Erethizontids or New World porcupines, members of Erethizontidae, are a family of large, mostly arboreal rodents, distinguished by the spiny covering from which they take their name.

In general, New World porcupines are stout built animals, with rounded heads, mobile snouts, and coats of thick cylindrical or flattened spines, intermixed with long, soft hairs. They are distinguished from the Old World porcupines in that they have rooted molars, complete collar bones, entire upper lips, tuberculated soles, and four teats.

They are less strictly nocturnal than Old World species in their habits, and some types live entirely in trees, while others have dens on the ground. Their long and powerful prehensile tails help them balance when they are in the tree tops.

Species

• coendou
• brazilian_porcupine
• mexican_tree_porcupine
• common_porcupine

See also

• mammal
• rodent
• porcupine
• erethizontid
• hystricid