Dactylomyinae

Dactylomyinae is a subfamily of South American rodents belonging to the family Cricetidae. This subfamily contains three extant genera: Dactylomys, Kannabateomys, and Pseudoglyphidodon. These rodents are characterized by their arboreal lifestyle and are commonly known as bamboo rats or tree rats.

Dactylomyines are primarily found in the rainforests of the Amazon basin, inhabiting areas with dense bamboo growth. Their diet consists mainly of bamboo shoots, leaves, and seeds, though they may also consume fruits and other plant matter. They are nocturnal animals, spending their days in tree hollows or nests constructed from vegetation.

Morphologically, dactylomyines are medium-sized rodents with long, prehensile tails that aid in their arboreal locomotion. Their fur is typically brown or gray, providing camouflage within their forest habitat. They possess strong claws for climbing and sharp incisors for gnawing on tough plant material.

The subfamily Dactylomyinae is relatively small, with only a few species described. However, their ecological role in seed dispersal and as prey for arboreal predators is significant. Further research is needed to fully understand their behavior, reproductive biology, and conservation status, as some species may be vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation.