What is the scientific name of a squirrel? The squirrel scientific name is Sciurus (genus).
Squirrels, the most common and recognizable mammals, have their habitat in forests, urban parks, mountains, and backyards. They are highly regarded for their climbing skills, nut-storing practices, and brilliance. The squirrel scientific name varies with species, but the most recognized and mostly studied squirrel is the Eastern grey squirrel, with the scientific name Sciurus carolinensis. This classification made by science enables biologists to determine the species, trace its development, and investigate its behavior in a variety of ecological areas.
The term Sciurus has its origins in Greek; skia refers to shadow, and oura to tail, which means squirrels live resting under their tails’ shade. The gray squirrel’s scientific name is used all over the world for research in wildlife, zoology, and conservation biology.
What Is the Scientific Name of a Squirrel?
The common scientific name for all tree squirrels is Sciurus. Nevertheless, every single species of squirrel has its very own unique binomial name.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Pronunciation | Genus | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Sciurus carolinensis | sy-oor-us ka-ro-li-NEN-sis | Sciurus | Sciuridae |
| Red Squirrel | Sciurus vulgaris | sy-oor-us vul-GA-ris | Sciurus | Sciuridae |
| Fox Squirrel | Sciurus niger | sy-oor-us NYE-jer | Sciurus | Sciuridae |
Meaning of the Squirrel Scientific Name:
- Sciurus: shadow tail (Greek origin)
- carolinensis: from Carolina, that is to say, its original area in North America.
Squirrel Scientific Name Pronunciation:
- Sciurus carolinensis is pronounced: sy-oor-us ka-ro-li-NEN-sis
Zoologists rely on this scientific name to unambiguously identify the species worldwide and separate it from other similar squirrel species.
Biological Classification of Squirrel
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Genus | Sciurus |
| Species | carolinensis / vulgaris |
Squirrel Age, Weight, and Size
| Feature | Average Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age (Lifespan) | 6–12 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity |
| Weight | 400–700 grams |
| Body Length | 23–30 cm (excluding tail) |
| Tail Length | 20–25 cm |
| Height (standing) | Around 15–20 cm |
The gray squirrel is medium-sized, agile, and adapted for swift climbing and jumping.
Habitat and Distribution
Where Do Squirrels Live?
Squirrels are present in almost every continent but not in Antarctica. The scientific name of the species, eastern gray squirrel, denotes its origin in North America; however, it has become common in Europe and South Africa due to human intervention.
Typical Habitats are:
- Deciduous forests
- Urban parks and gardens
- Oak and pine woodlands
- Suburban areas with trees
Squirrel Diet and Food Habits
What Do Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels belong to the omnivorous group, mostly consuming plants with occasional intake of animals for protein.
Squirrels’ favorite food includes:
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and berries
- Tree bark and buds
- Mushrooms and fungi
- Bird eggs (rarely)
The taxonomical classification of the squirrel’s scientific name points towards their preparedness for the food shortage season, particularly hiding nuts in the fall so that they can feed on them during winter.
