FLYING-SQUIRREL, the name applied to two very differ ent groups of rodents, in both of which a parachute-like expansion of the skin of the flanks enables them to take long flying leaps from tree to tree.
The first group, allied to the true squirrels, comprises three genera. Pteromys, characterized by the extension of the parachute to the interfemoral position, includes the Indian flying squirrel, P. oral, a beautifully coloured animal with a loud, screaming voice. Sciuropteras has one species extending into E. Europe and another in N. America; otherwise, like the last genus, it is confined to Indo-Malaya ; it is distinguished from Pteromys by the slight de velopment of the interfemoral membrane and the broad, flat tail. Eupetaurus represented by the large Eu. cinereus from N. W. Kashmir, is recognized by its tall-crowned molars and long tail, which is twice as long as the body.
The second group is African and consists of certain members of the family Anomaluridae, some of which, however, have no para chute. The flying species differ from those of the last group in that the membrane is supported by a bone at the elbow joint instead of by a cartilage at the wrist. There are two flying genera, Anomalurus and Idiurnus, the latter containing a single small species (Izenkeri). They are all similar in habits to the previous group and, like them, are very squirrel-like in appearance.
The term "flying-squirrel" is also applied to certain marsupials but these are more usually called flying-phalangers. (See MAR SUPIALIA and GALEOPITHECUS.)