Kingdom Animalia Order Rodentia Genus Octodon Higher classification Octodon | Phylum Chordata Family Octodontidae Scientific name Octodon bridgesi Rank Species | |
Similar Moon‑toothed degu, Octodon, Rodent, Octodontidae, Aconaemys | ||
Bridges' degu (Octodon bridgesi) is a species of rodent in the family Octodontidae. It is found in Argentina and Chile, most typically in southern Chile. The species was named after Thomas Bridges, a Victorian botanist who sent specimens to the British Museum for identification.
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Biology and physiology
Unlike its close relative the common degu, Bridges' degu is nocturnal (active at night).
Bridges' degu has deep molar indentaions and has a deep fold on the inside of the last molar.
Habitat
The species is less widely distributed in Chile than the common degu and inhabits rocky, forested areas and some open farmland, although it is far less well adapted for digging but does have some climbing ability. Deforestation may be contributing to the decline of this species.
In Argentina it also inhabits southern beeches forests.