The moon-toothed degu (Octodon lunatus) is a species of rodent in the family Octodontidae.[2] It is endemic to Chile, occurring in mountainous areas along the Pacific coast in the central part of the country.[1][3]
| Moon-toothed degu | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Octodontidae |
| Genus: | Octodon |
| Species: | O. lunatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Octodon lunatus Osgood, 1943 | |
Biology and physiology
Unlike its close relative the common degu, the moon-toothed degu is nocturnal (active at night).[4] The ventral fur of this species has been found to be much less reflective of UV light than other octodontids,[5] most likely as a result of its nocturnal habits.
The moon-toothed degu has deep molar indentations but lacks a fold on the inside of the last molar.[6]
Habitat
The species is less widely distributed in Chile than the common degu and inhabits dense scrubland near the coast.[3] Habitat ranges from sea level to 1,200 m in the Andes.[5]
References
External links
Data related to Octodon lunatus at Wikispecies
