Oligoryzomys longicaudatus
| Oligoryzomys longicaudatus | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Cricetidae |
| Genus: | Oligoryzomys |
| Species: | O. longicaudatus |
| Binomial name | |
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Oligoryzomys longicaudatus (Bennett, 1832) |
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Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, also known as the long-tailed colilargo or long-tailed pygmy rice rat, is a species of rodent in the genus Oligoryzomys of the family Cricetidae. It is found in the southern Andes of Chile and Argentina, with an outlying population in eastern Argentina. As a common species with a wide range and a stable population, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated this rodent as being of "least concern".
O. longicaudatus grows to a total length of 222 mm (8.7 in), including a tail of 127 mm (5.0 in), and weighs about 24 g (0.8 oz). The ears are quite small and are scantily clad with hairs. The tail is also scantily haired and is dark above and pale on the underside. The fur on the back is buff with fine pale brown and black lines, the greyish base of the hairs sometimes being visible. The underparts are greyish-white. The tail is shorter at the southern end of the range, and in Argentina, the fur is tinted with ochre, especially on the flanks. Its karyotype has 2n = 58 and FNa = 74.
This is a mountain species native to southern South America; its range extends from northern Chile and northwestern Argentina to about 50°S in Patagonia. It is found in forests among undergrowth and in bushy places. In northern Chile it is the most abundant small rodent in the cloud forest. In Patagonia it prefers clearings, road verges and scrubby areas. It is more common in moist habitats, such as near water bodies.
O. longicaudatus climbs well and can also jump. The diet varies with the time of year; in the dry season it is mainly seeds but in the wet season the flowers, pollen and leaves of Chenopodium predominate. Insects are also sometimes eaten. O. longicaudatus can start breeding when only a few months old. The nest is built in bushes a few metres off the ground, and an old bird nest may be used. The female can breed three times a year and the average litter size is nearly five young.
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Wikipedia