A New Species of Water Rat, Genus Neusticomys Anthony, from the Andes of Venezuela

Abstract

A new species of water rat of the genus Neusticomys is described, based on two specimens collected on the southern slope of the Venezuelan Andean Cordillera in the Río Potosí, 14 km SE Pregonero (Táchira State). The diagnostic characters of this new taxon include small size, short molar series, a reduction of the pollex, and poorly developed masseteric tubercles. By comparison with other ichthyomyines, the new species appears less specialized for aquatic life as indicated by relatively narrower hindfeet (with shorter specialized hairs and webs), moderately developed vibrissae, a reduced gnathic process of the premaxillae, and a more compressed infraorbital foramen.