Monodelphis saci

Monodelphis saci
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Didelphimorphia
Family:	Didelphidae
Genus:	Monodelphis
Species:	M. saci
Binomial name
Monodelphis saci (Silvia E. Pavan, 2017)

Monodelphis saci, also referred to as gnome opossums, is a newly described species of opossum found in the rainforests of Brazil.

They measure 9–12 cm from their nose to the base of the tail. The tail measures 4–6 cm. They weigh around 17-30 grams. They have a conspicuous reddish head and brown rump and back. The chin, throat, groin and flanks are grayish-brown. There is a distinct central white streak on the chest and abdomen. Their paws are covered with short, light-brown hairs. Males are slightly larger than females.

They live in the lowland rainforests along the south bank of the Brazilian Amazon.

Little is known about their behavior because of their very recent discovery.

They are named after mythical creatures called Saci in Brazilian folklore which wear a red-hat to disappear and reappear at will. Scientists named them so because of their reddish-heads and the fact they eluded discovery for so long.

...
Wikipedia