The genus Oryzomys is a collective term that describes a group of small, nocturnal rodents found in the Americas. These creatures are commonly known as rice rats, based on their tendency to feed on rice crops in the wild. Other synonyms for Oryzomys include the Latin name for the genus (transliterated as Orizomys), as well as several common names for specific species within the genus, such as marsh rice rat and Allen's rice rat. While these creatures are often viewed as pests by farmers due to their destructive eating habits, they play an important role in the ecosystem as prey for predators such as snakes and raptors.