THE OC TO DO NT TRIBE. 



157 



THE TUCOTUCOS. 

 Genus Ctenomys. 



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

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

 almost 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 

 8 to 12 inches, exclusive of the tail, which is about one-fourth as long again; and 

 the general colour of the soft fur is greyish, while the incisor teeth are red. 



THE MAGELLANIC TUCOTUCO (i nat. size). 



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



and Habits. Bolivia to the Straits of Magellan; our figured example being the 

 Magellanic species (Ctenomys magellanica). The name tucotuco is derived 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 Rodents are 

 found in large numbers ; whole tracts being frequently undermined by their long 

 and shallow burrows, of which the course is indicated by lines of hillocks. They 

 are nocturnal in their habits, feeding mainly upon the roots of plants, of which 

 they are saved to lay up a store. Mr. W. H. Hudson writes that on the Argentine 

 pampas wherever there is a stretch of sandy soil, or a range of sandhills, the 

 tucotuco is to be found ; " not seen, but heard ; for all day long and all night 

 sounds its voice, resonant and loud, like a succession of blows from a hammer; as 



