The sugar glider ('Petaurus breviceps') is a small, omnivorous, arboreal, and nocturnal gliding possum belonging to the marsupial infraclass. The common name refers to its preference for sugary foods such as sap and nectar and its ability to glide through the air, much like a flying squirrel.

They have very similar habits and appearance to the flying squirrel, despite not being closely related, an example of convergent evolution.

The scientific name, 'Petaurus breviceps', translates as "short-headed rope-dancer", a reference to their canopy acrobatics.

The sugar glider is characterised by its gliding membrane, known as the patagium, which extends from its forelegs to its hind-legs, one on each side of its body.

Sugar gliders are seasonally adaptive omnivores with a wide variety of foods in their diet, and mainly forage in the lower layers of the forest canopy. Sugar gliders may obtain up to half their daily water intake through drinking rainwater.

The sugar glider is endemic to parts of mainland Australia, New Guinea and certain Indonesian islands; and it was introduced to Tasmania, probably in the 1830s.

It is a popular exotic pet but is prohibited in some regions, including some parts of Australia and United States.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org