Monodelphis domestica
gray short-tailed opossum

Monodelphis domestica is found throughout the forests of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. ("American Opossums", 1984; "American Opossums", 2001; Kalafut, 2005; Wilson and Reeder, 1993)

Gray short-tailed opossums are found in tropical forests, scrublands, and grassy areas, on the ground or in low level vegetation. As with other short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis), gray short-tailed opossums may inhabit human dwellings, where they feed on small rodents and insects. ("American Opossums", 1984; "American Opossums", 2001; Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Wilson and Reeder, 1993)

Monodelphis domestica is a member of the group of short-tailed opossums, Monodelphis, which are some of the smallest didelphids. Body length of adults ranges from 10 to 15 cm. Adult males weigh between 90 and 155 g, females are between 80 and 100 g. Most individuals have light grey fur, but fur color does vary, with some popluations having more reddish or whitish fur. Their tails are naked, rat-like, and semi-prehensile. Tail length varies but is usually about half the length of the of body. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Kalafut, 2005; Trupin and Fadem, 1982; Unger, 1982)

Mating behavior in M. domestica is strongly tied to olfaction. Males habitually mark their surroundings with a chemical mark produced by a sternal gland. This scent likely serves as an advertisement to local females and a warning to local males. When a male and a receptive female meet, a precopulatory dance of sniffing, chasing, biting, and licking ensues. At the completion of this dance, the male immobilizes the female's hind legs and begins copulation, which lasts from 4 to 7 minutes. The majority of matings take place with the animals laying on their right sides. ("American Opossums", 1984; "American Opossums", 2001; Trupin and Fadem, 1982)

Sexual maturity in M. domestica is reached by 18 to 20 weeks. Gestation lasts 14 to 15 days and females can have up to 5 litters per year. Typical litter size is from 7 to 9. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; "American Opossums", 2001; Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Kalafut, 2005)

Immediately after birth, newborn M. domestica crawl to their mother's stomach and attach to a nipple. They remain attached this way for 3 to 4 weeks. After detachment the young climb on their mother and/or follow her around for another three months or more. Paternal care in M. domestica is nonexistent, moreover, in captivity when fathers are confronted with their offspring, they act aggressively towards them. (Kalafut, 2005; Trupin and Fadem, 1982)

Just over six years seems the most agreed upon upper lifespan in captivity. In the wild, two years is the standard lifespan. ("American Opossums", 2001; Kalafut, 2005)

Gray short-tailed opossums are solitary animals that exhibit aggressive behavior towards conspecifics. Nowhere is this more evident than in breeding, where one of the two animals of the breeding pair is often wounded in the precopulatory aggressive dance. More is known about M. domestica in captivity than in the wild. Nest building behavior has only been seen, for instance, in animals in captivity. This behavior is seems to be for thermoregulation and, in the wild, may protect animals from midday heat. ("American Opossums", 2001; Fadem and Corbett, 1997; Kalafut, 2005; Unger, 1982)

Small South American opossums like M. domestica generally have fairly small territories, on the order of two acres or less. ("American Opossums", 1984; "American Opossums", 2001; Emmons and Feer, 1990; Fadem and Corbett, 1997)

Gray short-tailed opossums vocalize when threatened or approached by a possible mate. A series of chirps or barks is used to advertise threat level. Olfaction also plays an important role in the lives of gray short-tailed opossums; scent marking is used for territorial purposes and for assessment of reproductive condition of females. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Fadem and Corbett, 1997; Kalafut, 2005; Trupin and Fadem, 1982)

Gray short-tailed opossums are omnivorous, eating insects, fruits, and small animals, such as rodents. (Fadem and Corbett, 1997; Kalafut, 2005; Trupin and Fadem, 1982; Wilson and Reeder, 1993)

Specific information on predators of M. domestica was not found. Harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja), other birds of prey, and other predatory mammals are likely predators. Gray short-tailed opossums are cryptically colored and secretive, thereby avoiding some predation.

Gray short-tailed opossums are insectivores and negatively impact insect populations where they occur. No list of predators which feed upon M. domestica has been published; however, they are likely part of the diets of other mammalian carnivores, such as other didelphids, and large birds of prey. Monodelphis domestica also acts as a host for a variety of parasites, such as the echinostomatiform protozoan Rhopalias dobbini. (Prod, 1968)

Gray short-tailed opossums have become a popular species in the exotic pet trade. They are important in research because they are one of the few animals to get skin cancer at a rate similar to humans. Gray short-tailed opossums are at the top of the list for full genome sequencing. Dozens of research projects are currently being done with M. domestica. (Fadem and Corbett, 1997; Kalafut, 2005; Trupin and Fadem, 1982; Unger, 1982; Wilson and Reeder, 1993)

Gray short-tailed opossums are often welcome visitors in human households, as they consume insects, scorpions, and other pests.

Monodelphis domestica can invade human dwellings and become an annoyance. ("American Opossums", 1984; "American Opossums", 2001; "American Opossums", 1984; "American Opossums", 2001)

Monodelphis domestica is both common in the wild and in the pet trade. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Emmons and Feer, 1990; Kalafut, 2005)