Most species have a head-and-body length that ranges from and weigh less than , but
Desmarest's hutia has a head-and-body length of and weighs . They resemble the
coypu in some respects. Tails are present, varying from vestiges to
prehensile. They have stout bodies and large heads. Most species are
herbivorous, though some consume small animals. Instead of burrowing underground, they nest in trees or rock crevices. They are hunted for food in Cuba, where they are often cooked in a large pot with wild nuts and honey. At the
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base however, there is an over population due to an abundant food source and the lack of natural predators. Desmarest's hutias are referred to by those stationed at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base as
banana rats. Banana rats are not named for their dietary preference, but because their feces look like small versions of the fruit. They are known to come out at night. == Phylogeny ==