Armored rat facts for kids
The armored rat (Hoplomys gymnurus) is a special kind of rodent known for the spines on its back and sides. It lives in Latin America, from northern Honduras all the way to northwest Ecuador. This interesting animal is the only species in its group, called Hoplomys, which means it's quite unique!
Quick facts for kids Armored rat |
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| Genus: |
Hoplomys
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| Species: |
gymnurus
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| Distribution of the armored rat | |
Contents
What Do Armored Rats Look Like?
Armored rats can weigh anywhere from about 0.5 to 1.7 pounds (218 to 790 grams). Male rats usually weigh a bit more than females.
When they are born, these rats have soft fur. But after about a month, their special spines start to grow! These thick spines are on their back and sides. They can be up to 1.3 inches (33 mm) long and 0.08 inches (2 mm) wide.
An adult armored rat's body, from head to tail, measures between 8.7 and 12.6 inches (220 to 320 mm). Their tail adds another 5.9 to 10 inches (150 to 255 mm) to their length. Their fur can be black or reddish-brown, and their belly is pure white.
They look a bit like another animal called Tome's spiny-rat. However, armored rats have smaller eyes and a longer nose.
What Do Armored Rats Eat?
Armored rats enjoy a varied diet. They eat fruits, insects, and green plants.
Armored Rat Babies
Female armored rats usually have one to three babies at a time.
Where Do Armored Rats Live?
The armored rat is a nocturnal animal, meaning it is active at night. During the day, they rest in burrows they dig.
These burrows are often found in steep banks near water sources. A burrow can be up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long before it reaches a cozy nesting chamber.
You can find armored rats from northern Honduras down to northwest Ecuador. They live in lowlands and up to about 2,600 feet (800 meters) high. They even live on a special island in Panama called Isla Escudo de Veraguas.
Why Are They Called Armored Rats?
The name Hoplomys comes from two old Ancient Greek words. "Hoplon" means "armor," and "mys" means "rat." So, Hoplomys means "armored rat," which makes sense because of their spines!
The second part of their name, gymnurus, also comes from Ancient Greek. "Gymnos" means "naked," and "oura" means "tail." This refers to their tail, which doesn't have fur like their body.
How Are Armored Rats Related to Other Animals?
Armored rats belong to a group of rodents called Hystricognathi. This means they are more closely related to animals like porcupines, Guinea pigs, chinchillas, and common degus than they are to common brown rats.
They are part of the Echimyidae family. Within this family, armored rats are closely related to a group of rats called Proechimys. They also share family ties with painted tree-rats and coypus (also known as nutrias).
