are similar to other members of their family, which are known to communicate with a number of vocalizations and visual signals. In addition, opposums generally have tactile communication, between mothers and their young, between mates, and also between rivals. In many species of opposums, physical aggression is common, especially between males. It is likley that L. crassicaudata is similar.
Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
The species at one time was thought to be composed of many separate subspecies, but Marshall (1978) recognized only two subspecies: L. c. crassicaudata and L. c. turneri. These animals are known as ‘Little Water Opossums', ‘Thick-tailed Opossums', and by humans in their range as ‘Comadreja Colorada'. The latter name comes in part from the common name of the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), comadreja. The chromosome number for the species is 2n=22.
There is no information on the mating system of L. crassicaudata. However, the sexual dimorphism in size that is found in adults is indicative of intermale competition for mates, and therefore suggests some level of polygyny.
L. crassicaudata is reported to breed twice annually, once in the spring and again after the first litter has become independent. Gestation is short, as is common for marsupials, and is believed to be two weeks. Litter sizes of seven and eleven have been reported, though little other information is available. Although reports indicate that the female has a well developed pouch, the young are reportedly raised in a nest of dry grass.
Breeding interval: Thick-tailed opossums breed twice annually.
Breeding season: The breeding season is in the spring and summer.
Range number of offspring: 7 to 11.
Average gestation period: 2 weeks.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous
Average gestation period: 14 days.
Average number of offspring: 8.
There is no information available on the parental investment of L. crassicaudata. However, we can assume that like other didelphids, these animals produce altricial young. The mother, as in all mammals, is likely to be the principle care-giver to the offspring, and feeds them with milk. The amount of time the young spend in the pouch has not been documented, and the only information directly available about the juvenile lives of these animals is that they are reared in a nest. There is no information indicating that males play a significant role in parental care.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)
L'opòssum cuagruixut (Lutreolina crassicaudata) és una espècie d'opòssum de Sud-amèrica. Viu al Brasil, l'Argentina, Bolívia, l'Uruguai, el Paraguai, Colòmbia i Guaiana. Les poblacions d'aquests dos últims països estan aïllades de les poblacions de la resta de països.
Die Dickschwanzbeutelratte (Lutreolina crassicaudata) ist eine Beutelsäugerart aus der Familie der Beutelratten (Didelphidae).
Vom Körperbau ähnelt sie den Wieseln. Ihr dichtes Fell ist dunkelgelb oder braun gefärbt, die Gliedmaßen sind sehr kurz. Der Schwanz ist durch die dicke, stark behaarte Schwanzwurzel charakterisiert, im Gegensatz zu anderen Beutelratten kann er nicht als Greifschwanz verwendet werden. Die Ohren sind rund und sehr klein, die Schnauze kurz. Diese Tiere erreichen eine Kopfrumpflänge von 21 bis 45 Zentimetern, eine Schwanzlänge von 21 bis 31 Zentimeter und ein Gewicht von 200 bis 550 Gramm.
Diese Art lebt in Südamerika in zwei getrennten Regionen, einerseits im Norden des Kontinents (Kolumbien bis Guyana), anderseits im zentralen Teil (Bolivien, Südbrasilien, und Nordargentinien).
Ihr Lebensraum sind meist Grasländer, oft in der Nähe von Flüssen oder Seen. Sie leben in erster Linie am Boden, können aber gut klettern und schwimmen. Sie sind nachtaktiv, tagsüber schlafen sie in Nestern aus Gräsern oder Schilf, manchmal auch in Erdhöhlen oder verlassenen Bauen anderer Tiere. Sie gelten als sozialer als andere Beutelratten, es gibt Berichte, wonach ein Männchen und zwei Weibchen zusammenleben.
Dickschwanzbeutelratten sind wohl die ausgeprägtesten Fleischfresser unter den Beutelratten. Zu ihrer Beute zählen kleine Wirbeltiere (zum Beispiel Nagetiere, Vögel, Reptilien, Frösche und Fische), Insekten und Krabben, daneben nehmen sie in geringem Ausmaß auch Früchte zu sich. Es gibt Berichte, wonach sie manchmal in Hühnerställe oder Taubenschläge eindringen und dort die Vögel reißen.
Zweimal im Jahr bringt das Weibchen nach zweiwöchiger Tragzeit Nachwuchs zur Welt. Nach der ersten Zeit im Beutel wachsen die Jungtiere in einem Blätternest auf. Über die Stilldauer oder das Alter beim Erreichen der Geschlechtsreife ist nichts bekannt. Die Lebenserwartung beträgt höchstens drei Jahre.
Die Dickschwanzbeutelratte wurde im Jahr 1804 durch den französischen Zoologen Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest erstmals beschrieben und der Gattung Didelphis zugeordnet. Im Jahr 1910 führte der britische Zoologe Oldfield Thomas die Gattung Lutreolina ein, die lange Zeit monotypisch geblieben ist. Die Dickschwanzbeutelratte wird in zwei Unterarten unterteilt, deren Verbreitungsgebiete weit auseinander liegen. Die Nominatform, L. c. crassicaudata, kommt von Bolivien über Paraguay bis zum südlichen Brasilien, Uruguay und zur argentinischen Provinz Buenos Aires vor. L. c. turneri lebt im nördlichen Guyana, in Teilen von Venezuela und im östlichen Kolumbien. Im Jahr 2014 wurde mit Massoias Dickschwanzbeutelratte (Lutreolina massoia) eine zweite Dickschwanzbeutelrattenart beschrieben.[1][2] Mit L. materdei wurde im Jahr 2012 auch eine ausgestorbene Dickschwanzbeutelrattenart beschrieben, die im Miozän lebte.[3]
Früher wurden die Tiere wegen ihres Felles gejagt, aufgrund der minderen Qualität der Pelze ist diese Praxis weitgehend verschwunden. In manchen Regionen (zum Beispiel dem nördlichen Argentinien) sind sie aufgrund der Zerstörung ihres Lebensraumes selten geworden, insgesamt betrachtet ist die Art aber häufig und zählt nicht zu den bedrohten Arten.
Die Dickschwanzbeutelratte (Lutreolina crassicaudata) ist eine Beutelsäugerart aus der Familie der Beutelratten (Didelphidae).
Lutreolina huwa ġeneru ta' mammiferi marsupjali, eżattament l-opossumi tal-kontinenti Amerikani.
Dan il-ġeneru qiegħed klassifikat fil-klassi Mammalia, fis-sottoklassi Theria, fl-infraklassi Metatheria (il-marsupjali), fis-superordni Ameridelphia (il-marsupjali Amerikani minnbarra l-kolokolo), fl-ordni Didelphimorphia, fis-superfamilja Didelphoidea, fil-familja Didelphidae, fis-sottofamilja Didelphinae u fit-tribù Didelphini, mal-ġeneri Didelphis, Hyperdidelphys, Chironectes, Philander u Thylophorops.
Il-ġeneru Lutreolina huwa monotipiku u jiġbor fiħ speċi waħda biss ħajja.
Lutreolina huwa ġeneru ta' mammiferi marsupjali, eżattament l-opossumi tal-kontinenti Amerikani.
Dan il-ġeneru qiegħed klassifikat fil-klassi Mammalia, fis-sottoklassi Theria, fl-infraklassi Metatheria (il-marsupjali), fis-superordni Ameridelphia (il-marsupjali Amerikani minnbarra l-kolokolo), fl-ordni Didelphimorphia, fis-superfamilja Didelphoidea, fil-familja Didelphidae, fis-sottofamilja Didelphinae u fit-tribù Didelphini, mal-ġeneri Didelphis, Hyperdidelphys, Chironectes, Philander u Thylophorops.
Il-ġeneru Lutreolina huwa monotipiku u jiġbor fiħ speċi waħda biss ħajja.
The big lutrine opossum (Lutreolina crassicaudata),[2] also called little water opossum, thick-tailed opossum and coligrueso, is a long-tailed, otter-like mammal native to grasslands of South America. It generally lives near water and is active at night, dawn or dusk. It eats mice, insects and crabs. Like all opossums, it is a marsupial.
The big lutrine opossum ("lutrine" means "otter-like" and "crass" meaning "thick, fat" and "cauda" meaning "tail") is a very peculiar opossum, having a long weasel-like body, short legs, small rounded ears, and dense reddish or yellowish fur.[3] Nocturnal and crepuscular, they generally live in grasslands and savannas near water. They are terrestrial but are excellent swimmers and climbers.[4]
The big lutrine opossum is distributed in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia and Guyana. Populations in the two last countries are isolated from the populations of all the other countries. It can be found in grasslands, savanna grassland, and gallery woodlands with permanent water bodies, in marshy or riparian habitats.[5]
The big lutrine opossum builds tight nests made of grass and reeds or utilize abandoned armadillo or viscacha burrows.[5]
With a skull adapted for carnivory,[5] the big lutrine opossum is carnivorous and insectivorous feeding on small rodents and lagomorphs, birds, insects, small crustaceans.[6] It is considered to be the most carnivorous of all the members of the order Didelphimorphia. It preys on venomous snakes.[4] Captive individuals have been observed eating butterfish mixed with meat, frogs, earthworms, shrimp and mice.[6] Big lutrine opossums living close to urban areas scavenge through garbage, but this behavior is isolated and likely occurs due to necessity because there is less available prey in urban areas.[4]
Breeding begins in September and carries on until April followed by approximately five months of anestrous, or time without estrus. Big lutrine opossums have two breeding periods per year resulting in litters of 7–11 offspring. Like most marsupials, litters are born into a pouch and are fed via lactation until the offspring is developed enough to leave the pouch. Gestation lasts approximately two weeks and young are weaned off mother's milk at around three months. The first litter is born in September and the second in December or January. The offspring from this breeding season reach sexual maturity at six months but do not begin reproducing until the following year.[4] Males are heavier than females indicating sexual dimorphism likely caused by male-male competition for mates.
The big lutrine opossum is quadrupedal and extremely agile. It is primarily terrestrial but also an adept climber and swimmer.[3] Its long body, proportionally short limbs, and no undulation of the vertebral column disqualifies it from being categorized as a specialized semi-aquatic mammal. Although it cannot be classified as a truly specialized mammal, it is a strong swimmer drawing power from the hind limbs as the forelimbs paddle.[5] By employing a variety of gaits its locomotion abilities allows it to run, walk, climb, swim through all the different kinds of obstacles found in the grassy-woodland and marshy areas in which it lives.[5] It can dive and swim with ease, expanding its prey base to aquatic invertebrates.[3]
Fossils found in Minas Gerais, Brazil indicate that the big lutrine opossum emerged in the late Pleistocene epoch. Lutreolina fossils found in Tarija, Bolivia as well as samples uncovered across Argentina also indicate appearance of lutrine opossum ancestors during the late Pleistocene.[3] For a short time in Argentina, the opossums were hunted for their pelts for fur trade and to line garments, but this market quickly declined because the color of the opossum pelts would fade over time.[3]
Genetic and morphological studies indicate that the population in the Yungas, which was formerly considered a population of L. crassicaudata (with both species being grouped under the common name "lutrine opossum"), is in fact a distinct species, Massoia's lutrine opossum (Lutreolina massoia). As its name suggests, the big lutrine opossum is larger than Massoia's lutrine opossum.[7]
The big lutrine opossum (Lutreolina crassicaudata), also called little water opossum, thick-tailed opossum and coligrueso, is a long-tailed, otter-like mammal native to grasslands of South America. It generally lives near water and is active at night, dawn or dusk. It eats mice, insects and crabs. Like all opossums, it is a marsupial.
La zarigüeya de cola gruesa o comadreja colorada (Lutreolina crassicaudata) es una especie de marsupial exclusivo de Sudamérica,[1] donde habita en dos núcleos poblacionales disyuntos: uno en Paraguay oriental, centro y noreste de Argentina, sur de Brasil y Uruguay;[3] y otro aún poco conocido y que podría tratarse de otra especie, en Colombia, Venezuela y Guyana.[1] Es debido al aspecto de Lutreolina crassicaudata, que recuerda al de un mustélido, que los españoles al llegar a Sudamérica comenzaron a llamar "comadrejas" a estos mamíferos marsupiales, que no están emparentados con las verdaderas comadrejas.
Esta comadreja marsupial es el mayor miembro de la familia tras las especies del género Didelphis, con un cuerpo alargado que mide entre 60 y 75 cm, de los cuales entre 30 y 35 pertenecen a su larga cola, bastante gruesa en su mitad inicial, característica que le ha dado uno de sus nombres comunes. Su peso corporal ronda entre 0,6 y 1,5 kg. Su cabeza es pequeña, así como también sus orejas, que son redondeadas. Su pelaje varía mucho de coloración, pudiendo ser desde un amarillento claro o rojizo o castao hasta pardo oscuro. Tiene 50 dientes. Los machos son de mayor tamaño que las hembras, las cuales a veces no desarrollan marsupio.[4]
El análisis genético determinó que la población de Lutreolina encontrada en las selvas de montaña o Yungas del noroeste de Argentina y en Bolivia pertenece a una especie diferente, Lutreolina massoia.[3]
La zarigüeya de cola gruesa o comadreja colorada (Lutreolina crassicaudata) es una especie de marsupial exclusivo de Sudamérica, donde habita en dos núcleos poblacionales disyuntos: uno en Paraguay oriental, centro y noreste de Argentina, sur de Brasil y Uruguay; y otro aún poco conocido y que podría tratarse de otra especie, en Colombia, Venezuela y Guyana. Es debido al aspecto de Lutreolina crassicaudata, que recuerda al de un mustélido, que los españoles al llegar a Sudamérica comenzaron a llamar "comadrejas" a estos mamíferos marsupiales, que no están emparentados con las verdaderas comadrejas.
Lutreolina crassicaudata Lutreolina generoko animalia da. Didelphimorphia ordenaren barruko ugaztuna da. Didelphinae azpifamilia eta Didelphidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Lutreolina crassicaudata Lutreolina generoko animalia da. Didelphimorphia ordenaren barruko ugaztuna da. Didelphinae azpifamilia eta Didelphidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Lutreolina crassicaudata
L’Opossum à grosse queue[1] (Lutreolina crassicaudata) est une espèce de mammifères marsupiaux de la famille des Didelphidae (les opossums d'Amérique) de la sous-famille des Didelphinés. Elle était considérée comme la seule espèce du genre Lutreolina, jusqu'à la découverte en 2014 d'une nouvelle espèce, Lutreolina massoia[2].
L’Opossum à grosse queue atteint une longueur de 21 à 45 cm pour le corps, avec une longueur de queue de 21 à 31 cm. Il pèse de 200 à 550 g. Il s'agit d'un opossum très particulier, au corps allongé comme une fouine et à la fourrure dense, rouge ou jaunâtre. Il est doté de petites oreilles arrondies et avec des membres et un museau courts. Sa longue queue velue n'est pas préhensile, tout comme les opossums de la même famille.
On le trouve au Brésil, en Argentine, Bolivie, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombie et Guyana. Les populations de ces deux derniers pays sont isolées des autres.
On le trouve dans les zones d'eau stagnantes, dans les habitats marécageux ou à proximité.
Ce sont des animaux nocturnes qui peuvent très bien nager et grimper. Ils se nourrissent de poissons, d'autres petits vertébrés et d'insectes.
Selon Mammal Species of the World (version 3, 2005) (26 mai 2010)[3] :
Lutreolina crassicaudata
L’Opossum à grosse queue (Lutreolina crassicaudata) est une espèce de mammifères marsupiaux de la famille des Didelphidae (les opossums d'Amérique) de la sous-famille des Didelphinés. Elle était considérée comme la seule espèce du genre Lutreolina, jusqu'à la découverte en 2014 d'une nouvelle espèce, Lutreolina massoia.
De dikstaartbuidelrat (Lutreolina crassicaudata) is een zoogdier uit de familie van de Didelphidae. De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort werd voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd door Desmarest in 1804.
Bronnen, noten en/of referenties
Tjocksvansad pungråtta (Lutreolina crassicaudata) är ett däggdjur i familjen pungråttor och den enda arten i sitt släkte.[2] Arten förekommer i Sydamerika och hämtar sin föda ibland från vattnet.
Djuret påminner i kroppsbyggnaden om en vessla. Den tjocka men inte helt vattentäta pälsen har en mörkgul till brun färg och extremiteterna är korta. Som namnet antyder är den håriga svansen vid övergången till bålen tydlig tjock. Den kan i motsats till svansen hos några andra pungråttor inte användas som gripverktyg. Hos vissa individer är ett 5 cm långt område på svansens undersida naken. Öronen är jämförelsevis små och nosen kort. Individerna når en kroppslängd mellan 21 och 45 centimeter, en svanslängd mellan 21 och 31 centimeter samt en vikt mellan 200 och 540 gram.[3]
Honor har en väl utvecklad pung (Marsupium) och ungefär 9 spenar.[3]
Tjocksvansad pungråtta förekommer i Sydamerika i flera från varandra skilda områden som kan tillskrivas två regioner, den ena i norra delen (Colombia och Guyana) och den andra i centrala Sydamerika (Bolivia, södra Brasilien, norra Argentina).[1] Habitatet utgörs främst av gräsmark, ofta nära vattenansamlingar.[3] I bergstrakter hittas pungråttan upp till 1800 meter över havet.[4]
Djuret vistas främst på marken men den har bra förmåga att klättra i träd och att simma. Tjocksvansad pungråtta är aktiv på natten och sover i självbyggda bon av gräs och bladvass, i underjordiska bon som skapades av andra djur eller i trädens håligheter.[3]
Arten livnär sig mer än andra pungråttor av kött. Den äter mindre ryggradsdjur (fåglar, gnagare, kräldjur, groddjur och fiskar) samt insekter och krabbor. I viss mån äter den även frukter. Ibland uppsöker den människans boplatser för att fånga tamhöns eller duvor.[3]
Arten är troligen mer social än andra pungråttor. I fångenskap levde några individer utan strider tillsammans. Honor kan ha två kullar per år och dräktigheten varar ungefär två veckor. Sedan lever ungarna en tid i pungen och efteråt stannar de ett tag i bon av blad. Det är okänt hur länge ungarna dias och när de blir könsmogna. Livslängden går upp till tre år.[3]
Tidigare jagades tjocksvansad pungråtta för pälsens skull men pälsens kvalitet uppskattades sällan och därför jagas idag nästan inga individer. I några regioner som norra Argentina blev arten sällsynt på grund av habitatförlust.[3] IUCN betraktar populationen som stabil och klassificerar arten som livskraftig (least concern).[1]
Tjocksvansad pungråtta (Lutreolina crassicaudata) är ett däggdjur i familjen pungråttor och den enda arten i sitt släkte. Arten förekommer i Sydamerika och hämtar sin föda ibland från vattnet.
Lutreolina crassicaudata là một loài động vật có vú, loài duy nhất của chi Lutreolina, thuộc họ Didelphidae, bộ Didelphimorphia. Loài này được Desmarest mô tả năm 1804.[2] Chúng được tìm thấy ở Brasil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia và Guyana.
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Bài viết liên quan đến động vật có vú này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn. Lutreolina crassicaudata là một loài động vật có vú, loài duy nhất của chi Lutreolina, thuộc họ Didelphidae, bộ Didelphimorphia. Loài này được Desmarest mô tả năm 1804. Chúng được tìm thấy ở Brasil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia và Guyana.
L. c. crassicaudata
L. c. paranalis
L. c. turneri
粗尾負鼠屬（Lutreolina，粗尾負鼠）是哺乳綱的一屬，而與粗尾負鼠屬（粗尾負鼠）同科的動物尚有草地負鼠屬（草地負鼠）、袋負鼠屬等之數種哺乳動物。这个属只有一个种，即粗尾负鼠（Lutreolina crassicaudata）
从体形粗尾负鼠类似鼬，它们被有浓密的皮毛，深黄色或棕色。四肢短。尾巴根部的毛非常浓密。和其它负鼠不同的是粗尾负鼠不能用它们的尾巴来抓住树枝作为攀腾的工具。耳小，圆形，嘴短。粗尾负鼠的总长度在21至45厘米之间，尾部长21至31厘米，重200至550克。
粗尾负鼠生活在南美洲的两个不相连的地区，在北部的哥伦比亚和圭亚那以及在中部的玻利维亚、巴西南部和阿根廷北部。
它们一般生活在草原上，往往在河流和湖泊周围。它们主要生活在地面上，但是也能很好地爬树和游泳。粗尾负鼠夜间行动。白日里则在草和芦苇筑的巢里睡觉，有时它们也会在洞或者其它动物留下来的巢里睡觉。在负鼠中它们是比较群居的。有报道说有一只雄鼠和两只雌鼠一起生活的。
粗尾负鼠是负鼠中肉食性最强的。它们的猎物包括小的脊椎动物（啮齿动物、鸟、爬行动物、蛙和鱼）、昆虫和虾，此外它们还吃少量果实。有它们进入鸡圈和鸽圈捕食家禽的报道。
雌鼠每年可以生产两次，怀孕期为两个星期。一开始幼鼠生活在雌鼠的带里，后来在叶子做的巢中。粗尾负鼠的哺乳期和性成熟期不明，寿命顶多三年。
过去有人因为它们的皮毛捕杀粗尾负鼠，但是由于这些皮毛的品質不高，因此现在已经没有人因此捕杀它们了。在一些地方（比如阿根廷北部）由于它们的生活环境被破坏它们数量减少，总的来看粗尾负鼠的数量很高，因此没有受到威胁。
粗尾負鼠屬（Lutreolina，粗尾負鼠）是哺乳綱的一屬，而與粗尾負鼠屬（粗尾負鼠）同科的動物尚有草地負鼠屬（草地負鼠）、袋負鼠屬等之數種哺乳動物。这个属只有一个种，即粗尾负鼠（Lutreolina crassicaudata）
족제비주머니쥐(Lutreolina crassicaudata)는 남아메리카에 사는 주머니쥐목에 속하는 유대류의 일종이다. 족제비주머니쥐속(Lutreolina)의 유일종이다.[2] 작은물주머니쥐 또는 가는꼬리주머니쥐 등으로도 불린다.
브라질과 아르헨티나, 볼리비아, 우루과이, 파라과이, 콜롬비아 그리고 가이아나 등에서 발견된다. 콜롬비아와 가이아나의 개체군은 다른 나라의 개체군으로부터 떨어져 고립되어 있다.
족제비처럼 긴몸을 지닌, 아주 특이한 주머니쥐로 불그스레하거나 누르스름한 빛깔의 촘촘한 털을 갖고 있다. 또한 꼬리는 길고, 귀는 작고 둥글다.
다음은 주머니쥐과의 계통 분류이다.[3]
주머니쥐과 양털주머니쥐아과 주머니쥐아과 쇠주머니쥐족 주머니쥐족 살찐꼬리쇠주머니쥐족
