nutria
(Myocastor coypus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Native to South America. Nutria were introduced to the United States through the fur trade.
Life Cycle
M. coypus are large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammals. Adults weigh 15-20 lbs (males larger than females) and 2 ft (61 cm) long including their rounded, almost hairless tail. Adults have large yellow to orange teeth and a life span of 8-10 years. They are nocturnal but will feed during the day if food is scarce. M. coypus eat roots, rhizomes, and tubers of plants, consuming about 25% of their body weight daily. They become sexually mature after 4 months. Females have an average of 4-5 offspring per pregnancy and can have 2 litters per year. Usually, one male and 2-3 females share a den. M. coypus’ tracks show a small forefoot and a larger hindfoot (5 in.; 12.7 cm) with 4 webbed toes and a free outer toe. The tail drag marks can be seen between the footprints. Their droppings are dark green to black, 2 in. (5 cm) long and 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) wide, with deep lines running along the droppings.
Distribution
M. coypus have been found in 22 states. They prefer marshes and other wetlands with a large amount of emergent aquatic vegetation as well as semi-aquatic environments. They will create burrows, land nests, and platforms out of vegetation in shallow water. M. coypus are most abundant in the coastal states.
Control Efforts
Control M. coypus where damage and activity occurs. Exclusions (e.g., fences, walls, and other structures) and habitat modifications (e.g., vegetation control and draining) can reduce numbers and damage but are costly. Harvesting (e.g., trapping and hunting) can provide managers a financially feasible opportunity to control M. coypus.
Native to South America. Nutria were introduced to the United States through the fur trade.
Life Cycle
M. coypus are large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammals. Adults weigh 15-20 lbs (males larger than females) and 2 ft (61 cm) long including their rounded, almost hairless tail. Adults have large yellow to orange teeth and a life span of 8-10 years. They are nocturnal but will feed during the day if food is scarce. M. coypus eat roots, rhizomes, and tubers of plants, consuming about 25% of their body weight daily. They become sexually mature after 4 months. Females have an average of 4-5 offspring per pregnancy and can have 2 litters per year. Usually, one male and 2-3 females share a den. M. coypus’ tracks show a small forefoot and a larger hindfoot (5 in.; 12.7 cm) with 4 webbed toes and a free outer toe. The tail drag marks can be seen between the footprints. Their droppings are dark green to black, 2 in. (5 cm) long and 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) wide, with deep lines running along the droppings.
Distribution
M. coypus have been found in 22 states. They prefer marshes and other wetlands with a large amount of emergent aquatic vegetation as well as semi-aquatic environments. They will create burrows, land nests, and platforms out of vegetation in shallow water. M. coypus are most abundant in the coastal states.
Control Efforts
Control M. coypus where damage and activity occurs. Exclusions (e.g., fences, walls, and other structures) and habitat modifications (e.g., vegetation control and draining) can reduce numbers and damage but are costly. Harvesting (e.g., trapping and hunting) can provide managers a financially feasible opportunity to control M. coypus.
Resources
- Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Global Invasive Species Database - Invasive Species Specialist Group
- Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database - U.S. Geological Survey
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Delaware Invasive Species Council Invasive Species List
- Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
- Florida Conditional and Prohibited Non-Native Species Lists
- Florida Invasive Species Partnership
- Idaho Invasive Species Act
- Invasive Species of Concern in Georgia
- Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
- Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
- Michigan’s Invasive Species Watch List
- Michigan’s Prohibited and Restricted Species
- Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
- New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Prohibited
- Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
- Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan 2012
- Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Mammalia |
| Subclass: Theria |
| Order: Rodentia |
| Suborder: Hystricognatha |
| Infraorder: Hystricognathi |
| Family: Echimyidae |
| Genus: Myocastor |
| Myocastor coypus |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.