Higher classification Hystricognathi | Phylum Chordata Suborder Hystricomorpha Scientific name Abrocomidae Rank Family | |
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Lower classifications Abrocoma, Bennett's chinchilla rat, Bolivian chinchilla rat, Ashy chinchilla rat, Uspallata chinchilla rat | ||
Chinchilla rats or chinchillones are members of the family Abrocomidae. This family has few members compared to most rodent families, with only 9 known living species. They resemble chinchillas in appearance, with a similar soft fur and silvery-grey color, but have a body structure more like a short-tailed rat. They are social, tunnel-dwelling animals, and live in the Andes Mountains of South America. They are probably herbivorous, although this is not clear.
Contents
They can be described as medium-sized. Stiff hairs project over the three middle digits of the rear feet. Their massive skulls narrow in the facial areas. Some molecular work, suggests that, despite their appearance, they may be more closely related to octodontoids such as degus, nutria, and tuco-tucos than they are to chinchillas and viscachas.
Etymology
The family name is derived from the Ancient Greek word ἁβροκόμης (habrokomēs, "with delicate hair"). The word ἁβρός (habros) means "delicate, graceful" and the word κόμη (komē) means "hair".
Species
