Sumichrast’s Vesper Rat

Sumichrast's vesper rat (Nyctomys sumichrasti) is a rodent of the family Cricetidae found from southern Mexico to Panama. It is named for François Sumichrast, the collector of the first specimen, and its closest relative is probably Hatt's vesper rat, a similar, but slightly smaller, species from the Yucatán Peninsula. == Description == Sumichrast's vesper rat is a relatively small rat, with an adult length of 10 to 13 cm (3.9 to 5.1 in), not including the tail, which is only slightly shorter. Males and females are of similar size, with both weighing between 220 to 245 g (7.8 to 8.6 oz). It is one of the more brightly coloured rats, with a reddish or orange back and creamy to white underparts. The rats have a thick pelt of soft fur, which extends over the entire length of the tail, and is absent only on the soles of the feet. The eyes are relatively large, and surrounded by a narrow ring of black hair, while the whiskers are long and the ears small. To aid in climbing, the claws are compressed and curved, and the first toe on each foot is thumb-like. == Distribution and subspecies == Sumichrast's vesper rat is…