Pteromys volans
Siberian flying squirrel

Pteromys volans occurs throughout Scandinavia, Russia, across northern Asia to Siberia and south along the Pacific coast of northern China. (Yanagawa et.al 1991)

Populations of Pteromys volans can be found in forests with aspen, birch, spruce, cedar, or pine trees. They prefer areas with a lot of old, hollow trees for building nests. (Ognev 1966)

Pteromys volans have a membrane that extends between their fore- and hind limbs. Unlike some other species of flying squirrels, Pteromys volans do not have a membrane between their hind limbs and the base of their tail. Their limbs are relatively short and thick and their hind feet are significantly larger than their forefeet. The length of the head and body is 120-228 mm. Pteromys volans have distinct, large, black eyes. Old World flying squirrels have thick, long and soft fur. In the summer, the fur on the back is yellow-gray to blackish gray. In the winter, it becomes silvery gray. The belly remains white throughout the year. The margins of the gliding membrane are bordered with a distinct fringe of soft fur. The tail is flat and is covered with short hair.

(Nowak 1991, Ognev 1966)

Pteromys volans are nocturnal. In the summer, they are active from a half hour to an hour after sunset until dawn. Most of this time is spent searching for food. During the winter, this period of activity is shorter and P. volans consume less food. When active, P. volans spend little time on the ground. They glide from tree to tree collecting and consuming food. During flight, they extend their forelimbs laterally, but their hind limbs are kept close together along the tail. This creates an unsual triangle silhouette. Pteromys volans are a social species; many can be found together in a single tree. They build nests in vacant tree holes or in the junction of a branch and the trunk. Nests are often inhabited by pairs.

Information on mating behavior in nature is incomplete. However, captive males vocalize distinct chirping sounds and chase captive females.

(Ognev 1966, Yanagawa et. al. 1991)

Pteromys volans are basically herbivores. In the summer, they feed on green plants, young branches, berries and seeds. During the winter months, P. volans consume nuts, catkins, pine cones, and pine needles. Local hunters claim the Old World flying squirrels also eat young birds and eggs from nests. However, there is no scientific evidence of this behavior. (Niethammer 1990, Ognev 1966)

Pteromys volans are hunted for commercial use of their fur. (Nowak 1991)

Populations of P. volans are declining in Europe because of habitat destruction due to lumbering. (Nowak 1991)

Pteromys volans are preyed upon by martens, owls, ermines, and cats. (Ognev 1966)