THE TUCOTUCOS 



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Hodent from the Southern Andes, known as Acontemys, is distinguished by the 

 enamel folds of the molars meeting in the middle line. The regions where these 

 animals are found are buried in snow for several months of the year. 



THE TUCOTUCOS 

 Genus Ctenomys 



The tucotucos, of which there are several South-American species, are charac- 

 terized by their adaptation for a subterranean life. They have small and almost 



THE MAGEI,I,ANIC TUCOTUCO. 



(One-half natural size.) 



rudimental ears, small eyes, and short tails. Their incisor teeth are extremely 

 broad, and their molars are rootless, with kidney-shaped crowns. On the fore-feet 

 the curved claws are longer than the toes; while the hind-toes are furnished with a 

 number of bristles. The species of tucotuco vary in length from eight to twelve 

 inches, exclusive of the tail, which is about one-fourth as long again, and the gen- 

 eral color of the soft fur in grayish, while the incisor teeth are red. 



There are four species of these animals, ranging from Brazil and 

 ^n/Habits Bolivia to the straits of Magellan; our figured example being the Ma- 

 gellanic species (Ctenomys magellanica). The name tucotuco is de- 

 rived from the peculiar cry of these animals, which, from their subterranean habits, 

 are also termed oculto. In many districts, especially where the soil is sandy, these 

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