Neotominae is a subfamily of rodents commonly referred to as North American rats and mice. However, there are various synonyms used to refer to this group of rodents, including Neotoma and packrats. Packrats are a group of rodents that are commonly found in the deserts and scrublands of North America. They are known for their unique behavior of collecting and hoarding various items, including sticks, leaves, and rocks. Other synonyms that are commonly used to refer to the Neotominae subfamily include woodrats and bushy-tailed rats. These rodents are known for their bushy tails, which are often used for communication or for balancing on trees. Overall, the Neotominae subfamily comprises a diverse group of rodents with various unique characteristics and traits.