Euneomys

The Patagonian chinchilla mice ( Euneomys ) are a living in South America rodent genus of the group of the New world. They include 4 species.

These rodents are mice similar, stocky built animals. They reach a body length 9-16 cm, the tail is 5 to 10 centimeters relatively short. The weight is of the species E. chinchilloides known, it is 60 to 120 grams. The coat is reddish brown on the top or brown in color, the belly is light gray and white paws.

Patagonian chinchilla mice live in Argentina and Chile - particularly in the southern parts ( Patagonia) including the island of Tierra del Fuego. They prefer open habitats such as grass and bush lands, but also rocky areas.

They are skillful climbers, but can also dig good - especially the species E. fossor is adapted to a grave lifestyle. These animals at least partially live in colonies and feed on various plant materials.

There are four types:

• Euneomys chinchilloides lives in Tierra del Fuego and in the extreme south of Chile.
• Euneomys fossor is known only from northern Argentina.
• Euneomys mordax comes in the southwestern Argentina and neighboring regions of Chile before.
• Euneomys peter soni lives in western Argentina and Chile.

E. mordax and E. peter soni are often summarized with E. chinchilloides to one species.