Dermoptera is an order of gliding mammals, commonly called colugos or flying lemurs, native to Southeast Asia and represented by just two living species, the Sunda flying lemur and the Philippine flying lemur, which together make up the single family Cynocephalidae. Their closest living relatives are the primates, and their name, from the Greek for skin and wing, refers to the extensive gliding membrane stretching from the neck to the tips of the digits and tail.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic Distribution Defining CharacteristicsGliding membrane (patagium) between limbs and tail 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceLength 35 to 40 cm and weight 1 to 2 kg 1 Sources
1. Colugo, Wikipedia
Lead paragraph, order
These two species make up the entire family Cynocephalidae
Species summary
There are just two living species of colugos: the Sunda flying lemur (Galeopterus variegatus) and the Philippine flying lemur (Cynocephalus volans).
Lead paragraph, distribution
Colugos are arboreal gliding primatomorphs that are native to Southeast Asia.
Movement, patagium
Their ability to glide is possible because of a large membrane of skin that extends between their paired limbs.
Appearance and anatomy
They reach lengths of 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in) and weigh 1 to 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lb).
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