Insular cave rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Insular cave ratTemporal range: Holocene
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Heteropsomys
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| Species: |
insulans
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The insular cave rat (Heteropsomys insulans) was a type of spiny rat that is now extinct. It used to live on the island of Puerto Rico.
What Was the Insular Cave Rat?
The insular cave rat belonged to a group of animals called spiny rats. These are rodents that are part of the Echimyidae family. They are found in Central and South America. Some spiny rats also lived in the West Indies until the 1800s.
Spiny Rat Features
Most spiny rats have stiff, pointed hairs. Some even have a coat of flat, flexible spines. These spines help protect them from predators.
Many spiny rats can break off their tails if they are attacked. This trick can confuse a predator, giving the rat time to escape. However, unlike lizards, a spiny rat's tail does not grow back. This means they can only use this defense trick once in their lives.
Where They Lived
The insular cave rat probably did not like very hot or dry places. They likely lived in areas where there was plenty of water.
What Did They Eat?
These rats mostly ate plants. Their diet probably included fruits, nuts, grass, and even sugar cane. Some other types of spiny rats, like the Rato de Taquara, eat only bamboo shoots and leaves.
