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Animal profile

Sugar Glider

Petaurus breviceps

MammaliaEucalypt and acacia forest and woodland with hollow-bearing treesLeast Concern

Field profile

The sugar glider is a small nocturnal possum that glides between trees on a membrane stretched from wrist to ankle. It feeds on tree sap, acacia gum, nectar, pollen and insects. Groups of several adults and their young share a leaf-lined nest in a tree hollow.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-10-30

Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders steer with their tails in flight

A sugar glider's membrane provides the lift, but the long bushy tail does the steering. Small movements of the tail act as a rudder and trim tab, letting the animal turn and adjust its angle mid-glide.

Read with evidence →

Sugar Glider | Daily Animal Facts