[4] A 1955 revision of marsupial phylogeny grouped Caluromys, Caluromysiops, Dromiciops (monito del monte) and Glironia (bushy-tailed opossum) under a single subfamily, Microbiotheriinae, noting the dental similarities among these.

A 1977 study argued that these similarities are the result of convergent evolution, and placed Caluromys, Caluromysiops and Glironia in a new subfamily, Caluromyinae.

[2] The cladogram below, based on a 2016 study, shows the phylogenetic relationships of the brown-eared woolly opossum.

The coat may be tinged with gray, and develops a shade of orange on the shoulders, limbs and the crown; young are typically grayer.

[1][2] The IUCN lists this opossum as least concern given its wide distribution and presumably large numbers, though it is threatened by deforestation in some parts of the range.

[1] The brown-eared woolly opossum is nocturnal (active mainly at night) and solitary, though individuals have been observed foraging in pairs.

These opossums are omnivorous and feed on fruits (of plants such as Cecropia, Piper and Solanaceae species), nectar, small invertebrates and vertebrates.

[2] The estrus cycle is 27–29 days long; females will develop a pouch prior to carrying young.