The nutria (/ ˈ n juː t r i ə /) or coypu (/ ˈ k ɔɪ p uː /) (Myocastor coypus) [1] [2] is a herbivorous, [3] semiaquatic rodent from South America. Classified for a long time as the only member of the family Myocastoridae, [ 4 ] Myocastor has since been included within Echimyidae , the family of …

Apr 19, 2023 · Nutria (Myocastor coypus) are relatively big rodents that grow to between 17 and 25 inches long (43 to 64 centimeters) from head to rump, which is about the same size as a raccoon.

The coypu (Myocastor coypus), otherwise known as nutria or River rat, is a large, semi-aquatic rodent. In spite of being a separate species, the animal is sometimes mistaken for a beaver or otter.

Sep 12, 2018 · In some places, they’re better known as coypu, from the Spanish word coipú. (In Spanish, the word nutria means otter.) While Rodents of Unusual Size focuses on a small community in southern...

Feb 24, 2025 · Nutria, (Myocastor coypus), a large amphibious South American rodent with webbed hind feet. The nutria has a robust body, short limbs, small eyes and ears, long whiskers, and a cylindrical, scaly tail. It can weigh up to 17 kg (37.5 pounds), although 5 to 10 kg is usual; the body measures up to 70.

Jul 30, 2020 · The nutria rat (Myocastor coypus), also known as the coypu or swamp rat, is not really a rat but is a large rodent that makes its home close to freshwater. Native to South America, nutria rats are now found across North America, where they were introduced through the fur trade.

Nutrias look similar to a beaver, without the large flat tail. They are slightly smaller than a beaver, with thick brown fur. They have a long tail, webbed toes, and long orange teeth. The nutria, also known as the “coypu,” is a large, semi-aquatic rodent.

The Coypu is a large rodent and is the only member of the family Myocastoridae. It is not a native species in France and was introduced from South America in the 19th century for its fur, (as were American Mink and Musk rats from North America).

In appearance, the coypu more or less resembles a giant rat with a distinguished long and round tail and thick brown fur. The animal’s tail is not only thick but is also prominently scaly. Many a times the coypu has been referred to as a larger version of the Muskrat or Brown Rat.

May 27, 2024 · The scientific name of the nutria is Myocastor coypus. Nutrias were formerly classified as the only living member of the family Myocastoridae but has now been moved into the spiny-rat family, Echimyidae. Nutria are also called coypu, coipu, swamp beavers, and nutria rat.