Papagomys
Papagomys is a genus of very large rats in the tribe Rattini of the subfamily Murinae, with body masses of 600–2,500 grams (1.3–5.5 lb). It contains two species, which are known only from the Indonesian island of Flores:
- Flores giant rat Papagomys armandvillei
- Verhoeven's giant rat Papagomys theodorverhoeveni (possibly extinct, only known from subfossil remains)
| Papagomys Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
| Stuffed specimen of Papagomys armandvillei | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Muridae |
| Tribe: | Rattini |
| Genus: | Papagomys Sody, 1941 |
| Species | |
A possible unnamed third species is also known from subfossil remains.
Both species have records extending to the early Late Pleistocene. The species are thought to be terrestrial, preferring closed habitats, with P. armandvillei known to engage in burrowing. They are thought to be omnivores, consuming leaves, fruit and invertebrates.
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