It is a small rodent mammal with the body covered with spines or quills. They should not be confused with hedgehogs (Erinaceidae family) and Echidna (Echidna family), because these are not rodents but insectivorous. Porcupines at the same time, belong to two different families of rodents Erethizontidae (Native American) e Hystricidae (old world natives). To the American porcupines also coendus, cuendus and ursones are called.
