Oryzomys

What is a "oryzomys"?

Oryzomys, commonly known as rice rats or marsh rats, is a genus of small rodents found in the Americas, including North, Central, and South America. They are typically associated with wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and rice fields, and are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle. Oryzomys species have a compact body with short legs and a long tail, and their fur can vary in color from brown to gray. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, insects, and small animals. Oryzomys rats are important in the ecosystem as both prey and predators, and they are also known to be carriers of certain diseases.