Rodent Latin Names (Part 1)

Northern Flying Squirrel

(nh only)

Sciuridae Glaucomys sabrinus

Endangered in VA

Southern Flying Squirrel

Sciuridae Glaucomys volans

gliding and climbing locomotion

Eastern Chipmunk

Sciuridae Tamias striatus

Cheek pouches

Eastern Red Squirrel

Sciuridae Tamiasciurus hudsonicus

Does not hibernate

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciuridae Sciurus carolinensis

(Pointy postorbital process + pegged teeth)

Tree squirrel

Eastern Fox Squirrel

Sciuridae Sciurus niger

(Sharp postorbital process + no pegged teeth)

Variable pellage (fur color)

Woodchuck

Sciuridae Marmota monax

Dig burrows

Nutria

Castoridae Myocastor coypus

Invasive

American Beaver

Castoridae Castor canadensis

Largest rodent in NA

North American Porcupine

Erethizontidae Erethizon dorsatum

quills

House Mouse

Muridae Mus musculus

Used frequently in scientific research

(upper incisors notched)

Norway Rat

Muridae Rattus norvegicus

Carries Leptospirosis

Black Rat

Muridae Rattus rattus

Carrier of bubonic plague