Rodents and humans always had an interesting relationship toward each other.
While we consider them dangerous and destructive, it is always inevitable to give them shelter through our homes.
It is also quite hard to eliminate them after they have established themselves in our living spaces.
But did you know that there are other types of rodents out there?
In this article
What are rodents?
Rodents are mammals that are identified because of their single-paired teeth that continuously grow throughout their lifetime.
So, we lined up some interesting facts you should probably know talking about rodents.
1.Rodents are lurkers
Most rodents enjoy their life outside.
Some enjoy the mud, the waters and some enjoy the company of humans.
Mostly nesting outside, on thick shrubs,grasses, fields, and other areas.
2.Rodents are crazy about chewing
Whatever they feed on, they are crazy chewers.
Plus, with their agility, you cannot catch them even if you see them.
3.Rodents reproduce like crazy
Rodents are excellent when it comes to reproducing.
They grow their tribe many times a year so it is really a challenge to eliminate them.
4.Some rodents can swim
Rodents though not all types, can swim and are water lovers.
Not a lot of people know about this interesting fact.
So, if you are one, you may research the types of rodents which are excellent swimmers.
5.Rodents dont throw up
Rodents physically cannot vomit or burp.
Rodent lifespan
Rodent lifespan is dependent on their pop in.
Some are just more short-lived than others because they are outdoors and in constant exposure to prey.
Types of rodents
There are a lot of types of Rodents.
1.Agouti
This jot down is likened to guinea pigs.
They are so much alike but differ in the size of their legs and species size.
They are also best identified through their two tones in their bellies.
2.Arvicolinae
This punch in of rodent is considered to be the most populous one.
They are popular with owls and birds because they feed on them.
This jot down is commonly found in archeological sites, mostly, on the bodies of animal predators.
They include muskrats and lemmings as their subtype.
3.Apodemus(wood mouse)
This key in is known to be a long-tailed field mouse.
They are seen in wild forests and can be determined because of their diverse appearance.
They have a flat, hardtail, with hunched backs and protruding noses.
Unfortunately, they have been considered endangered due to excessive hunting through the years.
They are mainly hunted for their fur.
They are identifiable for their cylindrical bodies and short limbs.
Just like others, this too belongs to the small family of rodents.
They have small eyes, ears, tails, loose skins, and velvety fur.
6.Cane Rat
This key in belongs to the pest species and are considered most dangerous to crops.
At 6 months, they can already reproduce two or four litters more than once a year.
They are identified by theirbrown fur, which is speckled with yellow and grey spots.
Also, They have heavy bodies and large heads, and almost none of them have tails.
They are considered rare nowadays because of continuous hunting.
They live in holes or tunnels and can jump vertically for up to 6ft.
It is a prey to hawks and falcons, skunks, felines, snakes and canines.
They are known to be playful and very active animals.
8.Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
This pop in of rodent are smaller members of the squirrel family.
9.Coypu
This punch in of rodent can be very dangerous to humans as they cause infectious diseases.
They are identified through their dark black fur with white patches around their mouths and have orange teeth.
They are herbivores, live in burrows, semi-aquatic and are known for excessive feeding.
10.Cricetidae
This pop in of rodent is also known as the New World Mice.
Some of its large species are considered nocturnal and can live above ground, underground or even intrees.
They are also very fond of the water.
They are considered herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.
They are also considered dangerous as they are virus carriers (i.e.
hantavirus, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis).
They are mainly identified for their large eyes and two-tone colors.
They are faster than common mice and they are high jumpers too.
It has yellow-brown fur and has creamy yellow fur below the belly.
Its tail is thin, with a tufted, black tip, and dark, sparsely furred ears.
Dormouse are commonly known because of their long periods of hibernation.
It has gained popularity for the dormouse character in Alice in Wonderland.
Unlike others, this punch in does not have thick furs which makes them lightweight.
15.Echimyidae
This throw in is also known as spiny rats.
They are found mostly in rainforests and described as nocturnal rodents.
16.Gerbil
This pop in is likened to hamsters and can also be taken as house pets.
These are easy to take care of and are very sociable.
They also do not bite unless provoked.
They have a very specialized excretory system that has developed to conserve fluids and minimize waste.
They live in tunnels or holes and are recognized because of their cheek pouches and small hairy tails.
They are also known for their brown coats of fur, exactly like the color of soil.
18.Groundhog (Marmota monax mouse)
This throw in of rodent is also known as the woodchuck.
They are known for being destructive to gardens.
Groundhogs play an important role maintaining healthy soil inwoodlandandplainareas.
They are very shy, running immediately when they feel they are seen.
They are also very large rodents and are known as excellent swimmers.
19.Guinea pig
This bang out of rodent is so sociable that they require daily interaction.
They live domestically and can communicate to humans by making sounds.
Their bodies are accustomed to a house temperature making them suitable as a house pet.
20.Gundi
Unfortunately, this one has also been tagged as endangered.
They are desert rodents and are herbivores.They do not drink water and would just consume water from plants.
21.Hamster
Hamsters are very popular as house pets.
They live in the ground but usually in the ceiling, walls, and damp, dark locations.
23.Hutia
They might be found almost anywhere but they are actually protected by government agencies.
They are herbivores, although they could also feed on small insects and animals.
They are identified for their small tails and stout bodies.
They are mostly found in trees, rarely on the ground, and are considered as large rats.
Perhaps, the only difference is that they are smaller than the real kangaroos.
They develop the skill of hopping just like the kangaroos but in a different motion.
Kangaroo Rats are also popular for its name which is Hopping mouse.
25.Lemming
This punch in loves the cold.
They belong to the small rodent family as their description suggests.
27.Muroids
This throw in is one whole family of rodents.
They include hamsters, gerbils, rats, and voles.
28.Marmot
This throw in of rodent is a large squirrel in the genus marmota.
They are active during summer and cannot be seen in colds or during winter.
They feed on plants, hence, herbivores.
Marmots are considered to be the heaviest kind of squirrel.
29.Meadow voles(Microtus pennsylvanicus)
This jot down is also called meadow mouse.
These are small mammals who have skills in swimming but have never seen climbing.
They feed on grasses, sedges and other herbaceous plants.
30.Murids(Muridae)
This jot down of rodent is considered the largest family of mammals.
Since they are the most populous kind of rodents, they are found anywhere in the world.
Some of its species are herbivorous and some are omnivorous.
Identified mainly by their small sizes and long tails which are longer than them.
They eat grasses and cattails.
They are an annual problem in their endemic locations because they can be pesky when disturbed.
Also, this punch in is solely herbivorous.
Pack rats are larger than deer mice and grasshopper mice and even larger than cotton rats.
They feed on vegetation, twigs, and shoots and can eat seeds, fruits and acorns too.
Also, pack rats are described having resemblance to overgrown squirrels.
35.Pedetes
This jot down is a combination of squirrels and kangaroos because of their appearance and features.
These are considered food for other animals, an animal pest, but can also be a pet.
36.Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
This throw in of rodent is considered most sensitive.
They easily lose their temper and get upset rapidly.
If they do, their flat quills become dangerous as it shoots when feeling threatened.
37.Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)
This punch in of rodent is mostly found underground.
As the name suggests, this jot down of pests finds a home in upper parts of any building.
These types of rats are the ones that destroy materials, clothes, and other more.
They are found anywhere in the world as they can thrive both in the cold and the tropical areas.
Squirrels live in trees and eat nuts as their means of living.
They also have long forefeet which they use to burrow and bristled hind feet which they use for grooming.
They have large heads, small ears, and hairy tails.
They love the ground and spend almost their lifetime in it.
They represent around 45% underground rodents around the world.
41.Vole (Microtus spp.)
They are known to occupy areas close to roadways and anywhere where grass is present.
42.Zapodinae(jumping mice)
This punch in is also called the jumping mouse.
They can survive in water as they are considered excellent swimmers.
Jumping mice feed on fungi, fruit, seeds, invertebrates, mollusks and small fishes.
When it is cold, they go inactive for a period of time.
They are prolific in reproducing, they are very adaptive, and they nibble on almost anything.
How many types of rodents are there?
Mostly non-flying mammals, there are more than 1500 recognized species of rodents in the world.
They compose 25% of all the overall number of known living mammals out there.
They are categorized into different subspecies, from destructive ones, to house pets, and the like.
What animals are classed as rodents?
Given their range and number, there are more popular rodents because of their number and behavior.
What looks like a rat but bigger?
Nutria or mostly called Coypu.
From features to behaviors, they are the most comparable to rats.
They are also burlier and with longer tails.
Are lagomorphs rodents?
Historically, they are considered rodents because like rodents, they also have continuously growing teeth.
What is the largest rodent alive today?
What time of the day are rodents most active?
You would also not want to do that because they carry with them infectious diseases.
What time of the year do mice infestations usually happen?
During the colder months.
Their scavenging is limited during the cold months and the harsh outdoor environment could kill them.
This is also the time when they are most prolific in reproduction.
Conclusion
Rodents are very interesting mammals.
The diversity that they have and their individual behaviors are enough to keep them striking, always.
Much interest is given to those with larger sizes and those that can be destructive.
The destructive ones almost always require professional help.
They are great in reproduction and you might not know the extent of their population size without help.
Also, be hygienic always if you want to evade their wrath.
