Difference between revisions of "Dormouse" - New World Encyclopedia
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*''[[Edible dormouse|Glis]]'' | *''[[Edible dormouse|Glis]]'' | ||
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| − | '''Dormouse''' is the common name for any [[rodent]] of the family '''Gliridae''' (also known as ''Myoxidae'' or ''Muscardinidae''), characterized by a squirrel- or -chipmunk-like shape, large eyes, short and curved claws, and in most species a bushy and long tail. Some species have thin and naked tails, such as the [[mouse]]-tailed dormice (genus ''Myomimus''). Dormouse are particularly known for their long periods of [[hibernation]] | + | '''Dormouse''' is the common name for any [[rodent]] of the family '''Gliridae''' (also known as ''Myoxidae'' or ''Muscardinidae''), characterized by a generally squirrel- or -chipmunk-like shape, large eyes, short and curved claws, and in most species a bushy and long tail. Some species have thin and naked tails, such as the [[mouse]]-tailed dormice (genus ''Myomimus''). Many are adapted to a predominantly arboreal existence, while others live only on the ground; they are largely nocturnal. Dormouse are particularly known for their long periods of [[hibernation]], with the etymology of the common name itself tracing from the word to sleep. |
Nine extant [[genus|genera]] are commonly recognized and twenty-six [[species]]. Because only one species of dormouse is native to the [[British Isles]], the hazel dormouse or common dormouse (''Muscardinus avellanarius''), in everyday English usage the term dormouse usually refers to this specific species. (The edible dormouse, ''Glis glis'', has been accidentally introduced to the British Isles). The hazel dormouse gained fame as a character in ''Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' by Lewis Carroll, where the Dormouse is often found falling asleep during the scene. | Nine extant [[genus|genera]] are commonly recognized and twenty-six [[species]]. Because only one species of dormouse is native to the [[British Isles]], the hazel dormouse or common dormouse (''Muscardinus avellanarius''), in everyday English usage the term dormouse usually refers to this specific species. (The edible dormouse, ''Glis glis'', has been accidentally introduced to the British Isles). The hazel dormouse gained fame as a character in ''Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' by Lewis Carroll, where the Dormouse is often found falling asleep during the scene. | ||
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[[Ecology|Ecologically]], this species also plays a valued role in [[food chain]]s, with species having a diet that ranges from largely vegetarian to predominantly carnivorous, and being consumed by such predators as [[owl]]s, [[snake]]s, [[weasel]]s, and [[hawk]]s. However, various pressures, including habitat destruction, have result in half of the species being at conservation risk. | [[Ecology|Ecologically]], this species also plays a valued role in [[food chain]]s, with species having a diet that ranges from largely vegetarian to predominantly carnivorous, and being consumed by such predators as [[owl]]s, [[snake]]s, [[weasel]]s, and [[hawk]]s. However, various pressures, including habitat destruction, have result in half of the species being at conservation risk. | ||
| + | == Physical description == | ||
| + | Many dormice have a squirrel-like or chipmunk-like in body shape, although some have more of a resemblance to a mouse or rat. Most species also are characterized by a bushy and long tail. However, members of the genera ''Myomimus'' (known as mouse-tailed dormice, such as Roach's mouse-tailed dormouse, ''M. roachi) and some species (such as the desert dormouse, ''Selevinia betpakdalaensis'', the sole member of its genera) have thinner, more naked tails, similar to mice. While long, the tail is not prehensile. | ||
| − | |||
Dormice are small for rodents, with body lengths between {{convert|6|and|19|cm|abbr=on}}, and weights between {{convert|15|and|200|g|abbr=on}}. They are generally [[mouse]]-like in appearance, but with [[fur]]red, rather than scaly [[tail]]s. They are largely but not exclusively [[arboreal]], agile, and well adapted to climbing. Most species are [[nocturnal]]. Dormice have an excellent sense of [[Hearing (sense)|hearing]], and signal each other with a variety of vocalisations.<ref name=EoM>{{cite book |editor=Macdonald, D.|author= Baudoin, Claude|year=1984 |title= The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher= Facts on File|location=New York|pages= 678–680|isbn= 0-87196-871-1}}</ref> | Dormice are small for rodents, with body lengths between {{convert|6|and|19|cm|abbr=on}}, and weights between {{convert|15|and|200|g|abbr=on}}. They are generally [[mouse]]-like in appearance, but with [[fur]]red, rather than scaly [[tail]]s. They are largely but not exclusively [[arboreal]], agile, and well adapted to climbing. Most species are [[nocturnal]]. Dormice have an excellent sense of [[Hearing (sense)|hearing]], and signal each other with a variety of vocalisations.<ref name=EoM>{{cite book |editor=Macdonald, D.|author= Baudoin, Claude|year=1984 |title= The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher= Facts on File|location=New York|pages= 678–680|isbn= 0-87196-871-1}}</ref> | ||
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Dormice breed once or maybe twice a year, producing litters with an average of four young after a [[gestation]] period of 21-32 days. They can live for as long as five years. The young are born hairless and helpless, and their eyes do not open until about 18 days after birth. They typically become sexually mature after the end of their first hibernation. Dormice live in small family groups, with home ranges that vary widely between species, and depend on the availability of food.<ref name=EoM/> | Dormice breed once or maybe twice a year, producing litters with an average of four young after a [[gestation]] period of 21-32 days. They can live for as long as five years. The young are born hairless and helpless, and their eyes do not open until about 18 days after birth. They typically become sexually mature after the end of their first hibernation. Dormice live in small family groups, with home ranges that vary widely between species, and depend on the availability of food.<ref name=EoM/> | ||
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| + | == Distribution and habitat== | ||
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| + | == Behavior and ecology== | ||
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| + | Dormice will shed their tails in grabbed by a predator ?? | ||
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| + | ===Reproduction and life cycle === | ||
=== Hibernation === | === Hibernation === | ||
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Their name is based on this trait; it comes from [[Anglo-Norman language|Anglo-Norman]] ''dormeus'', which means "sleepy (one)"; the word was later altered by [[folk etymology]] to resemble the word "mouse". The sleepy behaviour of the dormouse character in [[Lewis Carroll]]'s ''[[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]'' also attests to this trait. | Their name is based on this trait; it comes from [[Anglo-Norman language|Anglo-Norman]] ''dormeus'', which means "sleepy (one)"; the word was later altered by [[folk etymology]] to resemble the word "mouse". The sleepy behaviour of the dormouse character in [[Lewis Carroll]]'s ''[[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]'' also attests to this trait. | ||
| − | + | === feeding ecology=== | |
== Evolution == | == Evolution == | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
| − | + | ||
*Holden, M. E. "Family Gliridae". pp.819-841 in ''Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference''. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder, eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2005. | *Holden, M. E. "Family Gliridae". pp.819-841 in ''Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference''. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder, eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2005. | ||
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| + | * | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
Revision as of 03:18, 8 March 2012
| Dormice
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 African dormouse, Graphiurus sp.
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Graphiurinae
Leithiinae
Glirinae
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Dormouse is the common name for any rodent of the family Gliridae (also known as Myoxidae or Muscardinidae), characterized by a generally squirrel- or -chipmunk-like shape, large eyes, short and curved claws, and in most species a bushy and long tail. Some species have thin and naked tails, such as the mouse-tailed dormice (genus Myomimus). Many are adapted to a predominantly arboreal existence, while others live only on the ground; they are largely nocturnal. Dormouse are particularly known for their long periods of hibernation, with the etymology of the common name itself tracing from the word to sleep.
Nine extant genera are commonly recognized and twenty-six species. Because only one species of dormouse is native to the British Isles, the hazel dormouse or common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), in everyday English usage the term dormouse usually refers to this specific species. (The edible dormouse, Glis glis, has been accidentally introduced to the British Isles). The hazel dormouse gained fame as a character in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, where the Dormouse is often found falling asleep during the scene.
Dormice historically and currently have been used by humans as food, with records of such usage dating back thousands of years. In Ancient Rome, the edible dormouse was considered a delicacy, often used as either as a savory appetizer or as a dessert (dipped in honey and poppy seeds), with the Romans using a special kind of enclosure, a glirarium to rear the dormice for the table. Ranging in length from about 5 to 7.5 inches without the tail, the edible dormouse has stores of fat reserves that make them desirable as food and dormouse fat also was used by the Elizabethans to induce sleep.
Ecologically, this species also plays a valued role in food chains, with species having a diet that ranges from largely vegetarian to predominantly carnivorous, and being consumed by such predators as owls, snakes, weasels, and hawks. However, various pressures, including habitat destruction, have result in half of the species being at conservation risk.
Physical description
Many dormice have a squirrel-like or chipmunk-like in body shape, although some have more of a resemblance to a mouse or rat. Most species also are characterized by a bushy and long tail. However, members of the genera Myomimus (known as mouse-tailed dormice, such as Roach's mouse-tailed dormouse, M. roachi) and some species (such as the desert dormouse, Selevinia betpakdalaensis, the sole member of its genera) have thinner, more naked tails, similar to mice. While long, the tail is not prehensile.
Dormice are small for rodents, with body lengths between 6 and 19 cm (2.4 and 7.5 in), and weights between 15 and 200 g (0.53 and 7.1 oz). They are generally mouse-like in appearance, but with furred, rather than scaly tails. They are largely but not exclusively arboreal, agile, and well adapted to climbing. Most species are nocturnal. Dormice have an excellent sense of hearing, and signal each other with a variety of vocalisations.[1]
Dormice are omnivorous, typically feeding on fruits, berries, flowers, nuts and insects. They are unique among rodents in that they lack a cecum, a part of the gut used in other species to ferment vegetable matter. Their dental formula is similar to that of squirrels, although they often lack premolars:
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| 1.0.0-1.3 |
Dormice breed once or maybe twice a year, producing litters with an average of four young after a gestation period of 21-32 days. They can live for as long as five years. The young are born hairless and helpless, and their eyes do not open until about 18 days after birth. They typically become sexually mature after the end of their first hibernation. Dormice live in small family groups, with home ranges that vary widely between species, and depend on the availability of food.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Behavior and ecology
Dormice will shed their tails in grabbed by a predator ??
Reproduction and life cycle
Hibernation
One of the most notable characteristics of those dormice that live in temperate zones is hibernation. They can hibernate six months out of the year, or even longer if the weather remains sufficiently cool, sometimes waking for brief periods to eat food they had previously stored nearby. During the summer, they accumulate fat in their bodies, to nourish them through the hibernation period.[1]
Their name is based on this trait; it comes from Anglo-Norman dormeus, which means "sleepy (one)"; the word was later altered by folk etymology to resemble the word "mouse". The sleepy behaviour of the dormouse character in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland also attests to this trait.
feeding ecology
Evolution
Gliridae are one of the oldest extant rodent families, with a fossil record dating back to the early Eocene. As currently understood, they descended in Europe from early Paleogene ischyromyids such as Microparamys (Sparnacomys) chandoni. The early and middle Eocene genus Eogliravus represents the earliest and most primitive glirid taxon; the oldest species, Eogliravus wildi, is known from isolated teeth from the early Eocene of France and a complete specimen of the early middle Eocene of the Messel pit in Germany.[2] They appear in Africa in the upper Miocene and only relatively recently in Asia. Many types of extinct dormouse species have been identified. During the Pleistocene, giant dormice the size of large rats, such as Leithia melitensis, lived on the islands of Malta and Sicily.[3]
Classification
The family consists of 29 living species, in three subfamilies and (arguably) 9 genera:
FAMILY GLIRIDAE - Dormice
- Subfamily Graphiurinae
- Genus Graphiurus, African dormice
- Angolan African dormouse, Graphiurus angolensis
- Christy's dormouse, Graphiurus christyi
- Jentink's dormouse, Graphiurus crassicaudatus
- Jouhnston's African dormouse, Graphiurus johnstoni
- Kellen's dormouse, Graphiurus kelleni
- Lorrain dormouse, Graphiurus lorraineus
- Small-eared dormouse, Graphiurus microtis
- Monard's dormouse, Graphiurus monardi
- Woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus
- Nagtglas's African dormouse, Graphiurus nagtglasii
- Spectacled dormouse, Graphiurus ocularis
- Rock dormouse, Graphiurus platyops
- Stone dormouse, Graphiurus rupicola
- Silent dormouse, Graphiurus surdus
- Graphiurus walterverheyeni [4]
- Genus Graphiurus, African dormice
- Subfamily Leithiinae
- Genus Chaetocauda
- Chinese dormouse, Chaetocauda sichuanensis
- Genus Dryomys
- Woolly dormouse, Dryomys laniger
- Balochistan Forest dormouse, Dryomys niethammeri
- Forest dormouse, Dryomys nitedula
- Genus Eliomys, garden dormice
- Asian garden dormouse, Eliomys melanurus
- Maghreb garden dormouse, Eliomys munbyanus
- Garden dormouse, Eliomys quercinus
- Genus Hypnomys† (Balearic dormouse)
- Majorcan giant dormouse, Hypnomys morphaeus†
- Minorcan giant dormouse, Hypnomys mahonensis†
- Genus Muscardinus
- Hazel dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius
- Genus Myomimus, mouse-tailed dormice
- Masked mouse-tailed dormouse, Myomimus personatus
- Roach's mouse-tailed dormouse, Myomimus roachi
- Setzer's mouse-tailed dormouse, Myomimus setzeri
- Genus Selevinia
- Desert dormouse, Selevinia betpakdalaensis
- Genus Chaetocauda
- Subfamily Glirinae
- Genus Glirulus
- Japanese dormouse, Glirulus japonicus
- Genus Glis
- Edible dormouse, Glis glis
- Genus Glirulus
Fossil species
- Subfamily Bransatoglirinae
- Genus Oligodyromys
- Genus Bransatoglis
- Bransatoglis adroveri Majorca, Early Oligocene
- Bransatoglis planus Eurasia, Early Oligocene
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Holden, M. E. "Family Gliridae". pp.819-841 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder, eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2005.
External links
- "Dormouse" at BBC Wales Nature
- Glirarium.org (English) (German)
- Fauna of Europe: Glis glis
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Sciuromorpha: †Allomyidae | Aplodontiidae | †Mylagaulidae | †Reithroparamyidae | Sciuridae | Gliridae |
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Castorimorpha: †Eutypomyidae | Castoridae | †Rhizospalacidae | †Eomyidae | †Heliscomyidae | †Mojavemyidae | Heteromyidae | Geomyidae |
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Myomorpha: †Armintomidae | Dipodidae | Zapodidae | †Anomalomyidae | †Simimyidae | Platacanthomyidae | Spalacidae | Calomyscidae | Nesomyidae | Cricetidae | Muridae |
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Anomaluromorpha: Anomaluridae | †Parapedetidae | Pedetidae |
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Hystricomorpha: †Tamquammyidae | Ctenodactylidae | Diatomyidae | †Yuomyidae | †Chapattimyidae | †Tsaganomyidae | †"Baluchimyinae" | †Bathyergoididae | Bathyergidae | Hystricidae | †Myophiomyidae | †Diamantomyidae | †Phiomyidae | †Kenyamyidae | Petromuridae | Thryonomyidae | Erethizontidae | Chinchillidae | Dinomyidae | Caviidae | Dasyproctidae | †Eocardiidae | Cuniculidae | Ctenomyidae | Octodontidae | †Neoepiblemidae | Abrocomidae | Echimyidae | Myocastoridae | Capromyidae | †Heptaxodontidae |
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Prehistoric rodents (incertae sedis): †Eurymylidae | †Cocomyidae | †Alagomyidae | †Ivanantoniidae | †Laredomyidae | †Ischyromyidae | †Theridomyidae | †Protoptychidae | †Zegdoumyidae | †Sciuravidae | †Cylindrodontidae |
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† indicates extinct taxa |
Template:Gliridae nav
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Baudoin, Claude (1984). in Macdonald, D.: The Encyclopedia of Mammals. New York: Facts on File, 678–680. ISBN 0-87196-871-1.
- ↑ Storch, G. & Seiffert, C. (2007). Extraordinarily preserved specimen of the oldest known glirid from the middle Eocene of Messel (Rodentia). Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology 27 (1): 189–194.
- ↑ (1986) Mammal Evolution: an illustrated guide. New York: Facts on File, 119. ISBN 0-8160-1194-X.
- ↑ "Systematic Revision of Sub-Saharan African Dormice (Rodentia: Gliridae: Graphiurus) Part II: Description of a New Species of Graphiurus from the Central Congo Basin, Including Morphological and Ecological Niche Comparisons with G. crassicaudatus and G. lorraineus", Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 331 :314-355. 2009.
