TE, “OCTLOD ONDER LE, 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. 



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THE MAGELLANIC TUCOTUCO (} 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 
