blind mole-rat
Refers to the species Spalax leucodon, a subterranean rodent. The word is usually written in katakana as メクラネズミ.
The blind mole-rat is a rodent that lives underground.
Katakana spelling is common for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the word is usually written in kana.
Mixed kanji-katakana spelling; uncommon.
Compound of 盲 (mekura, 'blind') and 鼠 (nezumi, 'rat/mouse'), literally 'blind rat'. The exact derivation is uncertain; the name likely refers to the animal's reduced eyes.