Cricetidae, from Czech křeček (“hamster”), in reference to the fact that these animals are hamster-related.

Common names of members

Hamsters, voles, lemmings, muskrats, and New World rats and mice.

Distribution  

The Americas, Europe and Asia.

Size

They vary in length and weight between species, weighing between 7 g and 5–8 cm to 41–62 cm and 1.1 kg. 

Morphology

Their tails can be furry or sparsely hairy, and their lengths differ significantly from their bodies. The majority of species have brownish-colored fur, frequently with a white underside, though there are numerous diverse patterns. They all have big, sharp incisor teeth that are spaced apart, or diastema, from their molar teeth, which grind together.

Habitat & Ecology

A vast variety of environments, including hot deserts, lush rainforests, and the high Arctic. Some are semiaquatic, with webbed feet and small external ears, while others are arboreal, with long balancing tails and other climbing adaptations. Others, however, are ground-dwelling animals that burrow.

Diet

With species that are herbivorous, omnivorous, and insectivorous, their diets vary. 

Reproduction 

Because of their enormous litter numbers compared to many other mammals and their short gestation periods (15–50 days), their populations can grow quickly during times of plenty. Typically, the young are helpless, hairless, and blind from birth.

Species known in Hong Kong

0.

Total species known

792

Species in the collection

2

Species in Hong Kong

0

Reference

Macdonald, D. W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of mammals. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780199206087.001.0001.

Savage, R. J. G., Long, M. R. (1986). Mammal Evolution: an illustrated guide. Facts on File.

Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press.