Definition

Noun: * Southern flying squirrel: A small, nocturnal rodent (Glaucomys volans) characterized by large eyes and a patagium (a fur-covered membrane stretching between its front and hind legs) that allows it to glide between trees. It is native to the eastern United States.

Usage Notes

• This is the scientific name (binomial nomenclature) for a specific species of flying squirrel. It is used in formal, academic, or zoological contexts.
• In everyday conversation, the common name "southern flying squirrel" is almost always used instead of .
• It is always written in italics. The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is not.

Examples

• Scientific/Formal Context:
  • The study focused on the habitat preferences of Glaucomys volans in deciduous forests.
  • Two species of flying squirrels are native to North America: Glaucomys sabrinus (the northern flying squirrel) and Glaucomys volans.
• General Context (using the common name):
  • We put up a nesting box hoping to attract southern flying squirrels.

Advanced Usage

• The species epithet "" is Latin for "flying," directly describing the animal's gliding ability.
• In taxonomic hierarchy, belongs to the family Sciuridae (squirrels).

Variants and Related Words

• Southern flying squirrel (n): The common name for .
• Glaucomys (n): The genus that includes both the northern () and southern () flying squirrels.
• Flying squirrel (n): The general common name for squirrels in the tribe Pteromyini, which have the ability to glide.

Synonyms

• Southern flying squirrel

Different Meanings

• This term has only one specific meaning: it refers exclusively to this particular species of rodent. It is not used idiomatically or in other contexts.

Noun

1. small large-eyed nocturnal flying squirrel of eastern United States