Hutias are moderately large cavy-like rodents of the family Capromyidae that inhabit the Caribbean Islands. They range in size from 20 to 60 cm (7.9 to 24 in), and can weigh up to 7 kg (15 lb).^[1] Twenty species of hutia have been identified, and half may be extinct. (Their larger relatives the giant hutias, of the family Heptaxodontidae, are entirely extinct.) They resemble the nutria in some respects. Tails are present, varying from vestiges to prehensile. They have stout bodies and large heads. Most species are herbivorous, though some consume small animals. Instead of burrowing underground, they nest in trees or rock crevices. Only a few species are common, while others have become endangered.

They are hunted for food in Cuba, where they are often cooked in a large pot with wild nuts and honey. One of the recipes is hutia stew: sauté with green peppers, onions, tomato sauce and lots of garlic.^{[citation needed]}

One species of hutia is referred to by those stationed at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base as banana rats."Navy article." Banana rats are not named for their dietary preference, but because their feces look like small versions of the fruit. They are also known to come out at night.

Species

• Those species with daggers by them are known to be extinct.

Order Rodentia

Suborder Hystricognathi

Family Capromyidae

Subfamily Capromyinae

Capromys

Desmarest's hutia (Capromys pilorides)

Geocapromys

Bahamian Hutia (Geocapromys ingrahami)

Jamaican hutia (Geocapromys brownii)

Little Swan Island Hutia (†Geocapromys thoracatus)

Mesocapromys

Cabrera's Hutia (Mesocapromys angelcabrerai)

Dwarf Hutia (Mesocapromys nanus)

Eared Hutia (Mesocapromys auritus)

San Felipe Hutia (Mesocapromys sanfelipensis)

Mysateles

Black-tailed Hutia (Mysateles melanurus)

Garrido's Hutia (Mysateles garridoi)

Gundlach's Hutia (Mysateles gundlachi)

Prehensile-tailed Hutia (Mysateles prehensilis)

Southern Hutia (Mysateles meridionalis)

Subfamily †Hexolobodontinae

†Hexolobodon

Imposter Hutia (†Hexolobodon phenax)

Subfamily Isolobodontinae

†Isolobodon

Montane Hutia (†Isolobodon montanus)

Puerto Rican Hutia (†Isolobodon portoricensis)

Subfamily Plagiodontinae

Plagiodontia

Hispaniolan Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium)

Samana Hutia (†Plagiodontia ipnaeum)

San Rafael Hutia (Plagiodontia araeum)

†Rhizoplagiodontia

Lemke's Hutia (†Rhizoplagiodontia lemkei)

Capromys prehensilis

Plagiodontia aedium

References