Sumichrast's vesper rat Temporal range: Recent |
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Nyctomys sumichrasti (right) | |
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Rodentia |
Family: | Cricetidae |
Subfamily: | Tylomyinae |
Tribe: | Nyctomyini |
Genus: | Nyctomys Saussure, 1860 |
Species: | N. sumichrasti |
Binomial name | |
Nyctomys sumichrasti (Saussure, 1860) |
Sumichrast's vesper rat (scientific name Nyctomys sumichrasti) is a rodent of the family Cricetidae found from southern Mexico to Panama. The adult length is 11–13 cm, with a tail length of 8.5-15.5 cm. It is one of the more brightly coloured rats, with a pinkish-brown back and white underparts. The first toe on each foot is thumb-like to aid the gripping of twigs. N. sumichrasti is unusual in that it is arboreal, and builds nests of twigs and leaves. It is nocturnal and herbivorous, eating plants such as figs and avocados.
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