Galeopithecus

/ɡæliəˈpɪθɪkəs/ noun

Definition

An older scientific name for flying lemurs or colugos, tree-dwelling mammals from Southeast Asia with membranous wings.

Etymology

From Greek 'galea' (helmet) and 'pithecus' (ape), referring to the helmet-shaped head of these gliding mammals. The term is now largely replaced by 'Cynocephalus'.

Kelly Says

Flying lemurs aren't actually lemurs and can't truly fly—they glide using a parachute-like membrane between their limbs, and they're one of the most efficient gliders among mammals.

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