Cricetidae

The Cricetidae are a family of rodents in the large and complex superfamily Muroidea. This group includes many familiar animals such as true hamsters, voles, lemmings, muskrats, and New World rats and mice. With over 870 species, it is one of the largest families of mammals.

These small mammals live in many parts of the world, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. They play important roles in ecosystems. They help control insect numbers and provide food for other animals. Scientists study their habits to learn more about animal life.

Characteristics

Cricetids are small mammals. They range from about 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) long in the New World pygmy mouse to 41–62 cm (16–24 inches) long in the muskrat. Their fur is usually brown with a white underbelly, but it can be many different colors and patterns.

These rodents live in many places, from the cold Arctic to warm rainforests and hot deserts. Some climb trees, some swim, and others live on the ground. They eat different foods, including plants, insects, and sometimes both. All cricetids have large front teeth called incisors that grow continuously. They have short pregnancies and can have large families. Their babies are born blind and without fur.

Evolution and systematics

Further information: List of cricetids

Cricetids are a large family of rodents. They first appeared in the Old World during the Early Oligocene. They adapted to many different places and spread around the world. Voles and lemmings evolved later, during the Pliocene, and diversified quickly in the Pleistocene.

Today, Cricetidae includes one fossil subfamily and five living subfamilies. There are about 142 genera and over 870 species. These rodents include voles, lemmings, muskrats, hamsters, North American rats and mice, and New World rats and mice from South America.