THE OPOSSUMS 



H53 



Water Opos- 

 sum 



The water opossum or yapock {Chironectes minima) differs from all 

 the other members of the family in having the hind-toes webbed, and 

 the presence of a large tubercle on the outer side of each fore- foot, 

 giving the appearance of a sixth digit. This animal ranges from Guatemala to 

 Brazil, and is distinguished by its peculiar coloration and aquatic habits. The fur 

 is short and close, and the long tail naked and scaly for the greater part of its 

 length. The head and body measure about fourteen inches in length, and the tail 

 about fifteen and one-half inches. The ground color of the fur is light gray, upon 



WATER OPOSSUM. 

 t (One-third natural size.) 



which there is a blackish-brown stripe running down the middle of the back, and 

 expanding into large blotches on the shoulders, the middle of the back, the loins, 

 and rump. The face has also blackish markings, with an imperfect whitish cres- 

 cent above the eyes; while there is a certain amount of the dark tint on the outer 

 surfaces of the limbs, the under parts being pure white. The female possesses a 

 complete pouch. In habits the yapock closely resembles an otter, to which group 

 of animals it was indeed referred by the earlier naturalists. Its food consists of 

 crustaceans, small fish, and other aquatic animals. 



