Sphiggurus mexicanus (Kerr, 1792)

Mexican Hairy Porcupine

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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Table of Contents

Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. Some rights reserved external link
Author
Micah Miller, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Editor
Link Olson, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Editor
Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation
Miller, M. and L. Olson. 2009. "Sphiggurus mexicanus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 26, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sphiggurus_mexicanus.html. 

 

Sphiggurus mexicanus is morphologically similar to all other species in the genus Sphiggurus. These are small to medium-sized arboreal porcupines, with movements generally slower than other rodents of similar size. The tail is prehensile and naked distally as an adaptation for better mobility in trees. The dorsal and lateral regions of the body are covered by long brown hair and yellowish hardened quills which are used for defense against predation. Electron microscopy has found that these are actually a unique modification of the cuticle, seen only in New World porcupines (Erethizontidae), Old World porcupines (Hystricidae), and tenrecs (Tenrecidae). These quills develop differently from quills seen in other spiny mammals such as hedgehogs (Erinaceidae) and echidnas (Tachyglossidae). Little sexual dimorphism is seen in this species and young are similar to adults. Body length is between 55 to 80 cm and mass between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. (Chernova, 2002; Fowler and Cubas, 2001; Mertz, 2003)

 
References
  • Fowler, M., Z. Cubas. 2001. Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of South American Wild Animals. Iowa State University Press.
  • Mertz, L. 2003. New World Porcupines. B. Grzimek, ed. Thomson Gale's Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, Vol. 13. New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co..
  • Chernova, O. 2002. New findings of a specialized spine cuticle in Porcupines (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha) and Tenrecs (Insectivora: Tenrecidae). Doklady Biological Sciences, 384: 267-270.
"Sphiggurus mexicanus (Kerr, 1792)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/289455". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.