Dermopteri is a biological term that refers to a group of mammals that belong to the order Dermoptera. It is derived from the Greek words "derma," meaning skin, and "pteron," meaning wing. Dermopteri are commonly known as colugos or flying lemurs.
These small arboreal animals are found in Southeast Asia and are typically classified as gliding mammals. They have a unique adaptation of a patagium, which is a large, thin, and slightly webbed membrane of skin that extends between their limbs and tail. This patagium allows them to glide effortlessly through the air, covering significant distances.
Dermopteri are characterized by their elongated bodies, large eyes, and slender limbs. They are about the size of a cat, with an average length of 35 to 40 centimeters and a weight of around 1 to 2 kilograms. Despite their name, flying lemurs are not true lemurs and are not capable of true flight like birds or bats. Instead, they use their patagium to launch themselves from trees and glide to nearby locations.
These mammals are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, shoots, and fruits. They are nocturnal creatures, spending the majority of their time in trees and sleeping during the day. Dermopteri are relatively solitary animals, although they can form small groups when resources are abundant.
In conclusion, Dermopteri is a taxonomic order comprising gliding mammals, colloquially known as colugos or flying lemurs, found in Southeast Asia. Their unique anatomical features, such as the patagium, enable them to glide efficiently through the air.
