The nutria, Myocastor coypus, is a large semi-aquatic rodent. The generic name is derived from two Greek words (mys, for mouse, and kastor, for beaver) that translate as mouse beaver. The specific name coypus is the Latinized form of coypu, a name in the language of the Araucanian Indians of south-central Chile and adjacent parts of Argentina for an aquatic mammal that was possibly this species.
The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large, dark-colored, semiaquatic rodent that is native to southern South America. It can be easily mistaken with beaver (Castor canadensis) or a muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), especially when it is swimming.
The coypu, also known as the river-rat or nutria is a semi-aquatic rodent originally native to South America, but which has since have been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa as well. They were mainly introduced in these countries to be bread for their fur, but their destructive feeding and burrowing habits have transformed the nutria into an invasive species.
The nutria, also known as the river rat, or coypu, is a large, omnivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. It lives near stretches of water and feeds on stems of river plants. It was originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, but has been also introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, mostly by fur ranchers. Even though it is still valued for its fur, it is also considered a pest due to its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviour.