flying lemur

Thân thiện

A flying lemur glides between two tall trees in a moonlit forest.

Definition

Noun: 1. A gliding mammal of Southeast Asia: A nocturnal, tree-dwelling mammal native to Southeast Asia and the Philippines. It is not a true lemur but resembles one superficially. Its most distinctive feature is a large membrane of skin (patagium) stretching from the neck to the tips of the fingers, toes, and tail, which it uses to glide between trees.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The flying lemur is a master of gliding through the forest canopy.
  • We were lucky to spot a flying lemur clinging to a tree trunk at night.
  • Despite its name, the flying lemur does not truly fly but rather glides.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific context: In biology, the term "flying lemur" is a common name for species in the order Dermoptera, which includes the Philippine flying lemur () and the Sunda flying lemur (). The more precise term is colugo.

Variants and Related Words

• Colugo (n): The more accurate scientific/common name for the flying lemur.
  • Colugos are sometimes called flying lemurs, but they are a distinct order of mammals.
• Patagium (n): The specialized stretch of skin used for gliding.
  • The flying lemur's patagium acts like a living parachute.

Synonyms

• Colugo: The direct synonym and preferred scientific term.
• Gliding lemur: A descriptive alternative name.

Notes on Meaning

• Misleading name: It is critical to understand that a "flying lemur" is neither a true flier (like a bat) nor a true lemur (a primate from Madagascar). The name is based on a superficial resemblance and its gliding ability. Its correct biological classification is as a colugo (order Dermoptera).

Học thuật

Noun

1. arboreal nocturnal mammal of southeast Asia and the Philippines resembling a lemur and having a fold of skin on each side from neck to tail that is used for long gliding leaps

Từ đồng nghĩa

• flying cat
• colugo