Rodents | Rodentia

Rodents | Rodentia

Description
Description

Rodents are classified by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in both their upper and lower jaws; the length of their incisors are maintained by gnawing, which is how they eat. The diet of Rodents usually consists of seeds and plants, but some species do have more varied diets. Historically, Rodents have been keep as pets, used as laboratory animals, and treated as pests. Rodents accidentally introduced as invasive species to new ecosystems, most notably islands, have been seen to wreak havoc and cause extinction of naturally-occurring species. Rodents are found on all continents, except Antarctica, and are the only species, besides Bats and Sea Lions, to reach Australia without human introduction.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Rodents, a diverse group including rats, mice, and squirrels, are characterized by a pair of continuously growing incisors in both their upper and lower jaws, which they must constantly wear down by gnawing. These creatures have compact bodies with strong, agile limbs perfect for scurrying around. Many have bushy tails, which aid in balance, especially for tree-dwelling species. They communicate through a range of squeaks and chirps, often beyond human hearing range. With sharp senses of smell and hearing, they easily detect food and predators. Their whiskers, or vibrissae, provide tactile feedback, helping them navigate dark or tight spaces with finesse.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have a complex relationship with rodents. Historically, species like rats and mice have been seen as pests, associated with disease and food spoilage, leading to widespread control measures. Yet, rodents like guinea pigs and hamsters are cherished pets. In pop culture, rodents range from the heroic (e.g., "Stuart Little") to the mischievous (e.g., "Tom and Jerry").

Conservation efforts often focus on endangered species, like the giant panda (a bamboo-eating rodent). Moreover, rodents are vital in scientific research, contributing significantly to medical advances. While some species are considered invasive, others play crucial roles in ecosystems, aiding seed dispersal and soil aeration.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do rodents eat?

A rodent’s diet depends on the species as well as habitat. For example, mice and rats are able to carry a flexible diet, and quickly adapt to the food available in their surroundings. Squirrels and beavers have more specific food requirements. Beavers exclusively eat plants such as grass and twigs. Rodents generally eat nuts, meat, fish, fruits, berries, and food scraps.

How do you keep rodents out of a garden?

In order to keep rodents out of a garden remove any shelters they have such as brush piles and tall grass, remove food sources, control lawn grubs, and maintain the garden clean by keeping garbage and recycling bins clean. Also seal any holes, place fences, and place mesh tubes around any plants to prevent rodents from eating them.

Where do rodents live?

There are about 2,050 species of rodents and these make up most the most diversified mammalian order. Rodents live all over the world except Antarctica. They can be found in almost every single country, as well as every type of habitat, including man-made environments. Rodents can be arboreal, semi-aquatic, or fossorial.

Animals

* Under Development *

1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm
.6-1.2 oz | 18-34 g
4 years (wild); 5-6 years (captivity)
African Dormouse
5.000
10.000
0.034
6.00
70
GUIDE
3D
African Dormouse
5.9”-7.3” | 15-18.5 cm
12”-16” | 31-41 cm
2-4 lb | .9-1.8 kg
3-5 years (wild); 8-10 years (captivity)
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
18.500
41.000
1.800
10.00
800
GUIDE
3D
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
7”-8.7” | 18-22 cm
15.7”-20” | 40-51 cm
.6-1.6 lb | 280-740 g
3-6 years (wild); up to 10 years (captivity)
California Ground Squirrel
22.000
51.000
0.740
10.00
4000
GUIDE
3D
California Ground Squirrel
Capybara
157000
20”-24” | 51-61 cm
42”-53” | 107-135 cm
77-146 lb | 35-66 kg
7-10 years (wild); 10-15 years (captivity)
Capybara
61.000
135.000
66.000
15.00
157000
GUIDE
3D
Capybara
5.1”-5.9” | 13-15 cm
9.8”-12.2” | 25-31 cm
6-10.6 lb | 170-300 g
1-4 years (wild); 5-9 years (captivity)
Common Degu
15.000
31.000
0.300
9.00
19200
GUIDE
3D
Common Degu
2.4”-3.5” | 6-9 cm
6”-10” | 15-25 cm
.6-1.5 lb | 250-700 g
1-2 years (wild); 2-3 years (captivity)
Common Rat
9.000
25.000
0.700
3.00
120000
GUIDE
3D
Common Rat
1.4”-2.2” | 3.5-5.5 cm
3.1”-5.1” | 8-13 cm
.7-1.4 oz | 20-40 g
.5-1 year (wild); 1-3 years (captivity)
Common Vole
5.500
13.000
0.040
3.00
73000
GUIDE
3D
Common Vole
1.8”-2” | 4.5-5 cm
2.75”-3.1” | 7-8 cm
.35-.6 oz | 10-17 g
2-3 years (wild); 4-5 years (captivity)
Dark Kangaroo Mouse
5.000
8.000
0.017
5.00
8000
GUIDE
3D
Dark Kangaroo Mouse
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm
3”-4.5” | 7.6-11.4 cm
.14-.33 lb | 65-150 g
2-4 years (wild); 6-8 years (captivity)
Eastern Chipmunk
6.000
11.400
0.150
8.00
4100
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Chipmunk
4.3”-5.5” | 11-14 cm
8”-11” | 20-28 cm
.9-1.3 lb | 400-600 g
6-12 years (wild); up to 20 years (captivity)
Eastern Gray Squirrel
14.000
28.000
0.600
20.00
1900
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Groundhog
172000
8.7”-11” | 22-28 cm
16”-20” | 41-51 cm
5-13 lb | 2.3-5.9 kg
3-6 years (wild); 10-14 years (captivity)
Groundhog
28.000
51.000
5.900
14.00
172000
GUIDE
3D
Groundhog
3.3”-4.1” | 8.5-10.5 cm
7.9”-9.8” | 20-25 cm
1.5-2.6 lb | .7-1.2 kg
2-4 years (wild); 5-7 years (captivity)
Guinea Pig | Cavy
10.500
25.000
1.200
7.00
7300
GUIDE
3D
Guinea Pig | Cavy
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
2.5”-4” | 6.3-10.2 cm
1.4-1.6 oz | 40-45 g
1-2 years (wild); 2-5 years (captivity)
House Mouse
5.000
10.200
0.045
5.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
House Mouse
2.6”-4.3” | 6.5-11 cm
5.5”-9” | 14-23 cm
.3-.5 lb | 150-220 g
5-7 years (wild); 10-19 years (captivity)
Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel
11.000
23.000
0.220
19.00
5900
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel
4.1”-6.9” | 10.5-17.5 cm
8.5”-14” | 22-36 cm
1.8-2.4 lb | 800-1100 g
8-10 years (wild); 10-20 years (captivity)
Long-Tailed Chinchilla
17.500
36.000
1.100
20.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Long-Tailed Chinchilla
11”-14.6” | 28-37 cm
23.6”-31.5” | 60-80 cm
13-31 lb | 6-14 kg
Up to 12 years (wild); 12-16 years (captivity)
Lowland Paca
37.000
80.000
14.000
16.00
700
GUIDE
3D
Lowland Paca
2.2”-2.7” | 5.6-6.8 cm
4.5”-5.7” | 11.5-14.5 cm
2-4.6 oz | 60-130 g
2-3 years (wild); 3-5 years (captivity)
Mongolian Gerbil
6.800
14.500
0.130
5.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
Mongolian Gerbil
Muskrat
106000
4.5”-6.7” | 11.5-17 cm
10”-15” | 25-38 cm
1.5-4.5 lb | .7-2 kg
2-4 years (wild); up to 10 years (captivity)
Muskrat
17.000
38.000
2.000
10.00
106000
GUIDE
3D
Muskrat
14.2”-16.9” | 36-43 cm
29”-35” | 74-89 cm
25-75 lb | 11.3-34 kg
10-15 years (wild); 15-25 years (captivity)
North American Beaver
43.000
89.000
34.000
25.00
3500
GUIDE
3D
North American Beaver
12.6”-16.5” | 32-42 cm
23.6”-35.4” | 60-90 cm
20-40 lb | 9-18 kg
10-15 years (wild); 15-30 years (captivity)
North American Porcupine
42.000
90.000
18.000
30.00
200
GUIDE
3D
North American Porcupine
2.2”-2.6” | 5.5-6.5 cm
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
2.5-4.6 oz | 70-130 g
1-2 years (wild); 2-3 years (captivity)
Norway Lemming
6.500
16.000
0.130
3.00
30000
GUIDE
3D
Norway Lemming
8.3”-11.8” | 21-30 cm
16”-25” | 41-64 cm
10-35 lb | 4.5-16 kg
4-7 years (wild); up to 12 years (captivity)
Nutria | Coypu
30.000
64.000
16.000
12.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
Nutria | Coypu
1.8”-2.4” | 4.5-6 cm
3.5”-5.5” | 8-14 cm
2.1-3.4 oz | 60-95 g
2-5 years (wild); 5-10 years (captivity)
Ord’s Kangaroo Rat
6.000
14.000
0.095
10.00
26000
GUIDE
3D
Ord’s Kangaroo Rat
3.5”-5.1” | 9-13 cm
8.2”-13.8” | 21-35 cm
.26-.44 lb | 120-200 g
1-3 years (wild); 5-7 years (captivity)
Plains Pocket Gopher
13.000
35.000
0.200
7.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Plains Pocket Gopher
1.1”-1.9” | 2.7-4.7 cm
2”-3” | 4.5-7.6 cm
.7-1 oz | 20-30 g
2-3 years (wild); 4-5 years (captivity)
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
4.700
7.600
0.030
5.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
9.4”-13.4” | 24-34 cm
18.5”-27.5” | 47-70 cm
3.5-11 lb | 1.6-5 kg
12-15 years (wild); up to 21 years (captivity)
Yellow-Bellied Marmot
34.000
70.000
5.000
21.00
4200
GUIDE
3D
Yellow-Bellied Marmot
African Dormouse

The African Dormouse, also known as the woodland dormouse, is a kind of tiny rodent showing similarities in appearance to that of a squirrel in combination with features of a mouse. Scientifically identified as Graphiurus murinus, the wild African Dormouse lives in subtropical or tropical climates (native to Africa as its name suggests).

Physically, the African Dormouse is distinguished by large eyes, a long bushy tail, and silky coat. Its coloration includes gray/brown streaks along its body and white found on its cheeks and underbelly. The African Dormouse is a social animal, but quiet in vocalization and shy around people as pets.

African Dormice have a height of 1.4”-2” (3.5-5 cm), body length between 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.2 oz (18-34 g). The tail length of an African Dormouse is 2.4”-4.3” (6-11 cm). African Dormice have a typical lifespan of 4 years in the wild and up to 5-6 years in captivity.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the African Dormouse
The African Dormouse, also known as the woodland dormouse, is a kind of tiny rodent showing similarities in appearance to that of a squirrel in combination with features of a mouse. Scientifically identified as Graphiurus murinus, the wild African Dormouse lives in subtropical or tropical climates.

African Dormice have a height of 1.4”-2” (3.5-5 cm), body length between 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.2 oz (18-34 g). The tail length of an African Dormouse is 2.4”-4.3” (6-11 cm). African Dormice have a typical lifespan of 4 years in the wild and up to 5-6 years in captivity.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the African Dormouse
African Dormouse
Height:
1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
Width:
Length:
2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.6-1.2 oz | 18-34 g
Area:
Tail Length
2.4”-4.3” | 6-11 cm
Scientific Name
Graphiurus murinus
Lifespan
4 years (wild); 5-6 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

African Dormouse side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (sitting)

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North American Beaver
Dimensioned size comparison illustration of the North American Beaver compared to an average person

Scientifically known as Castor canadensis and known best for its dam building, the North American Beaver is a semi-aquatic rodent physically distinguished by its broad, flat tail. It is identified as the largest rodent in North America and the second largest in the world just behind the capybara.

The purpose of dam building is to create a deep pond in which the beaver can establish its home. The dam is constructed across streams and consists of a pile of sticks with underwater entrances as the beaver is a skillful swimmer. The home or burrow is then made out of sticks and twigs as well.

North American Beavers have a height of 14.2”-16.9” (36-43 cm), body length between 29”-35” (74-89 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 25-75 lb (11.3-34 kg). The tail length of a North American Beaver is 7.9”-13.8” (20-35 cm). North American Beavers have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years in the wild and up to 15-25 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of the North American Beaver in various standing poses
Scientifically known as Castor canadensis and known best for its dam building, the North American Beaver is a semi-aquatic rodent physically distinguished by its broad, flat tail. It is identified as the largest rodent in North America and the second largest in the world just behind the capybara.

North American Beavers have a height of 14.2”-16.9” (36-43 cm), body length between 29”-35” (74-89 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 25-75 lb (11.3-34 kg). The tail length of a North American Beaver is 7.9”-13.8” (20-35 cm). North American Beavers have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years in the wild and up to 15-25 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of the North American Beaver in various standing poses
North American Beaver
Height:
14.2”-16.9” | 36-43 cm
Width:
Length:
29”-35” | 74-89 cm
Depth:
Weight:
25-75 lb | 11.3-34 kg
Area:
Tail Length
7.9”-13.8” | 20-35 cm
Scientific Name
Castor canadensis
Lifespan
10-15 years (wild); 15-25 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

North American Beaver side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (sitting), back (sitting)

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House Mouse

The House Mouse, scientifically known as Mus musculus, is noted for living in close approximation to humans. As such, the House Mouse is considered as a pet due to its domestication, as a model animal for study due to its population and proximity, and as one of the most abundant pest organisms due to its infestation of buildings.

The House Mouse is territorial, mostly nocturnal, and an omnivore, often willing to eat anything it can find. It is also known to be able swimmers, climbers, and jumpers with support from its tail for orientation.

House Mice have a height of 1.2”-2” (3-5 cm), body length between 2.5”-4” (6.3-10.2 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.4-1.6 oz (40-45 g). The tail length of a House Mouse is 2”-4” (5-10 cm). House Mice have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and between 2-5 years when raised in captivity.

Series of measured elevation illustrations of the House Mouse
The House Mouse, scientifically known as Mus musculus, is noted for living in close approximation to humans. As such, the House Mouse is considered as a pet due to its domestication, as a model animal for study due to its population and proximity, and as one of the most abundant pest organisms.

House Mice have a height of 1.2”-2” (3-5 cm), body length between 2.5”-4” (6.3-10.2 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.4-1.6 oz (40-45 g). The tail length of a House Mouse is 2”-4” (5-10 cm). House Mice have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and between 2-5 years when raised in captivity.

Series of measured elevation illustrations of the House Mouse
House Mouse
Height:
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
Width:
Length:
2.5”-4” | 6.3-10.2 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.4-1.6 oz | 40-45 g
Area:
Tail Length
2”-4” | 5-10 cm
Scientific Name
Mus musculus
Lifespan
1-2 years (wild); 2-5 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

House Mouse side elevation (standing), front (standing)

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Common Rat

The Common Rat, scientifically called Rattus norvegicus, holds multiple monikers such as the brown rat, street rat, and sewer rat. As the name suggests, it is considered one of the better-known rats due to its tendency to inhabit typically urban areas filled with humans. Physically, the common rat is distinguished by its long tail, coarse brown or grey fur, and a larger body size in comparison to others within the rodent family.

Other traits the common rat possesses include perceptive hearing, acute sense of smell, communication through chirping and ultrasonic vocalizations, and the skill of swimming.

Common Rats have a height of 2.4”-3.5” (6-9 cm), body length between 6”-10” (15-25 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.5 lb (250-700 g). The tail length of a Common Rat is 4.3”-9.4” (11-24 cm). Common Rats have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.

Series of measured elevation illustrations of the Common Rat
The Common Rat, scientifically called Rattus norvegicus, holds multiple monikers such as the brown rat, street rat, and sewer rat. As the name suggests, it is considered one of the better-known rats due to its tendency to inhabit typically urban areas filled with humans.

Common Rats have a height of 2.4”-3.5” (6-9 cm), body length between 6”-10” (15-25 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.5 lb (250-700 g). The tail length of a Common Rat is 4.3”-9.4” (11-24 cm). Common Rats have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.

Series of measured elevation illustrations of the Common Rat
Common Rat
Height:
2.4”-3.5” | 6-9 cm
Width:
Length:
6”-10” | 15-25 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.6-1.5 lb | 250-700 g
Area:
Tail Length
4.3”-9.4” | 11-24 cm
Scientific Name
Rattus norvegicus
Lifespan
1-2 years (wild); 2-3 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Common Rat side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (sitting), front (upright)

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Groundhog | Woodchuck

The Groundhog or Woodchuck, scientifically known as Marmota monax, is one kind of the 14 species of giant ground squirrels identified as marmots. The Groundhog undergoes hibernation and will dig a winter burrow deep enough to ensure a temperature above freezing as well as maintain a maximum weight right before entering this state.

Also called the “whistle-pig,” the Groundhog utilizes a high-pitched whistle to alert its colony if it notices danger. Another way it remains watchful is by standing completely still on its hind feet. The Groundhog or Woodchuck is noted for being territorial and aggressive in nature, using its claws and incisors to dig or attack if needed.

Groundhogs have a height of 8.7”-11” (22-28 cm), body length between 16”-20” (41-51 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 5-13 lb (2.3-5.9 kg). The tail length of a Groundhog is 4”-6” (10-15 cm). Groundhogs have a typical lifespan of 3-6 years in the wild and up to 10-14 years in captivity.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the Groundhog (Woodchuck)
The Groundhog or Woodchuck, scientifically known as Marmota monax, is one kind of the 14 species of giant ground squirrels identified as marmots. The Groundhog undergoes hibernation and will dig a winter burrow deep enough to ensure a temperature above freezing as well as keeping a maximized weight.

Groundhogs have a height of 8.7”-11” (22-28 cm), body length between 16”-20” (41-51 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 5-13 lb (2.3-5.9 kg). The tail length of a Groundhog is 4”-6” (10-15 cm). Groundhogs have a typical lifespan of 3-6 years in the wild and up to 10-14 years in captivity.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the Groundhog (Woodchuck)
Groundhog | Woodchuck
Height:
8.7”-11” | 22-28 cm
Width:
Length:
16”-20” | 41-51 cm
Depth:
Weight:
5-13 lb | 2.3-5.9 kg
Area:
Tail Length
4”-6” | 10-15 cm
Scientific Name
Marmota monax
Lifespan
3-6 years (wild); 10-14 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Groundhog (Woodchuck) side elevation (standing), front (standing), front (upright)

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