[1] These species are typically found at elevations above 2,000 metres (6,600 ft).

[2] Olallamys is a taxonomic patronym honoring the Ecuadorian birds and mammals collector Carlos Olalla.

These South American bamboo rats share unique features and are grouped under the informal clade name of "Dactylomyines".

All these taxa are closely related to the genera Echimys, Phyllomys, Makalata, Pattonomys, and Toromys.

In turn, these genera share phylogenetic affinities with the clade containing Lonchothrix and Mesomys, and with Isothrix.