Description:

Periscope rats are a derived subfamily of spalacid rodents. They have eyes positioned high on their head, which allows them to see predators from the safety of their burrows. Despite this, they often serve as prey for the predators of the grasslands. Like other mole rats, they dig by chewing through dirt, hence the exposed teeth. There are two species alive during the Novicene: the fat-tailed periscope rat (Lestops leakeyii) and the sable periscope rat (Ochurotektos komes). Fat-tailed periscope rats are roughy 40 centimeters long while the sable periscope rats are 20 centimeters long. Lestops leakeyii is tan with dark-spots while Ochurotektos komes is dark-brown.

Distribution:

Both species mainly inhabit the open plains of the Congo Savannah.

Diet:

Both species of periscope rats feed on strictly roots and tubers.

Reproduction:

Both species of periscope rats give birth to litters. Lestops leakeyii produces a litter of four babies, and Ochurotektos komes produces up to seven babies in one litter.

Lestops Additional Notes: 

The enlarged tail of this species serves as a fat store, which helps them when burrowing for extended periods underground. Oftentimes, they will steal food from the burrows of other species they encounter when digging.

Ochurotektos Additional Notes:

This genus lives in complex social groups, building mounds on top of their burrows out of grass to deter predators. They have the largest “periscopes” compared to the body size of any periscope rat. The burrows of the sable periscope rat are designed to allow for scouts to spy on the outside world with relative safety. A mound of hard mud and grass acts as a "cap" to the true entrance.