Synonyms: South American Water Rat, Atlantic Forest Nectomys

 

 

Nectomys squamipes is a semiaquatic rodent found in eastern South America (Brazil, Paraguay, and Misiones Province of Argentina; Map). This species lives in or near forest streams, rivers, swamps and marshes; from sea level to 2,000 m. Nests are built above ground, e.g., inside dead trees or in thickets. Adults are among the largest of the Sigmodontinae (weigh up to 216 g). They have long hind legs with partially webbed feet, glossy, long pelage, and relatively long ears. N. sqaumipes is omnivorous, feeding on insects, other aquatic invertebrates, fruits, leaves, and small fish.

 

		D36257 Scaly-footed Water Rat (Nectomys squamipes); immature Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D36261 Scaly-footed Water Rat (Nectomys squamipes); immature Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D36258 Scaly-footed Water Rat (Nectomys squamipes); immature Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved

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