Striking colors
The Prevost’s squirrel has many names – including ornamental squirrel and tri-colored squirrel – because of the black, white, and red-brown stripes on the squirrel’s sides. The genus name of Callosciurus actually means “beautiful squirrel.” This species is one of the world’s most colorful squirrels.
Sharp smile
Prevost’s squirrels teeth never stop growing! They have to constantly eat and chew to keep their teeth short. This species of squirrels only has two kinds of teeth: incisors and premolars. They have a pair of incisors in the top and bottom jaw that are used to crack open seeds and eggs. Because they don’t have canine teeth, they have a large gap between their sharp incisors and their premolars. Their premolars are used to chew food into tiny pieces for their stomachs to digest, just like yours!
Who’s hungry?
Like squirrels found in Indiana, this Southeast Asian species saves food in trees for cold days. They gather a variety of seeds, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. They also enjoy eating bird eggs and insects, such as termites, beetles, and ants.
Infancy
Females give birth to hairless and helpless babies. Baby Prevost’s squirrels are born without any sight, fur, or teeth. They weigh about 0.4 ounces (16 grams) at birth. That’s as heavy as a sheet of paper! Adult Prevost’s squirrels gather food for their young. After 6 weeks with their parents, the juvenile squirrels are furry, independent, and able to leave the nest.
