Chaetodipus intermedius (Merriam, 1889)

Rock pocket 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

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General Description

Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Project
Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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As their name indicates, Rock Pocket Mice dwell in rocky habitats, and only rarely live in areas with sandy or silty soils. Their inconspicuous burrows are located near or under rocks, in rocky gulches or canyons, or near boulders. The mouse pictured is sitting on a lava rock, probably in New Mexico, and the color of its fur blends with the dark rock. This is typical of pocket mice - their color often matches the background color of their habitat. Rock Pocket Mice breed from February or March through July, and young have been seen from April through August.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
References
  • Merriam, C.H., 1889.  Preliminary revision of the North American pocket mice (genera Perognathus et Cricetodipus auct.) with descriptions of new species and subspecies and a key to the known forms, p. 18.  North American Fauna, 1:1-36.
"Chaetodipus intermedius (Merriam, 1889)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/311981". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.