Difference between revisions of "Heteromyidae" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Taxobox
 
{{Taxobox
 
| name = Heteromyids
 
| name = Heteromyids
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'''Heteromyidae''' is the [[taxon|family]] of [[rodent]]s that includes the '''kangaroo rats''', '''kangaroo mice''', and '''pocket mice'''. Heteromyids are characterized by  external, fur-lined cheek pouches (like the related [[pocket gopher]]s, family Geomyidae), short and rounded ears, relatively large eyes, and seed-eating behavior. The kangaroo rats (genus ''[[Dipodomys]]'') and kangaroo mice (genus ''[[Microdipodops]]'') use bipedal locomotion on elongated hind limbs (like [[kangaroo]]s), while the pocket mice (genera ''[[Perognatus]]'', ''[[Chaetodipus]]'', ''[[Heteromys]]'', and ''[[Liomys]]'') use quadrupedal locomotion (like [[mice]]). The 6 extant genera and about 60 species of heteromyids occupy a similar range as the [[Geomyidae]], being distributed from Western and Central Canada and the United States, through Mexico and Central America, to the northern tip of South America.  
 
'''Heteromyidae''' is the [[taxon|family]] of [[rodent]]s that includes the '''kangaroo rats''', '''kangaroo mice''', and '''pocket mice'''. Heteromyids are characterized by  external, fur-lined cheek pouches (like the related [[pocket gopher]]s, family Geomyidae), short and rounded ears, relatively large eyes, and seed-eating behavior. The kangaroo rats (genus ''[[Dipodomys]]'') and kangaroo mice (genus ''[[Microdipodops]]'') use bipedal locomotion on elongated hind limbs (like [[kangaroo]]s), while the pocket mice (genera ''[[Perognatus]]'', ''[[Chaetodipus]]'', ''[[Heteromys]]'', and ''[[Liomys]]'') use quadrupedal locomotion (like [[mice]]). The 6 extant genera and about 60 species of heteromyids occupy a similar range as the [[Geomyidae]], being distributed from Western and Central Canada and the United States, through Mexico and Central America, to the northern tip of South America.  
 
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Heteromyids play important [[ecology|ecological]] roles in terms of [[seed]] dispersal and as part of [[food chain]]s, being preyed upon by [[owl]]s, [[snake]]s, [[coyote]]s, and other predators. The burrows of kangaroo rats provide habitat for other animals and for plant growth. In many [[ecosystem]]s, heteromyids are considered keystone species. For [[human]]s, the joy of nature is enhanced by sightings of heteromyids at night (they are nocturnal), with the kangaroo rats and mice being especially unique with their long jumps, long and beautiful tails, and, for some species, a special defense against snakes that actually has them first approaching closely, then jumping back, and drumming with their feet.
seed dispersal
 
habitat for other animals
 
food chains
 
unique joy, with long beautiful tails, etc.,,,,  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
== Physical description==
 
== Physical description==
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Members of the heteromyidae family are characterized by external cheek pouches that are lined with [[fur]], as with the closely related [[Geomyidae]] family. These pouches open anterior of the mouth and are used for transport of food. All heteromyids also have short and rounded ears and fairly large eyes.
 
Members of the heteromyidae family are characterized by external cheek pouches that are lined with [[fur]], as with the closely related [[Geomyidae]] family. These pouches open anterior of the mouth and are used for transport of food. All heteromyids also have short and rounded ears and fairly large eyes.
  
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[[image:Dipodomys ingens.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Giant kangaroo rat, ''Dipodomys ingens'']]
 
The kangaroo rats (''Diplodomys'' sp.) and kangaroo mice (''Microdipodops'' sp.) have elongated hind limbs and feet and move bipedally in long jumps, as with [[kangaroo]]s. They also have tails that are long and have white tips or tufts on the end. The front legs are relatively small and the heads are relatively large. The tails of kangaroo rats are longer than both their bodies and their heads.
 
The kangaroo rats (''Diplodomys'' sp.) and kangaroo mice (''Microdipodops'' sp.) have elongated hind limbs and feet and move bipedally in long jumps, as with [[kangaroo]]s. They also have tails that are long and have white tips or tufts on the end. The front legs are relatively small and the heads are relatively large. The tails of kangaroo rats are longer than both their bodies and their heads.
  
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The fur is soft and silky in kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, and silky pocket mice, and more coarse and spiny in the spiny pocket mice.  
 
The fur is soft and silky in kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, and silky pocket mice, and more coarse and spiny in the spiny pocket mice.  
  
The heteromyids range in size from 1.7 inches to 14.6 inches in total length (4.2-37cm) and weigh from 0.2 to 6.9 ounces (5-195g) (Randall 2004). The smaller members of the family are the desert pocket mice in ''Perognathus'', which range in weight from 5 to 31 grams, and the kangaroo mice in ''Microdipodops'', which range from 10-17 grams (Randall 2004).  Members of the genus ''Chaetodipus'' range in size from 8.0-12.5 centimeters (head and body) and weigh 15-47 grams (Nowak 1999).  Members of ''Heteromys'' commonly range from 37 to 85 grams, while the members of ''Liomys'' range from 34-50 grams (Randall 2004). Adult kangaroo rats, on the other hand, are larger and typically weigh between 70-170 grams (Nader 1978), with the larger ranging up to 195 grams (Randall 2004).  
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The heteromyids range in size from 1.7 inches to 14.6 inches in total length (4.2-37cm) and weigh from 0.2 to 6.9 ounces (5-195g) (Randall 2004). The smaller members of the family are the desert pocket mice in ''Perognathus'', which range in weight from 5 to 31 grams, and the kangaroo mice in ''Microdipodops'', which range from 10-17 grams (Randall 2004).  Members of the genus ''Chaetodipus'' range in size from 8.0-12.5 centimeters (head and body) and weigh 15-47 grams (Nowak 1999).  Members of ''Heteromys'' commonly range from 37 to 85 grams, while the members of ''Liomys'' range from 34-50 grams (Randall 2004). Adult kangaroo rats, on the other hand, are larger and typically weigh between 70-170 grams (Nader 1978), with the larger ranging up to 195 grams (Randall 2004).
  
 
== Distribution and habitat==
 
== Distribution and habitat==
  
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Heteromyids are found in the Western Hemisphere. The southernmost range is northwestern South America. Teh range contineus through Central America and throughout Mexico and then through central and western United States into central and western Canada. The northernmost areas is British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
  
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Most heteromyids live in complex burrows within the [[desert]]s and [[grassland]]s of western North America, though species within the ''Heteromys'' and ''Liomys'' [[genus|genera]] are also found in [[forest]]s. Kangaroo mice are largely in sandy habitats, while desert pocket mice tend to be more in arid habitats (sage brush, desert shrub, rocky hillsides, sand, chaparral, grass (Randall 2004).
  
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Kangaroo rats live in arid and semi-arid areas particularly on sandy or soft soils (Howard 1994), which are suitable for burrowing. They can, however, vary in both geographic range and habitat. In particular, the Merriam kangaroo rat ranges though Southern California, Utah, Southwest New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico and live in areas of low rainfall and humidity, and high summer temperature and evaporation rates (Reynolds 1958). They can be found in areas of various elevations ranging from below sea level to about 4500 feet (Reynolds 1958). The Merriam kangaroo rat lives in stony soils including clays gravel and rocks, which is harder than soils preferred by some other species like the Banner-tail kangaroo rat (Howard 1994). Merriam kangaroo rats live in hot and dry areas, conserve water, and only use metabolic sources (Lidicker 1960).
  
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The Banner-tailed kangaroo rat ranges from Northeastern Arizona southward to Aguascalientes and San Luis Posi, Mexico and from Arizona to Western Texas. They generally live in grasslands and scrublands. Banner-tailed kangaroo rats live in dry areas but have more water available to them than Merriam kangaroo rats.
  
 
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All kangaroo rat species are sensitive to extreme temperatures and remain in their burrows during rain storms and other forms of inclement weather (Howard 1994).  
The family of [[rodent]]s that include [[kangaroo rat]]s, [[kangaroo mice]] and [[Rock pocket mouse|rock pocket mice]] is the '''Heteromyidae''' family. Most '''heteromyids''' live in complex burrows within the [[desert]]s and [[grassland]]s of western [[North America]], though species within the ''[[Heteromys]]'' and ''[[Liomys]]'' [[genus|genera]] are also found in [[forest]]s and extend down as far as northern [[South America]]. They feed mostly on [[seed]]s and other plant parts, which they carry in their cheek pouches<ref name='Morton_et_al_1980'>{{cite journal |last=Morton |first=S.R. |coauthor= D. S. Hinds and R. E. MacMillen. |year=1980 |title=Cheek pouch capacity in heteromyid rodents |url= |journal= Oecologia |volume=46 |issue= 2|pages=143–146 |doi=10.1007/BF00540118 }}</ref> to their burrows.<ref name=EoM>{{cite book |editor=Macdonald, D.|author= Fleming, Theodore|year=1984 |title= The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher= Facts on File|location=New York|pages= 632–633|isbn= 0-87196-871-1}}</ref>
 
 
 
 
 
Kangaroo rats live in arid and semi-arid areas particularly on sandy or soft soils<ref name=Howard1994/> which are suitable for burrowing. They can, however, vary in both geographic range and habitat. In particular, the Merriam kangaroo rat ranges though Southern California, Utah, Southwest New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico and live in areas of low rainfall and humidity, and high summer temperature and evaporation rates.<ref name=Reynolds1958>Reynolds, H.G. 1958. " The Ecology of the Merriam Kangaroo Rat ( Dipodomys merriami Mearns) on the Grazing Lands of Southern Arizona." ''Ecological Monographs'' (28):2 111-127.</ref> They can be found in areas of various elevations ranging from below sea level to about 4500 feet.<ref name=Reynolds1958/> The Merriam kangaroo rat lives in stony soils including clays gravel and rocks, which is harder than soils preferred by some other species like the Banner-tail kangaroo rat.<ref name=Howard1994/> Merriam kangaroo rats live in hot and dry areas, conserve water, and only use metabolic sources.<ref name=Lidicker1960>Lidicker, W.Z. 1960. ''An Analysis of Intraspecific Variation in the Kangaroo Rat Dipodomus merriami''. Berkeley and Los Angelos, University of California Press.</ref> They survive by breaking down of the seeds they eat with their metabolism and not needing to drink water. They can also conserve water by lowering their metabolic rate, which reduces loss of water through their skin and respiratory system.<ref name=Lidicker1960/>
 
 
 
The Banner-tailed kangaroo rat ranges from Northeastern Arizona southward to Aguascalientes and San Luis Posi, Mexico and from Arizona to Western Texas. They generally live in grasslands and scrublands. Banner-tailed kangaroo rats live in dry areas but have more water available to them than Merriam kangaroo rats. All kangaroo rat species are sensitive to extreme temperatures and remain in their burrows during rain storms and other forms of inclement weather.<ref name=Howard1994/>  Kangaroo rats are preyed on by coyotes, foxes, badgers, weasels, owls, and snakes.
 
 
 
  
 
==Behavior, feeding, and reproduction==
 
==Behavior, feeding, and reproduction==
  
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Most species of Heteromyidae are solitary species, with individuals living alone in individual burrow, with the exception of the new mothers with their young. Males tend to have home ranges that overlap with other males and females, while the females tend to have ranges exclusive from other females, although in some, like the kangaroo rats ''Dipodomys  spectabilis, D. deserti, and D. ingens'', both males and femals have exclusive territories (Randall 2004).
  
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Kangaroo rats live in complex burrow systems, which have separate chambers for specific proposes like sleeping, living, and food storage (Howard 1994). The spacing of the burrows depends on the number of kangaroo rats and the abundance of food. Kangaroo rats also live in colonies that range from six to several hundred dens (Reynolds 1958). The burrow of a kangaroo rat is important in providing protection from the harsh desert environment. To maintain a constant temperature and relative humidity in their burrows, kangaroo rats plug the entrances with soil during the day (Howard 1994).  When the outside temperature is too hot, a kangaroo rat stays in its cool, humid burrow and leaves it only at night (Lidicker 1960). The burrows of Merriam kangaroo rats are simpler and shallower than those of Banner-tailed kangaroo rats. Banner-tailed kangaroo rats also mate in their burrows, unlike Merriam kangaroo rats.
  
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Heteromyids are granivores that feed mostly on [[seed]]s and other plant parts, which they carry in their cheek pouches (Morton et al. 1980) to their burrows (Fleming 1984). Some species supplement their diet with insects (Randall 2004). Merriam kangaroo rats, which live in hot and dry areas, survive by breaking down of the seeds they eat with their metabolism and only use metabolic sources of water. They can also conserve water by lowering their metabolic rate, which reduces loss of water through their skin and respiratory system (Lidicker 1960).
  
 
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Predators of heteromyids include [[coyote]]s, [[fox]]es, [[badger]]s, [[weasel]]s, [[owl]]s, and [[snake]]s. In addition to cryptic coloration and avoidance, many heteromyids have unique defense mechanisms. Some species of kangaroo rats will actually approach a snake to within striking distance, then jump back and drum their feet, altering the snake that they know it is there. The bipedal jumping motion of kangaroo rats and mice also provides an erratic path that allows an effective escape. Some heteromyids have very well developed low-frequency hearing that allows them to detect approaching predators (Randall 2004).
 
 
  
 
==Taxonomy==
 
==Taxonomy==
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**'''Subfamily [[Heteromyinae]]'''
 
**'''Subfamily [[Heteromyinae]]'''
 
***Genus ''[[Heteromys]]'' — spiny pocket mice
 
***Genus ''[[Heteromys]]'' — spiny pocket mice
****[[Trinidad Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys anomalus''
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****[[Trinidad spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys anomalus''
****[[Southern Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys australis''
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****[[Southern spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys australis''
****[[Overlook Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys catopterius''
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****[[Overlook spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys catopterius''
****[[Desmarest's Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys desmarestianus''
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****[[Desmarest's spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys desmarestianus''
****[[Gaumer's Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys gaumeri''
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****[[Gaumer's spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys gaumeri''
****[[Goldman's Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys goldmani''
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****[[Goldman's spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys goldmani''
****[[Nelson's Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys nelsoni''
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****[[Nelson's spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys nelsoni''
 
****''[[Heteromys nubicolens]]''
 
****''[[Heteromys nubicolens]]''
****[[Paraguaná Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys oasicus''
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****[[Paraguaná spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys oasicus''
****[[Mountain Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys oresterus''
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****[[Mountain spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys oresterus''
****[[Ecuadoran Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Heteromys teleus''
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****[[Ecuadoran spiny pocket mouse]], ''Heteromys teleus''
 
***Genus ''[[Liomys]]''
 
***Genus ''[[Liomys]]''
****[[Panamanian Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Liomys adspersus''
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****[[Panamanian spiny pocket mouse]], ''Liomys adspersus''
****[[Mexican Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Liomys irroratus''
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****[[Mexican spiny pocket mouse]], ''Liomys irroratus''
****[[Painted Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Liomys pictus''
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****[[Painted spiny pocket mouse]], ''Liomys pictus''
****[[Salvin's Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Liomys salvini''
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****[[Salvin's spiny pocket mouse]], ''Liomys salvini''
****[[Jaliscan Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Liomys spectabilis''
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****[[Jaliscan spiny pocket mouse]], ''Liomys spectabilis''
 
**'''Subfamily [[Dipodomyinae]]''' — kangaroo rats and mice
 
**'''Subfamily [[Dipodomyinae]]''' — kangaroo rats and mice
 
***Genus ''[[Dipodomys]]'' — kangaroo rats
 
***Genus ''[[Dipodomys]]'' — kangaroo rats
****[[Agile Kangaroo Rat]], Dipodomys agilis
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****[[Agile kangaroo rat]], Dipodomys agilis
****[[California Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys californicus''
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****[[California kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys californicus''
****[[Gulf Coast Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys compactus''
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****[[Gulf Coast kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys compactus''
****[[Desert Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys deserti''
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****[[Desert kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys deserti''
****[[Texas Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys elator''
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****[[Texas kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys elator''
****[[Big-eared Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys elephantinus''
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****[[Big-eared kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys elephantinus''
****[[San Quintin Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys gravipes''
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****[[San Quintin kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys gravipes''
****[[Heermann's Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys heermanni''
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****[[Heermann's kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys heermanni''
****[[Giant Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys ingens''
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****[[Giant kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys ingens''
****[[Merriam's Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys merriami''
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****[[Merriam's kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys merriami''
****[[Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys microps''
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****[[Chisel-toothed kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys microps''
****[[Nelson's Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys nelsoni''
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****[[Nelson's kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys nelsoni''
****[[Fresno Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys nitratoides''
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****[[Fresno kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys nitratoides''
****[[Ord's Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys ordii''
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****[[Ord's kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys ordii''
****[[Panamint Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys panamintinus''
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****[[Panamint kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys panamintinus''
****[[Phillip's Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys phillipsii''
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****[[Phillip's kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys phillipsii''
****[[Dulzura Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys simulans''
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****[[Dulzura kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys simulans''
****[[Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys spectabilis''
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****[[Banner-tailed kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys spectabilis''
****[[Stephens' Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys stephensi''
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****[[Stephens' kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys stephensi''
****[[Narrow-faced Kangaroo Rat]], ''Dipodomys venustus''
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****[[Narrow-faced kangaroo rat]], ''Dipodomys venustus''
 
***Genus ''[[Microdipodops]]'' — kangaroo mice
 
***Genus ''[[Microdipodops]]'' — kangaroo mice
****[[Pale Kangaroo Mouse]], ''Microdipodops pallidus''
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****[[Pale kangaroo mouse]], ''Microdipodops pallidus''
****[[Dark Kangaroo Mouse]], ''Microdipodops megacephalus''
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****[[Dark kangaroo mouse]], ''Microdipodops megacephalus''
 
**'''Subfamily [[Perognathinae]]''' — pocket mice
 
**'''Subfamily [[Perognathinae]]''' — pocket mice
 
***Genus ''[[Perognathus]]''
 
***Genus ''[[Perognathus]]''
****[[White-eared Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus alticola''
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****[[White-eared pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus alticola''
****[[Arizona Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus amplus''
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****[[Arizona pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus amplus''
****[[Olive-backed Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus fasciatus''
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****[[Olive-backed pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus fasciatus''
****[[Plains Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus flavescens''
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****[[Plains pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus flavescens''
****[[Silky Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus flavus''
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****[[Silky pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus flavus''
****[[San Joaquin Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus inornatus''
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****[[San Joaquin pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus inornatus''
****[[Little Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus longimembris''
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****[[Little pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus longimembris''
****[[Merriam's Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus merriami''
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****[[Merriam's pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus merriami''
****[[Great Basin Pocket Mouse]], ''Perognathus parvus''
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****[[Great Basin pocket mouse]], ''Perognathus parvus''
 
***Genus ''[[Chaetodipus]]''
 
***Genus ''[[Chaetodipus]]''
****[[Little Desert Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus arenarius''
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****[[Little Desert pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus arenarius''
****[[Narrow-skulled Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus artus''
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****[[Narrow-skulled pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus artus''
****[[Bailey's Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus baileyi''
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****[[Bailey's pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus baileyi''
****[[California Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus californicus''
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****[[California pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus californicus''
****[[Dalquest's Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus dalquesti''
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****[[Dalquest's pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus dalquesti''
****[[Chihuahuan Desert Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus eremicus''
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****[[Chihuahuan desert pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus eremicus''
****[[San Diego Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus fallax''
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****[[San Diego pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus fallax''
****[[Long-tailed Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus formosus''
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****[[Long-tailed pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus formosus''
****[[Goldman's Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus goldmani''
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****[[Goldman's pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus goldmani''
****[[Hispid Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus hispidus''
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****[[Hispid pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus hispidus''
****[[Rock Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus intermedius''
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****[[Rock pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus intermedius''
****[[Lined Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus lineatus''
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****[[Lined pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus lineatus''
****[[Nelson's Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus nelsoni''
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****[[Nelson's pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus nelsoni''
****[[Desert Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus penicillatus''
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****[[Desert pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus penicillatus''
****[[Sinaloan Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus pernix''
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****[[Sinaloan pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus pernix''
****[[Baja Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus rudinoris''
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****[[Baja pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus rudinoris''
****[[Spiny Pocket Mouse]], ''Chaetodipus spinatus''
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****[[Spiny pocket mouse]], ''Chaetodipus spinatus''
  
 
{{Clade |  
 
{{Clade |  
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Most authorities prior to this (Alexander and Riddle, 2005; Patton, 2005) treat ''Liomys'' as a distinct genus from ''Heteromys''.
 
Most authorities prior to this (Alexander and Riddle, 2005; Patton, 2005) treat ''Liomys'' as a distinct genus from ''Heteromys''.
 
  
 
==Kangaroo mouse==
 
==Kangaroo mouse==
{{Taxobox
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[[Image:Kangaroo mouse.jpg|thumb|right|240px|A pale kangaroo mouse (''M. pallidus'')]]
| name = Kangaroo mouse
 
| image = Kangaroo mouse.jpg
 
| image_caption = A [[Pale Kangaroo Mouse]] in Nevada
 
| fossil_range = Late [[Pleistocene]] - Recent
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
 
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
 
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
 
| familia = [[Heteromyidae]]
 
| subfamilia = [[Dipodomyinae]]
 
| genus = '''''Microdipodops'''''
 
| genus_authority = [[Clinton Hart Merriam|Merriam]], 1891
 
| subdivision_ranks = Species
 
| subdivision =
 
''[[Dark Kangaroo Mouse|Microdipodops megacephalus]]'' <br />
 
''[[Pale Kangaroo Mouse|Microdipodops palllidus]]''
 
}}
 
  
A '''kangaroo mouse''' is either one of the two [[species]] of jumping mouse ([[genus]] '''''Microdipodops''''') native to the deserts of the [[Southwestern United States]], predominantly found in the state of [[Nevada]]. Although native to the deserts in the southwest they have been plentiful in Missouri and Pennsylvania. The name "[[kangaroo]] mouse" refers to the species' extraordinary jumping ability, as well as its habit of [[biped]]al locomotion.   The two species are:
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'''Kangaroo mouse''' is the common name for any member of the jumping mouse [[genus]] ''Microdipodops'', which currently is represented by two [[species]]: the '''pale kangaroo mouse''' (''M. pallidus'') and the '''dark kangaroo mouse''' (''M. megacephalus''). These species are native to the deserts of the [[Southwestern United States]] and predominantly found in the state of [[Nevada]]. The pale kangaroo mouse is lightly colored on its dorsal surface and white on the ventrum surface (Randall 2004).
*[[Pale Kangaroo Mouse]] - ''Microdipodops pallidus''
 
*[[Dark Kangaroo Mouse]] - ''Microdipodops megacephalus''
 
  
Both species of kangaroo mouse live in sandy [[desert]] [[ecosystem]]s, and [[foraging|forage]] for seeds and vegetation amongst the [[scrub brush]] of their native habitat.  The Dark Kangaroo Mouse is also known to feed occasionally on [[insect]]s and [[carrion]]. The mouse never drinks [[water]], instead deriving it [[Cellular respiration|metabolically]] from the foods it eats.  The kangaroo mouse collects food and maintains large caches in their [[burrow]]s, which are excavated to a length of between 3 and 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters).  The burrow, the entrance to which the mouse covers during daylight hours, is also used to raise litters of between 2 and 7 young.  The Pale Kangaroo Mouse burrows only in fine sand, while the Dark Kangaroo Mouse prefers fine, [[gravel]]ly [[soil]]s but may also burrow in sand or sandy soil.  Kangaroo mice are [[nocturnal]], and are most active in the two hours following [[sunset]].  They are believed to [[hibernation|hibernate]] during cold weather.
+
Both species of kangaroo mouse live in sandy [[desert]] [[ecosystem]]s, and [[foraging|forage]] for seeds and vegetation among the [[scrub brush]] of their native habitat.  The dark kangaroo mouse also is known to feed occasionally on [[insect]]s and [[carrion]]. The mouse never drinks [[water]], instead deriving it [[Cellular respiration|metabolically]] from the foods it eats.  The kangaroo mouse collects food and maintains large caches in their [[burrow]]s, which are excavated to a length of between 3 and 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters).  The burrow, the entrance to which the mouse covers during daylight hours, is also used to raise litters of between 2 and 7 young.  The pale kangaroo mouse burrows only in fine sand, while the dark kangaroo mouse prefers fine, [[gravel]]ly [[soil]]s, but may also burrow in sand or sandy soil.  Kangaroo mice are [[nocturnal]], and are most active in the two hours following [[sunset]].  They are believed to [[hibernation|hibernate]] during cold weather.
  
The kangaroo mice are closely related to the [[kangaroo rat]]s, which belong to the same [[subfamily]], [[Dipodomyinae]].
+
The kangaroo mice are closely related to the [[kangaroo rat]]s, which belong to the same subfamily, [[Dipodomyinae]].
  
 
==Kangaroo rat==
 
==Kangaroo rat==
{{Taxobox
+
[[Image:Kangaroo-rat.jpg|thumb|right|240px|A kangaroo rat]]
| name = Kangaroo rats
 
| fossil_range = Late [[Pliocene]] - Recent
 
| image = kangaroo-rat.jpg
 
| image_width = 250px
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
 
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
 
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
 
| familia = [[Heteromyidae]]
 
| subfamilia = [[Dipodomyinae]]
 
| genus = '''''Dipodomys'''''
 
| genus_authority = [[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1841
 
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
 
| subdivision =
 
''[[Dipodomys agilis]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys californicus]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys compactus]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys deserti]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys elator]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys gravipes]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys heermanni]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys ingens]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys merriami]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys microps]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys nelsoni]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys nitratoides]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys ordii]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys panamintinus]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys phillipsii]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys simulans]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys spectabilis]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys stephensi]]''<br>
 
''[[Dipodomys venustus]]''
 
}}
 
 
 
'''Kangaroo rats''', genus '''''Dipodomys''''', are small [[rodent]]s native to [[North America]]. The common name derives from their bipedal form: as they hop in a manner similar to the much larger [[kangaroo]], although they are not related. It has been noted that they are not properly characterized as "rats" at all.
 
 
 
 
 
Kangaroo rats are six-toed [[endotherms]] with large hind legs, small front legs and relatively large heads. Adults typically weigh between 70-170 g.<ref name=Nader1978>Nader, I.A. 1978. Kangaroo rate: Intraspecific Variation in Dipodomus spectabilis Merriami and Dipodomys deserti Stephens. Chicago, University of Illinois Press.</ref> The tails of kangaroo rats are longer than both their bodies and their heads. Another notable feature of kangaroo rats are their fur lined cheek pouches which are used for storing food. The coloration of kangaroo rats varies from cinnamon buff to dark gray, depending on the species.<ref name=Howard1994>Howard, V.W. 1994. "Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage". S.E. Hygynstrom, R.M. Timm and G.E. Larson. New Mexico, ''Cooperative Extension Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Animal Damage Control, Great Plains Agricultural Council: Wildlife Committee''. B101-B104.</ref> There is also some variation in length with one of the largest species, the [[Banner-tail kangaroo rat]] being six inches in body length and a tail length of eight inches.<ref name=Howard1994/> [[Sexual dimorphism]] exists in all species, with males being larger than females.
 
 
 
 
 
Kangaroo rats stay in one place [[bipedally]]. The [[Merriam kangaroo rat]] can leap 7-8 feet and quickly change its direction when landing. The Banner-tailed kangaroo rat can move rapidly which minimizes energy costs and predation risks.<ref name=Schroder1979/> It will also go into a “move- freeze” mode which may reduce predation at night.
 
 
 
 
 
Kangaroo rats are primarily seed eaters.<ref name=Morgan1992/>  They will, however, sometimes eat vegetation at certain times of the year and some insects.<ref name=Howard1994/> They have been observed storing the seeds of mesquite, creosote, bush, purslane, ocotillo and grama grass in their cheek pouches. Kangaroo rat will store extra seeds in seed caches.<ref name=Reynolds1958/> This caching behavior has an impact on the rangeland and croplands where the animals live.<ref name=Howard1994/> Kangaroo rats must harvest as much seeds as possible in as little time as possible.<ref name=Morgan1992>Morgan, K.R. and M.V. Price. 1992. "Foraging in Heteromyid Rodents: The Energy Cost of Scratch-Digging." ''Ecology'' (73):6 2260-2272.</ref>  They need to decrease the time away from their burrows as they are cool and dry. In addition, being away from their burrows also makes them vulnerable to predators.<ref name=Morgan1992/>
 
 
 
When on foraging trips, kangaroo rats hoard the seeds that they find. It is important for a kangaroo rat to encounter more food items than are consumed, at least at one point in the year, as well as defend or rediscover food caches and remain within the same areas long enough to utilize food resources.<ref name=Schroder1979>Schroder, G.D. 1979. "Foraging Behavior and Home Range Utilization of the Bannertail Kangaroo Rat." ''Ecology''. (60):4 657-665.</ref> Different species of kangaroo rat may have different seed caching strategies to coexist with each other, as is the case for the Banner-tailed kangaroo rat and the Merriam kangaroo rat which have overlapping ranges.<ref name=Nader1978/> Merriam kangaroo rats scatterhoards small clumps of seeds in many small holes.<ref name=Jenkins1995>Jenkins, S.H., A. Rothstein, et al. 1995. " Food Hoarding by Merriams Kangaroo Rats: A Test of Alternative Hypotheses." ''Ecology'' (76):8 2470-2481.</ref> This is done close to the burrow and travel costs are minimized and harvest rates are maximized.<ref name=Jenkins1995/> Banner-tailed kangaroo rats larderhoard on large mounds.<ref name=Jenkins1995/> This could give them extra time and energy and decrease the risk of predation. They also spend less time on the surface digging small caches.
 
 
 
==Lifestyle==
 
Kangaroo rats inhabit overlapping home ranges. These home ranges tend to be small with much activities within 200-300 ft and rarely 600 ft.<ref name=Howard1994/> Home range size can vary within species with Merriam kangaroo rats having larger home ranges than Banner-tailed kangaroo rats. Recently weaned kangaroo rats move into new areas not occupied by adults. Within its home range, a kangaroo has a defended territory consisting of its burrowing system.
 
 
 
===Burrow system===
 
Kangaroo rats live in complex burrow systems. The burrows have separate chambers for specific proposes like sleeping, living and food storage.<ref name=Howard1994/> The spacing of the burrows depends on the number of kangaroo rats and the abundance of food. Kangaroo rats also live in colonies that range from six to several hundred dens.<ref name=Reynolds1958/> The burrow of a kangaroo rat is important in providing protection from the harsh desert environment. To maintain a constant temperature and relative humidity in their burrows, kangaroo rats plug the entrances with soil during the day.<ref name=Howard1994/> When the outside temperature is too hot, a kangaroo rat stays in its cool, humid burrow and leaves it only at night.<ref name=Lidicker1960/> To provide large amounts of moisture through respiration when sleeping, a kangaroo rat buries its nose in its fur to accumulate a small pocket of moist air.<ref name=Lidicker1960/> The burrows of Merriam kangaroo rats are simpler and shallower than those of Banner-tailed kangaroo rats. Banner-tailed kangaroo rats also mate in their burrows, unlike Merriam kangaroo rats.
 
 
 
===Social interactions===
 
Kangaroo rats are generally solitary animals with little to no social organization. Kangaroos rats do sometime cluster together in some feeding situations. Groups of kangaroo rats that do exist are aggregations and colonies.<ref name=Howard1994/> There appears to be a [[dominance hierarchy]] among kangaroo rats with males competing for access to females.<ref name=Newmark2000/> Male kangaroo rats are generally more aggressive than females and are more dominant over them. Females are more tolerant of each other than males are and have more non-aggressive interactions. This is likely become the home ranges of females overlap less than the home ranges of males.<ref name=Newmark2000>Newmark, J.E. and S.H. Jenkins. 2000. "Sex Differences in Agonistic Behavior of Merriam's Kangaroo Rats ( Dipodomys merriami)." ''American Midland Naturalist''. (143):2 377-388.</ref> There appears to be linear dominance hierarchies among males but it is not known if this is the case for females.<ref name=Newmark2000/> Winners of aggressive encounters appear to be the most active ones.
 
 
 
===Mating and reproduction===
 
Kangaroo rats have a [[promiscuous]] mating system. Their reproductive output is highest in summer following high rainfalls.<ref name=Waser1991>Waser, P.M. and T.W. Jones. 1991. " Survival and Reproductive Effort in Banner-Tailed Kangaroo Rats." Ecology. (72) :3 771-777.</ref>
 
 
 
==Taxonomy==
 
* '''Family Heteromydae'''
 
** '''Subfamily Dipodomyinae'''
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys agilis]]'' (Agile kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys californicus]]'' (California kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys compactus]]'' (Gulf Coast kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys deserti]]'' (Desert kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys elator]]'' (Texas kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys gravipes]]'' (San Quintin kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys heermanni]]'' (Heerman's kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys ingens]]'' (Giant kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys merriami]]'' (Merriam's kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys microps]]'' (Chisel-toothed kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys nelsoni]]'' (Nelson's kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys nitratoides]]'' (Fresno kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys ordii]]'' (Ord's kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys panamintinus]]'' (Panamint kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys phillipsii]]'' (Phillip's kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys simulans]]'' (Dulzura Kangaroo Rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys spectabilis]]'' (Banner-tailed kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys stephensi]]'' (Stephens' kangaroo rat)
 
*** ''[[Dipodomys venustus]]'' (Narrow-faced kangaroo rat)
 
 
 
==References==<!-- AmericanMidlandNaturalist18:460. —>
 
{{reflist}}
 
*Patton, J. L. 2005. Family Heteromyidae. Pp.&nbsp;844-858 ''in'' Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
 
 
 
==External links==
 
*{{gutenberg|no=17966|name=Life History of the Kangaroo Rat}}—[[United States Department of Agriculture]] Bulletin No. 1091, from September 1922
 
*[http://www.arkive.org/giant-kangaroo-rat/dipodomys-ingens/video-00.html ARKive.org]
 
 
 
 
 
==Pocket mice==
 
 
 
 
 
===Perognathus===
 
 
 
  
 +
'''Kangaroo mouse''' is the common name for any member of the [[genus]] ''Dipodomys''. Kangaroo rats are six-toed [[endotherms]] with large hind legs, small front legs and relatively large heads. The tails of kangaroo rats are longer than both their bodies and their heads. The coloration of kangaroo rats varies from cinnamon buff to dark gray, depending on the species (Howard 1994). There is also some variation in length with one of the largest species, the [[Banner-tail kangaroo rat]] being six inches in body length and a tail length of eight inches (Howard 1994). [[Sexual dimorphism]] exists in all species, with males being larger than females.
  
{{italictitle}}{{Taxobox
+
Kangaroo rats stay in one place [[bipedally]]. The [[Merriam kangaroo rat]] can leap 7-8 feet and quickly change its direction when landing. The Banner-tailed kangaroo rat can move rapidly, which minimizes energy costs and predation risks (Schroder 1979). It will also go into a “move- freeze” mode which may reduce predation at night.
| name = ''Perognathus''
 
| fossil_range = Early [[Miocene]] - Recent
 
| image =Pacific pocket mouse.jpg
 
| image_caption = ''[[Perognathus longimembris]] pacificus''
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
 
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
 
| subclassis = [[Eutheria]]
 
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
 
| familia = [[Heteromyidae]]
 
| genus = '''''Perognathus'''''
 
| genus_authority = Wied-Neuwied, 1839
 
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
 
| subdivision =
 
''[[Perognathus alticola]]''<br>
 
''[[Perognathus amplus]]''<br>
 
''[[Perognathus fasciatus]]''<br>
 
''[[Perognathus flavescens]]''<br>
 
''[[Perognathus flavus]]''<br>
 
''[[Perognathus inornatus]]''<br>
 
''[[Perognathus longimembris]]''<br>
 
''[[Perognathus merriami]]''<br>
 
''†[[Perognathus minutus]]
 
''[[Perognathus parvus]]''
 
}}
 
'''''Perognathus''''' is a genus of '''pocket mouse'''.  Like other members of [[Heteromyidae|their family]] they are more closely related to [[pocket gopher]]s than to true [[mouse|mice]].
 
  
The silky pocket mice are small animals with soft [[pelage]], long tails, and small feet compared to other heteromyids. They have long claws which are used for digging burrows and sifting sandy substrates for seeds. They have also been found to steal seeds from [[kangaroo rat]]s' dens.[http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/060811_desert_thieves.html]  They store these seeds in large hairy external [[cheek pouch]]es. They are nocturnal and are found in arid habitats. They are not true [[Hibernation|hibernators]], but will go into [[torpor]] and stay in their burrows for extended periods of time.
+
Kangaroo rats are primarily seed eaters (Morgan 1992). They will, however, sometimes eat vegetation at certain times of the year and some insects (Howard 1994). They have been observed storing the seeds of mesquite, creosote, bush, purslane, ocotillo and grama grass in their cheek pouches. Kangaroo rat will store extra seeds in seed caches (Reynolds 1958). This caching behavior has an impact on the rangeland and croplands where the animals live (Howard 1994). Kangaroo rats must harvest as much seeds as possible in as little time as possible (Morgan and Price 1992). They need to decrease the time away from their burrows as they are cool and dry. In addition, being away from their burrows also makes them vulnerable to predators. (Morgan and Price 1992).
  
==Species==
+
When on foraging trips, kangaroo rats hoard the seeds that they find. It is important for a kangaroo rat to encounter more food items than are consumed, at least at one point in the year, as well as defend or rediscover food caches and remain within the same areas long enough to utilize food resources (Schroder 1979). Different species of kangaroo rat may have different seed caching strategies to coexist with each other, as is the case for the Banner-tailed kangaroo rat and the Merriam kangaroo rat which have overlapping ranges (Nader 1978). Merriam kangaroo rats scatterhoards small clumps of seeds in many small holes (Jenkins et al. 1995).  This is done close to the burrow and travel costs are minimized and harvest rates are maximized (Jenkins et al. 1995). Banner-tailed kangaroo rats larderhoard on large mounds (Jenkins et al. 1995). This could give them extra time and energy and decrease the risk of predation. They also spend less time on the surface digging small caches.
  
*''[[Perognathus alticola]]'' – White-eared Pocket Mouse
+
Kangaroo rats inhabit overlapping home ranges. These home ranges tend to be small with much activities within 200-300 ft and rarely 600 ft (Howard 1994). Home range size can vary within species with Merriam kangaroo rats having larger home ranges than Banner-tailed kangaroo rats. Recently weaned kangaroo rats move into new areas not occupied by adults. Within its home range, a kangaroo has a defended territory consisting of its burrowing system.
*''[[Perognathus amplus]]'' – Arizona Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Perognathus fasciatus]]'' – Olive-backed Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Perognathus flavescens]]'' – Plains Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Perognathus flavus]]'' – Silky Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Perognathus inornatus]]'' – San Joaquin Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Perognathus longimembris]]'' – Little Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Perognathus merriami]]'' – Merriam's Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Perognathus parvus]]'' – Great Basin Pocket Mouse
 
  
Sometimes members of the genus ''[[Chaetodipus]]'' are placed in ''Perognathus''.
+
To provide large amounts of moisture through respiration when sleeping, a kangaroo rat buries its nose in its fur, which allows the kangaroo rate to accumulate a small pocket of moist air (Lidicker 1960).  
  
==References==
+
Kangaroo rats are generally solitary animals with little to no social organization. Kangaroos rats do sometime cluster together in some feeding situations. Groups of kangaroo rats that do exist are aggregations and colonies (Howard 1994). There appears to be a [[dominance hierarchy]] among kangaroo rats with males competing for access to females (Newmark and Jenkins 2000). Male kangaroo rats are generally more aggressive than females and are more dominant over them. Females are more tolerant of each other than males are and have more non-aggressive interactions. This is likely because the home ranges of females overlap less than the home ranges of males (Newmark and Jenkins 2000). There appears to be linear dominance hierarchies among males but it is not known if this is the case for females (Newmark and Jenkins 2000). Winners of aggressive encounters appear to be the most active ones.
*Duff, A. and A. Lawson. 2004. Mammals of the World A Checklist. New Haven, Yale University Press.
 
*Nowak, Ronald M. 1999. ''Walker's Mammals of the World'', 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1936 pp.&nbsp;ISBN 0-8018-5789-9
 
  
 +
Kangaroo rats have a [[promiscuous]] mating system. Their reproductive output is highest in summer following high rainfalls (Waser and Jones 1991).
  
 +
==Pocket mouse==
 +
[[Image:Pacific pocket mouse.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Pacific pocket mouse (''Perognathus longimembris pacificus'')]]
  
===Chaetodipus===
+
Pocket mouse is the common name for any of the members of the genera ''[[Perognatus]]'', ''[[Chaetodipus]]'', ''[[Heteromys]]'', or ''[[Liomys]]''. Unlike the other two genera of Heteromyidae (''Dipodomys'' and ''Microdipodops''), pocket mice use quadrupedal locomotion, rather than bipedal. The spiny pocket mice (''Liomys'') and forest spiny pocket mice (''Heteromys'') belong to the subfamily Heteromyinane. The silky pocket mice (''Perognathus'') and coarse-hared pocket mice (''Chaetodipus'') are placed in the subfamily Perognathinae. Sometimes members of the genus ''Chaetodipus'' are placed in ''Perognathus''.
{{italictitle}}{{Taxobox
 
| name = ''Chaetodipus''
 
| fossil_range = Recent
 
| image = Chaetodipus baileyi.jpg
 
| image_caption = ''[[Chaetodipus baileyi]]''
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
 
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
 
| subclassis = [[Eutheria]]
 
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
 
| familia = [[Heteromyidae]]
 
| subfamilia = [[Perognathinae]]
 
| genus = '''''Chaetodipus'''''
 
| genus_authority = [[Clinton Hart Merriam|Merriam]], 1889
 
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
 
| subdivision =
 
''[[Chaetodipus arenarius]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus artus]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus baileyi]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus californicus]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus dalquesti]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus eremicus]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus fallax]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus formosus]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus goldmani]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus hispidus]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus intermedius]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus lineatus]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus nelsoni]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus penicillatus]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus pernix]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus rudinoris]]''<br>
 
''[[Chaetodipus spinatus]]''
 
}}
 
'''''Chaetodipus''''' is a genus of [[Perognathinae|pocket mouse]] containing 19 species [[Endemism|endemic]] to the [[United States]] and [[Mexico]]. Like other members of [[Heteromyidae|their family]] such as pocket mice in the genus ''[[Perognathus]]'', they are more closely related to [[pocket gopher]]s than to true [[mouse|mice]].
 
  
Members of this genus range in size from 80-125 mm (head and body) and weigh 15-47 grams (Nowak, 1999). Unlike the silky pocket mice (genus ''[[Perognathus]]''), most species of the genus ''Chaetodipus'' have harsh [[pelage]] with some bordering on spiny hair.  They tend to be found in arid habitats where they feed on seeds, vegetation, and insects (Nowak, 1999)Females give birth to a litter of 2-9 young after a [[gestation period]] of just under a month.  The longest recorded [[maximum life span|life span]] is 8 years and 4 months (Nowak, 1999).
+
[[Image:Chaetodipus baileyi.jpg|left|250px|thumb|''Chaetodipus baileyi'']]
 +
The silky pocket mice (''Perognathus'') are small animals with soft [[pelage]], long tails, and small feet compared to other heteromyids.  They have long claws which are used for digging burrows and sifting sandy substrates for seeds.  They have also been found to steal seeds from [[kangaroo rat]]s' dens. They store these seeds in large hairy external [[cheek pouch]]es.  They are nocturnal and are found in arid habitats.  They are not true [[Hibernation|hibernators]], but will go into [[torpor]] and stay in their burrows for extended periods of time.
  
==Species==
+
''Chaetodipus'' contains about 19 species [[Endemism|endemic]] to the [[United States]] and [[Mexico]]. Like other members of their family, such as pocket mice in the genus ''Perognathus'', they are more closely related to [[pocket gopher]]s than to true [[mouse|mice]].
  
*''[[Chaetodipus arenarius]]'' - Little Desert Pocket Mouse
+
Members of this genus range in size from 80-125 mm (head and body) and weigh 15-47 grams (Nowak, 1999).  Unlike the silky pocket mice (genus ''Perognathus''), most species of the genus ''Chaetodipus'' have harsh [[pelage]] with some bordering on spiny hair.  They tend to be found in arid habitats where they feed on seeds, vegetation, and insects (Nowak, 1999).  Females give birth to a litter of 2-9 young after a [[gestation period]] of just under a month.  The longest recorded [[maximum life span|life span]] is 8 years and 4 months (Nowak, 1999).
*''[[Chaetodipus artus]]'' - Narrow-skulled Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus baileyi]]'' - Bailey's Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus californicus]]'' - California Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus dalquesti]]'' - Dalquest's Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus eremicus]]'' - Chihuahuan Desert Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus fallax]]'' - San Diego Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus formosus]]'' - Long-tailed Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus goldmani]]'' - Goldman's Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus hispidus]]'' - Hispid Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus intermedius]]'' - Rock Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus lineatus]]'' - Lined Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus nelsoni]]'' - Nelson's Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus penicillatus]]'' - Desert Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus pernix]]'' - Sinaloan Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus rudinoris]]'' - Baja Pocket Mouse
 
*''[[Chaetodipus spinatus]]'' - Spiny Pocket Mouse
 
  
Sometimes members of the genus ''Chaetodipus'' are placed in the genus ''[[Perognathus]]''.
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
*Nowak, Ronald M. 1999. ''Walker's Mammals of the World'', 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1936 pp. ISBN 0-8018-5789-9
+
*Alexander, L. F., and B. R. Riddle. 2005. Phylogenetics of the New World rodent family Heteromyidae. ''Journal of Mammalogy'' 86:366-379.
*Patton, J. L. 2005. Family Heteromyidae. Pp. 844-858 ''in'' Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
+
* Brylski, P. [http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentVersionID=17668 Dark kangaroo mouse.] ''California Department of Fish and Game''. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
 
+
* Brylski, P. [http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentVersionID=2508 Pale kangaroo mouse.] ''California Department of Fish and Game''. Retrieved March 18, 2012.  
 
+
* Duff, A., and A. Lawson. 2004. ''Mammals of the World: A Checklist''. New Haven, Yale University Press. ISBN 0300103980.
==Rock pocket mice==
+
* Fleming, T. 1984. Pocket mice and kangaroo rats. Pages 632-633 in D. Macdonald, ''The Encyclopedia of Mammals'' New York: Facts on File. ISBN 0871968711.  
{{Taxobox
+
* Hafner, J. C., J. E. Light, D. J. Hafner, M. S. Hafner, E. Reddington, D. S. Rogers, and B. R. Riddle. 2007. Basal clades and molecular systematics of heteromyid rodents. ''Journal of Mammalogy'' 88:1129-1145.
| name = Rock pocket mouse
+
* Howard, V.W. 1994. Prevention and control of wildlife damage. ''Cooperative Extension Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Animal Damage Control, Great Plains Agricultural Council: Wildlife Committee''. B101-B104.
| status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
+
* Jenkins, S. H., A. Rothstein, et al. 1995. Food hoarding by Merriams kangaroo rats: A test of alternative hypotheses. ''Ecology'' 76(8): 2470-2481.  
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Linzey, A.V., Timm, R., Álvarez-Castañeda, S.T., Castro-Arellano, I. & Lacher, T. |year=2008|id=4334|title=Chaetodipus intermedius|downloaded=18 January 2009}} Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern</ref>
+
* Lidicker, W. Z. 1960. ''An Analysis of Intraspecific Variation in the Kangaroo Rat Dipodomus merriami''. Berkeley and Los Angelos, University of California Press.
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
+
* Morgan, K. R., and M. V. Price. 1992. Foraging in heteromyid rodents: The energy cost of scratch-digging. ''Ecology'' 73(6): 2260-2272.
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
+
* Morton, S. R., D. S. Hinds, and R. E. MacMillen. 1980. Cheek pouch capacity in heteromyid rodents. ''Oecologia'' 46(2): 143–146.
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
+
* Nader, I. A. 1978. ''Kangaroo rats: Intraspecific Variation in Dipodomus spectabilis Merriami and Dipodomys deserti Stephens''. Chicago, University of Illinois Press. ISBN 0252006585.
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
+
* Newmark, J. E., and S. H. Jenkins. 2000. Sex differences in agonistic behavior of Merriam's kangaroo rats (''Dipodomys merriami''). ''American Midland Naturalist'' (143):2 377-388.
| familia = [[Heteromyidae]]
+
* Nowak, R. M. 1999. ''Walker's Mammals of the World'', 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0801857899.
| genus = ''[[Chaetodipus]]''
+
* Patton, J. L. 2005. Family Heteromyidae. Pages 844–858 in D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder, eds., ''Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference''. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University. ISBN 0801882214.
| species = '''''C. intermedius'''''
 
| binomial = ''Chaetodipus intermedius''
 
| binomial_authority = ([[Clinton Hart Merriam|Merriam]], 1889)
 
}}
 
The '''rock pocket mouse''', ''C. intermedius'', is one of 19 [[species]] of pocket mice in the [[genus]] ''Chaetodipus''. (It is sometimes grouped in the genus ''[[Perognathus]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=180266 |title=ITIS Standard Report Page: ''Perognathus intermedius''}}</ref>)
 
 
 
Found mainly in rocky outcrops in the [[desert]]s of the southwestern [[United States]] and [[Mexico]], the rock pocket mouse is medium-sized (length ~18&nbsp;cm, weight ~12–18g) and [[nocturnal animal|nocturnal]]. It eats mainly plant seeds and makes small burrows in soil close to or under rocks to evade [[owl]]s, its main [[predator]]. The [[breeding season]] spans a few months, starting in February or March, and the litter size is typically between three and six. As with most pocket mice, the tail is longer than the body (~10&nbsp;cm).
 
 
 
Historically, rock pocket mice have been subdivided into as many as ten [[subspecies]] (Benson 1933; Dice and Blossom 1937) based on geographical distribution and coat colour. Most rock pocket mouse populations have light, tawny fur consistent with the colour of the desert rocks on which they live. However, darker coloured rock pocket mice are found living amid black, [[basalt]]ic rock formations.
 
 
 
In 2003, scientists sampled [[DNA]] from both light- and dark-coloured rock pocket mice from areas in [[Pinacate Peaks]], Mexico and [[New Mexico]], USA. In the Pinacate mice, they discovered a perfect association between different versions of the [[Mc1r|Melanocortin-1 receptor]] (''Mc1r'') [[gene]] and coat colour .<ref>{{cite journal |author=Nachman MW, Hoekstra HE, D'Agostino SL |title=The genetic basis of adaptive melanism in pocket mice |journal=Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. |volume=100 |issue=9 |pages=5268–73 |year=2003 |month=April |pmid=12704245 |pmc=154334 |doi=10.1073/pnas.0431157100 |url=http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=12704245}}</ref> Subsequent studies demonstrated that there is strong selective pressure maintaining ''Mc1r'' [[allele]] and coat colour frequencies across the short geographic distances between the light- and dark-coloured rock islands.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hoekstra HE, Drumm KE, Nachman MW |title=Ecological genetics of adaptive color polymorphism in pocket mice: geographic variation in selected and neutral genes |journal=Evolution |volume=58 |issue=6 |pages=1329–41 |year=2004 |month=June |pmid=15266981 }}</ref>
 
 
Thus [[melanism]] in rock pocket mice is considered an elegant example of adaptation by [[natural selection]]. Changes in the ''Mc1r'' gene sequence are not responsible for the colour difference in the mice sampled from New Mexico, however, leading the researchers to conclude that the almost identical dark coat colours developed multiple times in rock pocket mice, an example of [[convergent evolution]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hoekstra HE, Nachman MW |title=Different genes underlie adaptive melanism in different populations of rock pocket mice |journal=Mol. Ecol. |volume=12 |issue=5 |pages=1185–94 |year=2003 |month=May |pmid=12694282 |doi=10.1046/j.1365-294X.2003.01788.x |url=http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-294X.2003.01788.x}}</ref>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
== References ==
 
{{reflist}}
 
 
 
== Further reading ==
 
*[http://uanews.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/UANews.woa/wa/MainStoryDetails?ArticleID=7344  Desert Mice Offer New Lessons on Survival of the Fittest], news article from the [[University of Arizona]].
 
* [http://www.mnh2.si.edu/education/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=36 Rock pocket mouse], profile from the [[Smithsonian]] Natural History Museum.
 
 
 
 
 
==References==
 
{{reflist}}
 
*Alexander, L. F. and B. R. Riddle. 2005. Phylogenetics of the New World rodent family Heteromyidae. Journal of Mammalogy, 86:366-379.
 
*Hafner, J. C. J. E. Light, D. J. Hafner, M. S. Hafner, E. Reddington, D. S. Rogers, and B. R. Riddle. 2007. Basal clades and molecular systematics of heteromyid rodents. Journal of Mammalogy, 88:1129-1145.
 
*Patton, J. L. 2005. Family Heteromyidae. pp.&nbsp;844–858 ''in'' Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
 
 
 
==References==
 
* {{cite web |last=Brylski |first=P |title=Dark Kangaroo Mouse |publisher=California Department of Fish and Game |url=http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentVersionID=17668 |accessdate=2011-07-15}}
 
* {{cite web |last=Brylski |first=P |title=Pale Kangaroo Mouse |publisher=California Department of Fish and Game |url=http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentVersionID=2508 |accessdate=2011-07-15}}
 
* {{ITIS|id=180251|taxon=''Microdipodops''|accessdate=2011-07-15}}
 
 
 
<ref name=Nader1978>Nader, I.A. 1978. Kangaroo rate: Intraspecific Variation in Dipodomus spectabilis Merriami and Dipodomys deserti Stephens. Chicago, University of Illinois Press.</ref>
 
 
 
 
* Randall, J. A. 2004. Pocket mice, kangaroo rats, and kangaroo mice (Heteromyidae). Pages 199 to 210 in B. Grzimek et al., ''Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 16.  Detroit, MI: Thomson/Gale. ISBN 0787657921.
 
* Randall, J. A. 2004. Pocket mice, kangaroo rats, and kangaroo mice (Heteromyidae). Pages 199 to 210 in B. Grzimek et al., ''Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 16.  Detroit, MI: Thomson/Gale. ISBN 0787657921.
 
+
* Reynolds, H. G. 1958. The Ecology of the Merriam kangaroo rat (''Dipodomys merriami'' Mearns) on the grazing lands of Southern Arizona. ''Ecological Monographs'' (28):2 111-127.
{{H. Dipodomyinae nav}}
+
* Schroder, G. D. 1979. Foraging behavior and home range utilization of the bannertail kangaroo rat. ''Ecology'' 60(4): 657-665.
 
+
* Waser, P. M., and T. W. Jones. 1991. Survival and reproductive effort in banner-tailed kangaroo rats. ''Ecology'' 72(3): 771-777.
[[Category:Microdipodops| ]]
 
[[Category:Heteromyidae]]
 
 
 
[[br:Logodenn-gangourou]]
 
[[de:Kängurumäuse]]
 
[[fr:Microdipodops]]
 
[[hu:Microdipodops]]
 
[[pl:Microdipodops]]
 
[[pt:Microdipodops]]
 
[[simple:Kangaroo mouse]]
 
[[sv:Dvärgkänguruspringmöss]]
 
[[tr:Kanguru faresi]]
 
[[vi:Chi Chuột hai chân nhỏ]]
 
 
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Heteromyidae.html
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All links retrieved December 24, 2017.
 +
* [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Heteromyidae.html Heteromyidae in ''Animal Diversity Web''].
  
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{{Rodents}}
 
{{Rodents}}
  

Latest revision as of 20:06, 24 December 2017

Heteromyids
Fossil range: Early Miocene–Recent
Dipodomys nitratoides
Dipodomys nitratoides
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Superfamily: Geomyoidea
Family: Heteromyidae
Gray, 1868
Subfamilies

Dipodomyinae
Heteromyinae
Perognathinae

Heteromyidae is the family of rodents that includes the kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, and pocket mice. Heteromyids are characterized by external, fur-lined cheek pouches (like the related pocket gophers, family Geomyidae), short and rounded ears, relatively large eyes, and seed-eating behavior. The kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys) and kangaroo mice (genus Microdipodops) use bipedal locomotion on elongated hind limbs (like kangaroos), while the pocket mice (genera Perognatus, Chaetodipus, Heteromys, and Liomys) use quadrupedal locomotion (like mice). The 6 extant genera and about 60 species of heteromyids occupy a similar range as the Geomyidae, being distributed from Western and Central Canada and the United States, through Mexico and Central America, to the northern tip of South America.

Heteromyids play important ecological roles in terms of seed dispersal and as part of food chains, being preyed upon by owls, snakes, coyotes, and other predators. The burrows of kangaroo rats provide habitat for other animals and for plant growth. In many ecosystems, heteromyids are considered keystone species. For humans, the joy of nature is enhanced by sightings of heteromyids at night (they are nocturnal), with the kangaroo rats and mice being especially unique with their long jumps, long and beautiful tails, and, for some species, a special defense against snakes that actually has them first approaching closely, then jumping back, and drumming with their feet.

Physical description

Members of the heteromyidae family are characterized by external cheek pouches that are lined with fur, as with the closely related Geomyidae family. These pouches open anterior of the mouth and are used for transport of food. All heteromyids also have short and rounded ears and fairly large eyes.

Giant kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ingens

The kangaroo rats (Diplodomys sp.) and kangaroo mice (Microdipodops sp.) have elongated hind limbs and feet and move bipedally in long jumps, as with kangaroos. They also have tails that are long and have white tips or tufts on the end. The front legs are relatively small and the heads are relatively large. The tails of kangaroo rats are longer than both their bodies and their heads.

The species in the four genera of pocket mice use quadrupedal locomotion. The silky pocket mice (Perognathus) and coarse-hared pocket mice (Chaetodipus) has species with relatively long feet, but these still use standard quadrupedal locomotion. The spiny pocket mice (Liomys) and forest spiny pocket mice (Heteromys) have a generalized body shape that is more rat-like (Randall 2004).

The fur is soft and silky in kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, and silky pocket mice, and more coarse and spiny in the spiny pocket mice.

The heteromyids range in size from 1.7 inches to 14.6 inches in total length (4.2-37cm) and weigh from 0.2 to 6.9 ounces (5-195g) (Randall 2004). The smaller members of the family are the desert pocket mice in Perognathus, which range in weight from 5 to 31 grams, and the kangaroo mice in Microdipodops, which range from 10-17 grams (Randall 2004). Members of the genus Chaetodipus range in size from 8.0-12.5 centimeters (head and body) and weigh 15-47 grams (Nowak 1999). Members of Heteromys commonly range from 37 to 85 grams, while the members of Liomys range from 34-50 grams (Randall 2004). Adult kangaroo rats, on the other hand, are larger and typically weigh between 70-170 grams (Nader 1978), with the larger ranging up to 195 grams (Randall 2004).

Distribution and habitat

Heteromyids are found in the Western Hemisphere. The southernmost range is northwestern South America. Teh range contineus through Central America and throughout Mexico and then through central and western United States into central and western Canada. The northernmost areas is British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Most heteromyids live in complex burrows within the deserts and grasslands of western North America, though species within the Heteromys and Liomys genera are also found in forests. Kangaroo mice are largely in sandy habitats, while desert pocket mice tend to be more in arid habitats (sage brush, desert shrub, rocky hillsides, sand, chaparral, grass (Randall 2004).

Kangaroo rats live in arid and semi-arid areas particularly on sandy or soft soils (Howard 1994), which are suitable for burrowing. They can, however, vary in both geographic range and habitat. In particular, the Merriam kangaroo rat ranges though Southern California, Utah, Southwest New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico and live in areas of low rainfall and humidity, and high summer temperature and evaporation rates (Reynolds 1958). They can be found in areas of various elevations ranging from below sea level to about 4500 feet (Reynolds 1958). The Merriam kangaroo rat lives in stony soils including clays gravel and rocks, which is harder than soils preferred by some other species like the Banner-tail kangaroo rat (Howard 1994). Merriam kangaroo rats live in hot and dry areas, conserve water, and only use metabolic sources (Lidicker 1960).

The Banner-tailed kangaroo rat ranges from Northeastern Arizona southward to Aguascalientes and San Luis Posi, Mexico and from Arizona to Western Texas. They generally live in grasslands and scrublands. Banner-tailed kangaroo rats live in dry areas but have more water available to them than Merriam kangaroo rats.

All kangaroo rat species are sensitive to extreme temperatures and remain in their burrows during rain storms and other forms of inclement weather (Howard 1994).

Behavior, feeding, and reproduction

Most species of Heteromyidae are solitary species, with individuals living alone in individual burrow, with the exception of the new mothers with their young. Males tend to have home ranges that overlap with other males and females, while the females tend to have ranges exclusive from other females, although in some, like the kangaroo rats Dipodomys spectabilis, D. deserti, and D. ingens, both males and femals have exclusive territories (Randall 2004).

Kangaroo rats live in complex burrow systems, which have separate chambers for specific proposes like sleeping, living, and food storage (Howard 1994). The spacing of the burrows depends on the number of kangaroo rats and the abundance of food. Kangaroo rats also live in colonies that range from six to several hundred dens (Reynolds 1958). The burrow of a kangaroo rat is important in providing protection from the harsh desert environment. To maintain a constant temperature and relative humidity in their burrows, kangaroo rats plug the entrances with soil during the day (Howard 1994). When the outside temperature is too hot, a kangaroo rat stays in its cool, humid burrow and leaves it only at night (Lidicker 1960). The burrows of Merriam kangaroo rats are simpler and shallower than those of Banner-tailed kangaroo rats. Banner-tailed kangaroo rats also mate in their burrows, unlike Merriam kangaroo rats.

Heteromyids are granivores that feed mostly on seeds and other plant parts, which they carry in their cheek pouches (Morton et al. 1980) to their burrows (Fleming 1984). Some species supplement their diet with insects (Randall 2004). Merriam kangaroo rats, which live in hot and dry areas, survive by breaking down of the seeds they eat with their metabolism and only use metabolic sources of water. They can also conserve water by lowering their metabolic rate, which reduces loss of water through their skin and respiratory system (Lidicker 1960).

Predators of heteromyids include coyotes, foxes, badgers, weasels, owls, and snakes. In addition to cryptic coloration and avoidance, many heteromyids have unique defense mechanisms. Some species of kangaroo rats will actually approach a snake to within striking distance, then jump back and drum their feet, altering the snake that they know it is there. The bipedal jumping motion of kangaroo rats and mice also provides an erratic path that allows an effective escape. Some heteromyids have very well developed low-frequency hearing that allows them to detect approaching predators (Randall 2004).

Taxonomy

Hafner et al. (2007) summarized the molecular and morphological data to date and proposed the following taxonomy:

  • FAMILY HETEROMYIDAE
    • Subfamily Heteromyinae
      • Genus Heteromys — spiny pocket mice
        • Trinidad spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys anomalus
        • Southern spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys australis
        • Overlook spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys catopterius
        • Desmarest's spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys desmarestianus
        • Gaumer's spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys gaumeri
        • Goldman's spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys goldmani
        • Nelson's spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys nelsoni
        • Heteromys nubicolens
        • Paraguaná spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys oasicus
        • Mountain spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys oresterus
        • Ecuadoran spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys teleus
      • Genus Liomys
        • Panamanian spiny pocket mouse, Liomys adspersus
        • Mexican spiny pocket mouse, Liomys irroratus
        • Painted spiny pocket mouse, Liomys pictus
        • Salvin's spiny pocket mouse, Liomys salvini
        • Jaliscan spiny pocket mouse, Liomys spectabilis
    • Subfamily Dipodomyinae — kangaroo rats and mice
      • Genus Dipodomys — kangaroo rats
        • Agile kangaroo rat, Dipodomys agilis
        • California kangaroo rat, Dipodomys californicus
        • Gulf Coast kangaroo rat, Dipodomys compactus
        • Desert kangaroo rat, Dipodomys deserti
        • Texas kangaroo rat, Dipodomys elator
        • Big-eared kangaroo rat, Dipodomys elephantinus
        • San Quintin kangaroo rat, Dipodomys gravipes
        • Heermann's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys heermanni
        • Giant kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ingens
        • Merriam's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys merriami
        • Chisel-toothed kangaroo rat, Dipodomys microps
        • Nelson's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys nelsoni
        • Fresno kangaroo rat, Dipodomys nitratoides
        • Ord's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ordii
        • Panamint kangaroo rat, Dipodomys panamintinus
        • Phillip's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys phillipsii
        • Dulzura kangaroo rat, Dipodomys simulans
        • Banner-tailed kangaroo rat, Dipodomys spectabilis
        • Stephens' kangaroo rat, Dipodomys stephensi
        • Narrow-faced kangaroo rat, Dipodomys venustus
      • Genus Microdipodops — kangaroo mice
        • Pale kangaroo mouse, Microdipodops pallidus
        • Dark kangaroo mouse, Microdipodops megacephalus
    • Subfamily Perognathinae — pocket mice
      • Genus Perognathus
        • White-eared pocket mouse, Perognathus alticola
        • Arizona pocket mouse, Perognathus amplus
        • Olive-backed pocket mouse, Perognathus fasciatus
        • Plains pocket mouse, Perognathus flavescens
        • Silky pocket mouse, Perognathus flavus
        • San Joaquin pocket mouse, Perognathus inornatus
        • Little pocket mouse, Perognathus longimembris
        • Merriam's pocket mouse, Perognathus merriami
        • Great Basin pocket mouse, Perognathus parvus
      • Genus Chaetodipus
        • Little Desert pocket mouse, Chaetodipus arenarius
        • Narrow-skulled pocket mouse, Chaetodipus artus
        • Bailey's pocket mouse, Chaetodipus baileyi
        • California pocket mouse, Chaetodipus californicus
        • Dalquest's pocket mouse, Chaetodipus dalquesti
        • Chihuahuan desert pocket mouse, Chaetodipus eremicus
        • San Diego pocket mouse, Chaetodipus fallax
        • Long-tailed pocket mouse, Chaetodipus formosus
        • Goldman's pocket mouse, Chaetodipus goldmani
        • Hispid pocket mouse, Chaetodipus hispidus
        • Rock pocket mouse, Chaetodipus intermedius
        • Lined pocket mouse, Chaetodipus lineatus
        • Nelson's pocket mouse, Chaetodipus nelsoni
        • Desert pocket mouse, Chaetodipus penicillatus
        • Sinaloan pocket mouse, Chaetodipus pernix
        • Baja pocket mouse, Chaetodipus rudinoris
        • Spiny pocket mouse, Chaetodipus spinatus
Heteromyidae
Dipodomyinae

Dipodomys



Microdipodops





Heteromys


Perognathinae

Perognathus



Chaetodipus





Most authorities prior to this (Alexander and Riddle, 2005; Patton, 2005) treat Liomys as a distinct genus from Heteromys.

Kangaroo mouse

A pale kangaroo mouse (M. pallidus)

Kangaroo mouse is the common name for any member of the jumping mouse genus Microdipodops, which currently is represented by two species: the pale kangaroo mouse (M. pallidus) and the dark kangaroo mouse (M. megacephalus). These species are native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States and predominantly found in the state of Nevada. The pale kangaroo mouse is lightly colored on its dorsal surface and white on the ventrum surface (Randall 2004).

Both species of kangaroo mouse live in sandy desert ecosystems, and forage for seeds and vegetation among the scrub brush of their native habitat. The dark kangaroo mouse also is known to feed occasionally on insects and carrion. The mouse never drinks water, instead deriving it metabolically from the foods it eats. The kangaroo mouse collects food and maintains large caches in their burrows, which are excavated to a length of between 3 and 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters). The burrow, the entrance to which the mouse covers during daylight hours, is also used to raise litters of between 2 and 7 young. The pale kangaroo mouse burrows only in fine sand, while the dark kangaroo mouse prefers fine, gravelly soils, but may also burrow in sand or sandy soil. Kangaroo mice are nocturnal, and are most active in the two hours following sunset. They are believed to hibernate during cold weather.

The kangaroo mice are closely related to the kangaroo rats, which belong to the same subfamily, Dipodomyinae.

Kangaroo rat

A kangaroo rat

Kangaroo mouse is the common name for any member of the genus Dipodomys. Kangaroo rats are six-toed endotherms with large hind legs, small front legs and relatively large heads. The tails of kangaroo rats are longer than both their bodies and their heads. The coloration of kangaroo rats varies from cinnamon buff to dark gray, depending on the species (Howard 1994). There is also some variation in length with one of the largest species, the Banner-tail kangaroo rat being six inches in body length and a tail length of eight inches (Howard 1994). Sexual dimorphism exists in all species, with males being larger than females.

Kangaroo rats stay in one place bipedally. The Merriam kangaroo rat can leap 7-8 feet and quickly change its direction when landing. The Banner-tailed kangaroo rat can move rapidly, which minimizes energy costs and predation risks (Schroder 1979). It will also go into a “move- freeze” mode which may reduce predation at night.

Kangaroo rats are primarily seed eaters (Morgan 1992). They will, however, sometimes eat vegetation at certain times of the year and some insects (Howard 1994). They have been observed storing the seeds of mesquite, creosote, bush, purslane, ocotillo and grama grass in their cheek pouches. Kangaroo rat will store extra seeds in seed caches (Reynolds 1958). This caching behavior has an impact on the rangeland and croplands where the animals live (Howard 1994). Kangaroo rats must harvest as much seeds as possible in as little time as possible (Morgan and Price 1992). They need to decrease the time away from their burrows as they are cool and dry. In addition, being away from their burrows also makes them vulnerable to predators. (Morgan and Price 1992).

When on foraging trips, kangaroo rats hoard the seeds that they find. It is important for a kangaroo rat to encounter more food items than are consumed, at least at one point in the year, as well as defend or rediscover food caches and remain within the same areas long enough to utilize food resources (Schroder 1979). Different species of kangaroo rat may have different seed caching strategies to coexist with each other, as is the case for the Banner-tailed kangaroo rat and the Merriam kangaroo rat which have overlapping ranges (Nader 1978). Merriam kangaroo rats scatterhoards small clumps of seeds in many small holes (Jenkins et al. 1995). This is done close to the burrow and travel costs are minimized and harvest rates are maximized (Jenkins et al. 1995). Banner-tailed kangaroo rats larderhoard on large mounds (Jenkins et al. 1995). This could give them extra time and energy and decrease the risk of predation. They also spend less time on the surface digging small caches.

Kangaroo rats inhabit overlapping home ranges. These home ranges tend to be small with much activities within 200-300 ft and rarely 600 ft (Howard 1994). Home range size can vary within species with Merriam kangaroo rats having larger home ranges than Banner-tailed kangaroo rats. Recently weaned kangaroo rats move into new areas not occupied by adults. Within its home range, a kangaroo has a defended territory consisting of its burrowing system.

To provide large amounts of moisture through respiration when sleeping, a kangaroo rat buries its nose in its fur, which allows the kangaroo rate to accumulate a small pocket of moist air (Lidicker 1960).

Kangaroo rats are generally solitary animals with little to no social organization. Kangaroos rats do sometime cluster together in some feeding situations. Groups of kangaroo rats that do exist are aggregations and colonies (Howard 1994). There appears to be a dominance hierarchy among kangaroo rats with males competing for access to females (Newmark and Jenkins 2000). Male kangaroo rats are generally more aggressive than females and are more dominant over them. Females are more tolerant of each other than males are and have more non-aggressive interactions. This is likely because the home ranges of females overlap less than the home ranges of males (Newmark and Jenkins 2000). There appears to be linear dominance hierarchies among males but it is not known if this is the case for females (Newmark and Jenkins 2000). Winners of aggressive encounters appear to be the most active ones.

Kangaroo rats have a promiscuous mating system. Their reproductive output is highest in summer following high rainfalls (Waser and Jones 1991).

Pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus)

Pocket mouse is the common name for any of the members of the genera Perognatus, Chaetodipus, Heteromys, or Liomys. Unlike the other two genera of Heteromyidae (Dipodomys and Microdipodops), pocket mice use quadrupedal locomotion, rather than bipedal. The spiny pocket mice (Liomys) and forest spiny pocket mice (Heteromys) belong to the subfamily Heteromyinane. The silky pocket mice (Perognathus) and coarse-hared pocket mice (Chaetodipus) are placed in the subfamily Perognathinae. Sometimes members of the genus Chaetodipus are placed in Perognathus.

Chaetodipus baileyi

The silky pocket mice (Perognathus) are small animals with soft pelage, long tails, and small feet compared to other heteromyids. They have long claws which are used for digging burrows and sifting sandy substrates for seeds. They have also been found to steal seeds from kangaroo rats' dens. They store these seeds in large hairy external cheek pouches. They are nocturnal and are found in arid habitats. They are not true hibernators, but will go into torpor and stay in their burrows for extended periods of time.

Chaetodipus contains about 19 species endemic to the United States and Mexico. Like other members of their family, such as pocket mice in the genus Perognathus, they are more closely related to pocket gophers than to true mice.

Members of this genus range in size from 80-125 mm (head and body) and weigh 15-47 grams (Nowak, 1999). Unlike the silky pocket mice (genus Perognathus), most species of the genus Chaetodipus have harsh pelage with some bordering on spiny hair. They tend to be found in arid habitats where they feed on seeds, vegetation, and insects (Nowak, 1999). Females give birth to a litter of 2-9 young after a gestation period of just under a month. The longest recorded life span is 8 years and 4 months (Nowak, 1999).


References
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External links

All links retrieved December 24, 2017.



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