- Glaucomys volans
- Flying squirrel Fly"ing squir"rel (? or ?). (Zo["o]l.)
One of a group of squirrels, of the genus {Glaucomys}
(formerly {Pteromus} and {Sciuropterus} [1913 Webster]),
especially {Glaucomys volans} and {Glaucomys sabrinus},
having parachute-like folds of skin extending from the fore
to the hind legs, which enable them to make very long,
gliding leaps.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
Note: The species of Pteromys are large, with bushy tails, and inhabit southern Asia and the East Indies; those of Sciuropterus are smaller, with flat tails, and inhabit the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. The American species {(Sciuropterus volucella)} is also called Assapan. The Australian flying squirrels, or flying phalangers, are marsupials. See {Flying phalanger} (above). [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
