Fargelegging og kamouflasje
Sørlige flyvende ekorner har ikke en spesifikk «beskyttende fargelegging» i tradisjonell forstand. Selv om de har en dorsal pels (ryggpels) som er grå til brun, tjener denne fargelegging ikke primært som kamouflasje.
Their main defense mechanism is their excellent camouflage during the day, when they sleep in tree cavities. They are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.
Here's why:
- Tree bark camouflage: Their color is generally similar to the bark of trees.
- Nocturnal lifestyle: Their coloration is less relevant during the night.
- Gliding: When they glide, they are actually quite visible against the sky.
Instead of relying heavily on coloration, southern flying squirrels have developed other adaptations, including silent gliding, sharp teeth, and powerful legs.
In summary, the southern flying squirrel's coloration isn't their primary defense mechanism.