Cercolabes

/ˌsɜrkoʊˈleɪbiːz/ noun

Definition

A genus of spiny rats found in South America, rodents characterized by their spiny fur and prehensile tails.

Etymology

From Greek kerkos meaning 'tail' plus labes meaning 'seizure' or 'grasp,' referring to the gripping or prehensile nature of their tails.

Kelly Says

Cercolabes rats have prehensile tails they can use like a monkey's tail to grab branches, but they're rodents—so they're basically nature's attempt to make a rat that climbs like a monkey.

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