In this development it parallels the evolution of many other mammals that have evolved gliding webs of skin, or patagia, from folds of skin between the limbs and tail. To support the patagia and deal with the stresses involved in flight the backbone and the limb bones have become remarkably strong for an animal of this size. Steered by its rudder-like tail the flunkey makes great gliding leaps between the crowns of the highest trees to feed on fruit and termites.