#oregonensis

[deadbirdsdaily]

MAMMAL MONDAY

Humboldt’s flying squirrel

Glaucomys oregonensis

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Humboldt’s flying squirrel was determined to be a separate species from the Northern flying squirrel through genetic analysis (Arbogast et al, 2017). They’re hard to differentiate from each other. I’m pretty sure I had a reason to think this was Humboldt’s but it could be a Northern (Glaucomys sabrinus).

I regret not trying to get a better wing spread. I didn’t initially realize that flying squirrels have a cartilaginous spur off their wrist that supports the patagium (membrane) of their wing. Ideally you pin that out. I attempted to rectify the mistake when the squirrel was already partially dried… so mixed success.

Flying squirrels also have incredibly soft but delicate fur like moles and shrews. You can see I lost a patch during prep on the back leg.

Flying squirrel with the styliform cartilage of the wrist to support the wings

Vintage plate showing the ideal wing spread (I still would’ve done one side to conserve space)