Sphiggurus spinosus (F.Cuvier, 1823)

Taxonomic Classification

The Paraguaian hairy dwarf porcupine, scientifically known as Coendou spinosus, is a porcupine species belonging to the family Erethizontidae.

Geographic Distribution

It can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Physical Characteristics and Diet

This species has a short tail and gray-brown quills, and feeds on fruits, ant pupae, vegetables, and roots.

Previous Genus Placement

It was formerly sometimes placed in the genus Sphiggurus, which is no longer recognized because genetic studies found Sphiggurus to be polyphyletic.

Taxonomic Reclassification of Former Species

The population that was previously recognized as the separate species orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) has been reclassified into this species.

Closest Relatives

The closest relatives of the Paraguaian hairy dwarf porcupine are the bicolored-spined porcupine (Coendou bicolor) and the black dwarf porcupine (Coendou nycthemera).