Some original observations on the habits of Dactylopsila trivirgata Gray. American Museum novitates ; no. 957
Supplemental Materials
Date
1937
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New York City : The American Museum of Natural History
DOI
DOI
Abstract
"Observations were made on a captive Dactylopsila trivirgata. It was a quiet, rather stupid creature, nocturnal in habits. It was an agile climber but though the tail is apparently adapted for prehensility, it was not seen to be so used. The big toe is opposable, the thumb not so, but food is held in the fore paws. Dactylopsila has a specialized defense attitude. It drank readily and preferred milk to water. If drinking is necessary to this animal that may limit its distribution in south New Guinea. Its favorite food was wood-boring beetle larvae. The long tongue was used in removing small grubs from small cavities in wood, and the contents of tough-skinned grubs. The rodent-like teeth were used in breaking open wood in search of grubs; the elongated fourth finger was used to draw out grubs from cavities. This corresponds exactly with the suppositions made by taxonomists regarding the habits of this group of animals. A habit possibly associated with locating prey encased in wood is a light, quick tapping on a wood surface when examining it. It is interesting to note the parallel development in structure (and habits?) of this creature and the aye-aye (Daubentonia) of Madagascar"--P. 7.
Description
7 p. ; 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
Includes bibliographical references.
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