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Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel

What is japanese dwarf flying squirrel?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name *Pteromys momonga*[1]
Genus *Pteromys*[1]
Native range Japan (Honshu and Kyushu)[2]
Conservation status Least Concern[2]
Activity Nocturnal[3]

The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is a small, nocturnal flying squirrel species, *Pteromys momonga*, native to Japan. It glides between trees using a skin membrane called a patagium and lives in forests, feeding on leaves, buds, fruits, seeds, bark, nuts, and sometimes insects.

Context

The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (*Pteromys momonga*) is an Old World flying squirrel found in Japan, specifically on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu [2]. It is a nocturnal forest dweller that uses a patagium—a skin membrane—to glide between trees [3]. Its diet consists of plant material such as leaves, buds, fruits, seeds, bark, and nuts, with occasional insects [3]. The species is currently listed as Least Concern [2].

Documented claims

  • The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is a species of flying squirrel in the genus *Pteromys*. [1]
  • It is native to the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu. [2]
  • It glides between trees using a skin membrane called a patagium. [3]
  • Its diet includes leaves, buds, fruits, seeds, bark, nuts, and sometimes insects. [3]

Related

Questions and answers

Can you keep Japanese dwarf flying squirrels as pets?

The sources do not provide information on keeping them as pets.

How long do Japanese dwarf flying squirrels live?

The sources do not specify their lifespan.

Are Japanese flying squirrels endangered?

The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is listed as Least Concern [2].

What do Japanese dwarf flying squirrels eat?

They eat leaves, buds, fruits, seeds, bark, nuts, and sometimes insects [3].

Sources

  1. Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel – Facts, Size, Habitat, and ... — animalspot.net (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. The Adorable Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel — critter.science (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Facts about Japanese dwarf flying squirrels — joeysavestheday.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature