Difference Between Possum and Opossum

The main difference between possum and opossum is that the possum is an Australian marsupial whereas the opossum is a North American marsupial. Furthermore, a visually identifiable difference between possum and opossum is that the possum has a fleshy tail covered with fur while opossum has a rat-like, fur-less tail. 

Possum and opossum are two types of marsupial animals whose names are used interchangeably. Possum has a white face with a grayish-white body while opossum is silver-gray, brown, black or gold in color. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. Possum
     –  Definition, Features, Behavior
2. Opossum
     – Definition, Features, Behavior
3. What are the Similarities Between Possum and Opossum
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Possum and Opossum
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Fur, Habitat, Marsupials, Opossum, Possum, Tail 

Possum – Definition, Features, Behavior 

Possum is an Australian marsupial with four primary color variations: silver-gray, brown, black or gold. The name ‘possum’ was given due to its resemblance to the North American opossum. Possum belongs to the family Phalangeridae. Also, the Australian possum is often called common brushtail possum.  

Figure 1: Common Brushtail Possum

The ears of the possum are larger than the ears of the Virginia opossum. The fur of the possum is softer and bushier. The most characteristic feature of possum is its bushy tail. Another variety of possum is common ringtail possum.  

Opossum – Definition, Features, Behavior 

Opossum is a North American marsupial with a white face and a grayish-white body. It belongs to the family Didelphidae. The name ‘opossum’ was given by an English colonist John Smith of the Jamestown colony in the 1600s. Hence, the common name for opossum is Virginia North American opossum.  

Figure 2: Virginia Opossum

The feet and the ears of the Virginia opossum are black. The most distinguishing feature of the opossum is its rat-like tail. Generally, the opossum is considered an ugly and scaring animal due to its tail. Opossum can mimic the smell and the appearance of a sick or dead animal when threatened. This situation is referred to as ‘playing possum‘. 

Similarities Between Possum and Opossum 

• Possum and opossum are two types of marsupial mammals.  
• They are born incompletely developed and are typically carried and suckled in a pouch on the mother.  
• They are small to medium in size. 
• Their snouts, eyes, and feet look similar. 
• Both are opportunistic omnivores. They eat meat, animal matter, insects, bird’s eggs, leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits, and seeds. 

Difference Between Possum and Opossum 

Definition 

Possum refers to a tree-dwelling Australasian marsupial that typically has a prehensile tail while opossum refers to an American marsupial which has a naked prehensile tail and hind feet with an opposable thumb.

Belong to 

Possum belongs to the family Phalangeridae while opossum belongs to the family Didelphidae. 

Origin of the Name 

The name ‘possum’ was given due to its resemblance to the North American opossum while the name ‘opossum’ was given by an English colonist John Smith of the Jamestown colony. 

Common Name 

The common name for possum is common brushtail possum while the common name for opossum is Virginia North American Opossum.  

Live in 

Possum lives in Australia while opossum lives in North America. 

Color 

Possum is silver-gray, brown, black or gold in color while opossum has a white face with a grayish-white body. 

Ears 

Possum has large ears while opossum has comparatively small ears. 

Fur 

The fur of possum is smooth and fleshy while the fur of opossum has coarse, long, flat fur. 

Tail 

The tail of the possum is fleshy and covered with fur while the tail of opossum is rat-like without fur. 

Appearance 

Possum is a very cute animal while opossum looks scary due to pointed teeth and ugly due to the rat-like tail. 

Conclusion 

Possum is an Australian marsupial while opossum is a North American marsupial. Possum has a white-grayish color body while opossum has a brown-black color body. Possum has a fleshy tail covered by fur while opossum has a rat-like tail. The main difference between possum and opossum is their habitat and appearance. 

Reference:

1. “Possums.” Wildlife, Wildlife, 27 June 2018, Available Here
2. Bradford, Alina. “Facts About the Common Opossum.” LiveScience, Purch, 20 Sept. 2016, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1.”Trichosurus vulpecula 1″ By JJ Harrison ([email protected]) – Own work (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Opossum 2” By Cody Pope – Wikipedia:User:Cody.pope (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia