Bible Encyclopedias
Water-Opossum

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Water-Lily

Next Entry
Water-Scorpion

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Dictionaries
Webster Dictionary
• Water Opossum
Encyclopedias
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Water-Opossum

Or Yapock (Chironectes minimus ), the single representative of the genus. This animal is distinguished from other opossums by its webbed hind-feet, non-tuberculated soles, and peculiar coloration. Its ground colour is light grey, with four or five sharply contrasted brown bands passing across its head and back, giving it a very peculiar mottled appearance; the head and body together are about 14 in. long, and the tail measures a little more. It is almost wholly aquatic in its habits, living on small fish, crustaceans and other water animals; its range extends from Guatemala to southern Brazil.