Metachirus nudicaudatus (É. Geoffroy), E. Geoffroy

Rocha, Rita G., Ferreira, Eduardo, Costa, Barbara M. A., Martins, Iracy C. M., Leite, Yuri L. R., Costa, Leonora P. & Fonseca, Carlos, 2011, Small mammals of the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil, with the description of a new species of climbing rat, Zootaxa 2789, pp. 1-34 : 12

Metachirus nudicaudatus (É. Geoffroy)

Identification. This medium-sized marsupial is easily distinguishable by its light yellow coloration and yellowish white spot above each eye. It has a black crown on the head, extending as a stripe to the neck; gray nose; light buff cheeks; black eye outline; and two less prominent spots at the upper base of the ear. Dorsal pelage is darker in the mid-back and ventral pelage is light buff. The fur is short and soft and the tail is bicolored and naked from the base.

Measurements (n = 2): HB = 215–225, T = 270–331, HF = 42–47, E = 34–41, W = 220–300.

Distribution. This is a widely distributed species, ranging from Central to South America throughout Amazonia and Atlantic Forest, with the exception of northeast Brazil ( Gardner 2007). Despite its wide distribution, this is the first occurrence in the state of Tocantins, in central Brazil.

Natural history. Only two males M. nudicaudatus were captured, both in Tomahawk traps on the ground. Each of these captures occurred in opposite banks of the Araguaia River, in upland forest areas.

Vouchers (n = 1: ɗ): UFES 1280.