Peromyscus eremicus (Baird, 1858)

Cactus mouse

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

Media Center Navigation

Classification : Text | Graphic |
  

Table of Contents

General Description

Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
Copyright
Some rights reserved external link
Project
Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
Source URL
View original data object external link

Cactus Mice are found in habitats with sandy soil and scattered vegetation, from low deserts to rocky foothills. They typically live in burrows, but are also found on the surface in piles of debris, vegetation, or rock crevices. They are active at night, feeding on seeds, insects, and green vegetation, and can become torpid during the day. They may estivate (become dormant, with metabolic rate lowered) during hotter and drier months, so as to reduce water loss. In her lifetime, which is probably about a year, a female can bear three or four litters of up to four young.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
References
  • Baird, S.F., 1857 [1858].  Mammals. In Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, p. 479.  Vol. 8, Pt. 1. Mammals. Beverly Tucker Printer, Washington, D.C., 8(1):1-757.
"Peromyscus eremicus (Baird, 1858)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/1037778". Accessed 21 Mar 2010.