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 …

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.

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.

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.

Coypu are large stocky rodents that are often mistaken as small beaver. Unlike the beaver, however, the coypu, also known as nutria, has a tail that is round and hairless -- thus the name “Rat” or “Nutria Rat.”

Feb 12, 2024 · The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large, dark-colored, semiaquatic rodent. They have short legs and a robust, highly arched body that is approximately 24 inches (61 cm) long. Their round tail is 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm) long and scantily haired.

Coypus are the sole living members of the family of Myocastoridae. These animals are home to temperate regions of South America. These animals carry a certain parasite in their body that can cause “nutria itch” in human beings.

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.

Oct 15, 2019 · The nutria or coypu (Myocastor coypus) is a large, semi-aquatic rodent. It resembles the beaver and muskrat, but a nutria has a rounded tail, while a beaver has a paddle-shaped tail and a muskrat has a flattened ribbon-like tail.

Myocastor coypus, colloquially known as coypus, carve their existence amidst a diverse array of wetland ecosystems. Predominantly, these creatures thrive in freshwater marshes, where the juxtaposition of aquatic and terrestrial elements defines their habitat.