Mammals Active at night

Sugar Glider

Petaurus breviceps

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The Sugar Glider is nature's tiny base jumper, a palm-sized marsupial that navigates the forest canopy with built-in wings and a sweet tooth for nectar.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Body length of 12-15 cm (5-6 in) with a tail of 15-21 cm (6-8 in); weighs between 80-160 g (2.8-5.6 oz).

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Colors

Blue-grey fur on the back with a prominent black stripe from nose to mid-back; underside is cream or pale grey.

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Key Features

Distinctive black stripe running from the nose to the base of the tail
Gliding membrane (patagium) extending from the fifth finger to the first toe
Large, dark, bulbous eyes for night vision
Long, bushy prehensile tail used for stability and carrying nesting materials

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 8 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Omnivorous 'opportunivores' that feed on eucalyptus sap, acacia gum, nectar, and pollen, supplemented by insects and small vertebrates.

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Habitat Open forests and woodlands, particularly those with eucalyptus and acacia trees; frequently found in suburban gardens and parks.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Sugar Glider Live?

Sugar Gliders are native to the eastern and northern stretches of mainland Australia, as well as New Guinea and several surrounding islands such as the Bismarck Archipelago and the Louisiade Archipelago. They are widely distributed across the Australian states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of South Australia and the Northern Territory. Additionally, they were introduced to Tasmania in the 1830s, where they have since established a significant and widespread population throughout the island's forests.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

3 Countries

2.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

AU Australia Papua New Guinea ID Indonesia

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 2,000 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Sugar Gliders are highly social, arboreal marsupials that live in family groups of up to ten adults. They are famous for their ability to glide up to 50 meters (164 feet) between trees using a specialized fold of skin called a patagium. During the day, they huddle together in tree hollows lined with leaves to conserve heat, especially during colder months when they may enter a state of temporary hibernation known as torpor.

In the wild, they are vocal and communicative, using a range of barks, hisses, and chirps to signal alarm or maintain social bonds. While they are naturally shy around humans, they are frequent visitors to suburban backyards that provide mature flowering trees. Their nocturnal lifestyle means they are rarely seen during the day, but their presence is often given away by their distinct 'yip-yip' barking calls at night.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture Sugar Gliders on camera, height is your best friend. These animals rarely descend to the ground, so you should mount your camera 2 to 4 meters (6-13 feet) up a tree trunk. Look for 'feed trees'—specifically mature eucalypts or acacias that show signs of scarring on the bark where gliders have been chewing to access sap. Angling the camera slightly downward along a main branch or directly across a trunk will yield the best results.

The most effective way to lure them into frame is using a 'honey lick.' Mix equal parts honey and water (or use a seedless fruit jam) and spray or smear it directly onto the bark in the camera's field of view. Because they are tiny and fast, set your camera to its most sensitive trigger speed and use 'Burst Mode' to capture 3-5 photos per trigger. Video mode is even better, as it allows you to see their social interactions and grooming behavior, which are highlights of this species.

Since they are strictly nocturnal, a high-quality infrared (no-glow) flash is essential to avoid startling them. Standard white flashes may cause them to flee and not return to the bait. During winter, they are often more desperate for high-energy food, making this the peak time for camera trapping as they are more likely to spend extended periods at your bait station.

Finally, keep an eye on the weather. Sugar Gliders are less active during heavy rain or high winds, as these conditions make gliding dangerous. Calm, clear nights following a period of rain are often the most productive, as the gliders emerge to feed on the fresh nectar and sap produced by the trees.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Sugar Glider.

Squirrel Glider

Noticeably larger than the Sugar Glider with a much bushier tail base and a more pointed face.

Mahogany Glider

Much larger body size and found only in a very small coastal region of North Queensland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sugar Gliders are strictly nocturnal, meaning they emerge at dusk and are most active during the darkest hours of the night, typically between 8 PM and 4 AM.

The best way to attract them is by planting native flowering trees like Eucalyptus, Banksia, and Acacia. You can also provide 'nectar stations' with honey-water, but ensure you maintain them to prevent the spread of disease.

In the wild, they eat a variety of sugary substances like tree sap, gum, and nectar. To get their protein, they hunt for moths, beetles, and spiders, and occasionally raid bird nests for eggs.

Yes, they are surprisingly common in suburbs with older trees. Because they are small and quiet, many people have them in their backyards for years without ever realizing it.

Sugar Gliders are smaller and have a more rounded snout. The Squirrel Glider is significantly larger, has a much bushier tail base, and its belly is usually pure white rather than cream or grey.

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