Onychomys leucogaster (Wied-Neuwied, 1841)

Northern grasshopper 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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Northern Grasshopper Mice are highly predatory, and their skulls and teeth resemble those of flesh-eating carnivores such as cats and dogs. Their forelimbs, equipped with elongated fingers and claws, have developed great dexterity, so they are able to manipulate captured prey. These Mice have a complex social system, using howling vocalizations to broadcast information on sex, identity, body size, and location. Grasshopper Mice prey primarily on grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, yet they incorporate some seeds into their diet, presumably a dietary preference retained from a seed-eating ancestry.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
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References
  • Wied, Maximilian, Prinz zu., 1841.  Reise in das innere Nord-America in den jahren 1832 bis 1834, p. 99.  J. Holscher, Coblenz, xxiv + 687 pp.
"Onychomys leucogaster (Wied-Neuwied, 1841)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328463". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.