You might know this creature by his common name: sugar glider. The sugar glider’s scientific name — Petaurus breviceps — really does translate to short-headed rope dancer in Latin, and it is in reference to this marsupial’s canopy acrobatics.The sweet part of the common name acknowledges the animal’s preference for sweet, nectarous foods.y, What Big Eyes You Have! To say the sugar glider’s look is a bit different is an understatement. One notable physical trait is large eyes, which help them see at night. This might be the reason behind names like Peepers.