Phyllomys rodents are a type of large rodent found in South America. They are part of the family Echimyidae.
These rodents are also known as pygmy opossums due to their resemblance to opossums. They have a stocky build and a short, broad head.
Phyllomys rodents have a unique classification within the rodent family. They are classified as members of the genus Phyllomys and are part of the subfamily Eumysinae.
Classification
Phyllomys is part of the Echimyini tribe within the Echimyinae subfamily of spiny rats. Phyllomys is closely related to the genera Pattonomys and Toromys.
Phyllomys is the sister genus to Echimys, and then to Makalata. These taxa are closely related to the genera Pattonomys and Toromys.
The genus Phyllomys has 13 named species, including the golden Atlantic tree-rat, the orange-brown Atlantic tree-rat, and the drab Atlantic tree-rat.
Here are the 13 named species of Phyllomys:
- Phyllomys blainvilii – golden Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys brasiliensis – orange-brown Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys dasythrix – drab Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys kerri – Kerr's Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys lamarum – pallid Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys lundi – Lund's Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys mantiqueirensis – Mantiqueira Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys medius – long-furred Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys nigrispinus – black-spined Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys pattoni – rusty-sided Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys sulinus – Southern Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys thomasi – giant Atlantic tree-rat
- Phyllomys unicolor – short-furred Atlantic tree-rat
Phyllomys is part of the Echimyidae family, which includes Myocastoridae (coypus) and Capromyidae (hutias).
Phyllomys Information
Phyllomys are small to medium-sized rodents that belong to the family Abrocomidae.
They are found in the tropical forests of South America, specifically in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Phyllomys have stocky bodies and short legs, with adults typically weighing between 150-300 grams.
Their diet consists of leaves, fruits, and seeds, which they gather from the forest floor and trees.
Phyllomys are primarily nocturnal, spending most of their time hiding in burrows or under thick vegetation during the day.
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