Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | Scientific name Sigmodon Higher classification Sigmodontinae Order Rodent | |
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Tribe SigmodontiniWagner, 1843 Lower classifications Hispid cotton rat, Tawny‑bellied cotton rat, Yellow‑nosed cotton rat, Arizona cotton rat, Alston's cotton rat | ||
Florida cotton rat
A cotton rat is any member of the rodent genus Sigmodon. They are called cotton rats because they build their nests out of cotton, and can damage cotton crops. Cotton rats have small ears and dark coats, and are found in North and South America. Members of this genus are distributed in the Southwestern USA, Mexico, Central America and South American countries of: Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Guyana and Suriname. Many of the species are found in Mexico.
Contents
They are primarily herbivores. The molars of cotton rats are S-shaped when viewed from above. The genus name literally means S-tooth.
Sigmodon hispidus was the first model organism to be used in polio research.
Texas wild hispid cotton rat sigmodon hispidus
Classification
References
Cotton rat Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA