Microdipodops megacephalus Merriam, 1891

Dark kangaroo 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

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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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Kangaroo Mice have fat deposits in the middle of their tails. The fat deposits change in size according to the season, being largest when the animals go into hibernation and smallest when they emerge in the spring. Individuals with the largest fat deposits have a better chance of surviving hibernation. No other small mammals in North America have such fat deposits in their tails, but there are small desert-dwelling mammals in Africa and Australia that do. As with other members of their family, the Heteromyidae, kangaroo Mice do not drink water, instead getting what they need from the seeds and insects they eat. They conserve water by restricting their activity to night, when it is cooler, and by producing concentrated urine and dry feces.

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References
  • Merriam, C.H., 1891.  Description of a new genus and species of dwarf kangaroo rat from Nevada, (Microdipodops megacephalus) p. 115.  North American Fauna,>5:115-117.
"Microdipodops megacephalus Merriam, 1891". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328019". Accessed 21 Mar 2010.