Onychomys torridus (Coues, 1874)

Southern 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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Southern Grasshopper Mice are also known as scorpion Mice: they are able to kill (and then eat) scorpions, by first immobilizing the venomous tail and then biting the head. They also prey on beetles that secrete defensive chemicals from the tip of the abdomen, by jamming the pointed barb into the ground and then striking a deathblow to the head. Of the three species of grasshopper mice, the southern Grasshopper Mouse inhabits the driest regions. Although it does not have the physiological adaptations of some other desert rodents, such as kangaroo rats or pocket mice, it may be able to get enough water from the bodies of its prey - arthropods and small mammals - to live without drinking water.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
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References
  • Coues, E., 1874.  Synopsis of the Muridae of North America, p. 183.  Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 26:173-196.
"Onychomys torridus (Coues, 1874)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328464". Accessed 12 Mar 2010.