Russet oryzomys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Russet oryzomys |
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| Holotype partial cranium of Calomys coronatus Winge, 1887, a junior synonym | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Cricetidae |
| Genus: | Euryoryzomys |
| Species: |
E. russatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Euryoryzomys russatus (Wagner, 1848)
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| Synonyms | |
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Calomys coronatus Winge, 1887 |
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The Euryoryzomys russatus, also known as the russet rice rat or big-headed rice rat, is a type of rodent. It belongs to the family Cricetidae, which includes many kinds of hamsters and voles. This rat is part of the Euryoryzomys group, which was separated from the Oryzomys group in 2006. Johann Andreas Wagner first described this animal in 1848.
You can find the russet rice rat in southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. It is a large rodent for its group. It has reddish-brown fur, a long tail, and a big head. This rat lives on the ground, where it searches for seeds, fruits, and insects to eat. The IUCN (a group that tracks animal populations) says it is of "least concern." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing. However, human activities can still affect its numbers. Small meat-eating animals often hunt these rats.
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What's in a Name?
The first part of its scientific name, eury-, comes from a Greek word. It means "wide" or "broad." The second part, russatus, is from a Latin word. This word means "clothed in red." This describes its reddish fur very well!
Russet Rice Rat Family Tree
The official name for the russet rice rat today is Euryoryzomys russatus. It is a member of the Rodentia order, which includes all rodents. It also belongs to the Cricetidae family. The Euryoryzomys group has six different kinds of species.
Where Do Russet Rice Rats Live?
You can find the russet rice rat in Brazil and nearby islands. It also lives in Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. These rats live in both lowlands and high mountain areas. They are found in the Atlantic Forest and parts of the Amazon rainforest.
This species prefers to live in forests. They need places with lots of trees and thick forest cover. More forest cover means more rats and more new rats moving into the area.
Life of a Russet Rice Rat
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How Does It Look?
Euryoryzomys rats have fur that can be yellow to reddish-brown on their backs. Their bellies are usually lighter in color. Their ears are medium to large. Their whiskers do not reach past their ears.
The russet rice rat has a large skull and a fairly long body. Its body can be from 112 to 185 millimeters (about 4.4 to 7.3 inches) long. They usually weigh around 59 grams (about 2 ounces). Their tails are long, from 105 to 196 millimeters (about 4.1 to 7.7 inches).
Their fur is reddish-brown on top and white underneath. Their ears and tail are grey. Their front and back feet, along with their nose, are pale pink. Their facial whiskers are black.
Daily Life and Habits
The russet rice rat is a nocturnal animal. This means it is active at night. It lives on the ground, moving mostly through fallen leaves on the forest floor. These rats change where they look for food depending on the season. In warm, wet times, they prefer areas with woody debris and lots of insects. In cool, dry times, they like areas where the leaf litter is wet.
They are not picky eaters and will eat what they can find. They eat seeds, fruits, and insects. Studies show they are good at eating seeds. They eat most seeds they find, unless the seeds are too big for them.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Studies of russet rice rat populations show that there are usually equal numbers of males and females. These rats often have one partner for mating. Females can have babies throughout the year. This usually happens when there is enough food.
Their nests are shaped like cups. They build them using fibers from bamboo and other grasses. Baby rats are born without hair. Their eyes and ears are closed when they are born. On average, a female russet rice rat has about 3 to 6 babies per pregnancy.
Genetics of the Russet Rice Rat
Scientists have studied the genes of different russet rice rat groups. They found that these groups are related, but no special types (subspecies) have been named. Studies show that their genes are similar across their habitat. These rats have 80 chromosomes. This number is also found in other related species like E. emmonsae and E. nitidus.
Is the Russet Rice Rat Safe?
The IUCN listed the russet rice rat as a species of "least concern" in 2016. This means it is not in immediate danger of extinction. However, human activities like destroying or changing their habitat can still harm them.
Who Hunts the Russet Rice Rat?
Several wild cats in South America hunt the russet rice rat. These include the jaguarundi, the oncilla, and the ocelot. Domestic cats also sometimes hunt these rats.
Russet Rice Rat and Parasites
Scientists have found eight different internal parasites in russet rice rats. One new type of nematode (a kind of worm) was found in their small intestine. One rat was even found to have a fungal infection. These rats can also carry ticks that spread diseases like Brazilian Spotted-fever.
 | Janet Taylor Pickett |
 | Synthia Saint James |
 | Howardena Pindell |
 | Faith Ringgold |
