The gliding membrane, or patagium, runs from the fifth finger to the ankle on each side. Launching from a high branch, the glider spreads its limbs to open the membrane into a rough rectangle, and descends on a shallow trajectory. Typical glides span tens of metres, with distances of around 50 metres recorded and longer glides possible from taller launch points.
Control comes from asymmetry. Dropping one forelimb changes the angle of that side of the membrane and initiates a turn, while the tail, held straight behind in cruise, is swung to adjust heading and stabilise the body. Just before landing the glider raises its head and swings its hind legs forward, turning the membrane into an airbrake so it arrives on the trunk feet first.
Sugar gliders do not fly: every glide loses height, and the animal has to climb back up before the next one. The name refers to a taste for sweet exudates, not to a diet of sugar as such; sap and gum are gouged from wattles and eucalypts with specialised lower incisors.