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Glite Dictionary
Sigmodon hispidus

Sigmodon hispidus

9.9
A small mammal like a rat with long fur that lives in burrows in southern North America and Central America
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Sigmodon hispidus
  • Researchers observed Sigmodon hispidus populations thriving in grassy fields near the river.

Examples

  • The burrows of Sigmodon hispidus can damage agricultural crops in southern regions.

  • Predators such as owls often prey on Sigmodon hispidus in its natural habitat.

  • The Sigmodon hispidus is commonly found in grasslands.

  • Look at that Sigmodon hispidus running across the field!

  • The Sigmodon hispidus is often seen foraging for food in grassy areas during the evening.

  • Researchers conducted a study on the behavior of Sigmodon hispidus in a controlled environment.

  • In some regions, the population of Sigmodon hispidus has increased due to habitat restoration efforts.

Synonyms

cotton rat
vsSigmodon hispidus
  • US
8.1

A wild rat that lives underground and damages crops

is the scientific species name used by researchers rather than the common pest term

Surface Forms

Sigmodon hispidus singular
Sigmodon hispidus plural

Morphology

Sigmodon + hispidus

This is a taxonomic binomial (genus + specific epithet): the form is a proper scientific name rather than an ordinary compositional phrase. Even if a learner knew 'Sigmodon' (a cotton‑rat genus) and the Latin root 'hispidus' (bristly/hairy), the name only gives a descriptive hint and requires domain knowledge to map to the species 'hispid cotton rat', so the meaning is partially but not fully predictable.

Etymology

Sigmodon hispidus comes from old Greek and Latin words: Sigmodon means 'S-shaped tooth' and hispidus means 'bristly', so the name gives the image of a small rat with curved front teeth and rough fur.