Clyomys is a South American rodent genus in the family Echimyidae. It contains two species, found in tropical savannas and grasslands from circa 100 m (300 ft) to 1,100 m (3,600 ft) elevation in central Brazil and eastern Paraguay.
The term Clyomys derives from the two ancient greek words κλύω (klúō, or clyo), meaning "to listen, to prick up one's ears", and μῦς (mûs), meaning "mouse, rat".
The Clyomys species are as follows:
- Broad-headed spiny rat (Clyomys laticeps)
- † Clyomys riograndensis
Phylogeny
Clyomys is the sister genus to Euryzygomatomys. Both taxa are closely related to the genus Trinomys. In turn, these three genera — forming the clade of Euryzygomatomyinae — share phylogenetic affinities with a clade containing Carterodon and members of the family Capromyidae.
Analyses of craniodental characters proposed that Clyomys — and also Euryzygomatomys — may be associated with Carterodon. However, molecular data suggest the polyphyly of this assemblage of fossorial genera.
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