didelid

Didelid is a term that has been used to refer to a group of marsupials. Historically, it was a subfamily within the Didelphidae, the family that includes opossums. However, modern taxonomic classifications have largely moved away from this specific grouping. The term didelid generally encompasses opossums and their close relatives, which are primarily found in the Americas. These marsupials are characterized by their prehensile tails, often a pointed snout, and a pouch, though the development of the pouch can vary. They are known for their adaptability and occupy a wide range of habitats, from forests to urban environments. Didelids are omnivorous, with diets consisting of insects, small vertebrates, fruits, and vegetation. Their reproductive strategy involves short gestation periods and the young developing further in a pouch after birth. While the term "didelid" might still be encountered in older literature or informal discussions, it is not a widely recognized taxonomic rank in current scientific nomenclature. Instead, the broader family Didelphidae is the standard classification for these marsupials.