brushtailed

Brushtailed is an English adjective used in the common names of several mammals, especially in Australia and nearby regions, to describe a tail with a dense fringe of fur that gives a brush-like appearance. The form is often hyphenated as brush-tailed in many sources, but variations such as brushtail and brushtailed are also found.

Notable examples include the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), also referred to as the brushtail possum, and the brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa). In these cases, the term helps distinguish the species from others with differently tailed forms. The tails of many brushtailed species are adapted for arboreal locomotion, balance, or grasping branches, though tail use and morphology can vary across taxa.

Usage and spelling vary by region and source; some authorities prefer brush-tailed, others brushtail or brushtailed. The term generally signals a tail with notable fur development or structure that contrasts with a smoother or less furry tail found in related species.

In scientific writing, precise taxonomy remains essential, as common names can differ regionally. The descriptor brushtailed thus functions as a descriptive aid rather than a strict taxonomic category.