Dark kangaroo mouse

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Dark kangaroo mouse
Systematics
Superordinate : Euarchontoglires
Order : Rodents (Rodentia)
Superfamily : Pocket rodents (Geomyoidea)
Family : Pocket mice (Heteromyidae)
Genre : Kangaroo mice ( Microdipodops )
Type : Dark kangaroo mouse
Scientific name
Microdipodops megacephalus
Merriam , 1891

The dark kangaroo mouse ( Microdipodops megacephalus ) is one of two species of the genus of kangaroo mice from the family of pocket mice (Heteromyidae). It is common in the southwestern United States .

features

The dark kangaroo mouse reaches a total length of 14.0 to 17.7 cm with a 6.8 to 10.3 cm long tail. It weighs 10.0 to 16.9 grams. The top is colored black-brown, brown or gray, the hairs on the underside are dark at the base and white at the top. The feet are enlarged and have bristle-like hairs that stick out to the side and thus enlarge the area that touches the sand. The rear legs are enlarged with a length of 23 to 27 millimeters and give the drive to jump, while the short front legs rarely touch the ground. The tail is used to keep balance when jumping with the hind legs.

This species differs from the pale kangaroo mouse ( Microdipodops pallidus ) by the darker back color, the peritoneum, which is completely white in M. pallidus , and the somewhat shorter hind legs.

distribution and habitat

The dark kangaroo mouse is found in the western states of the USA . The distribution area extends from southeast Oregon and California over Nevada to southwest Idaho and western Utah .

It lives in dry areas with stony or sandy bottom and shrub vegetation made of Atriplex confertifolia or Artemisia tridentata .

Way of life

Kangaroos are nocturnal loners and live in their underground burrows during the day. The main activity time is from March to October. They feed mainly on seeds, but also eat insects. They do not have to drink, as they cover their fluid requirements with food alone. They probably also store food in their burrows.

The young are born between May and June, with litters comprising two to nine young. Owls, foxes and badgers are the main predators.

supporting documents

  1. ↑ a b c Michael J. O'Farrell, Andrew R. Blaustein: Microdipodops megacephalus . In: Mammalian Species . No. 46, 1974, pp. 1–3 ( full text (PDF; 300 kB)).
  2. ↑ a b c Microdipodops megacephalus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2011. Posted by: AV Linzey & NatureServe (G. Hammerson), 2008. Accessed December 28, 2011th

literature

  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
  • Michael J. O'Farrell, Andrew R. Blaustein: Microdipodops megacephalus . In: Mammalian Species . No. 46, 1974, pp. 1–3 ( full text (PDF; 300 kB)).

Web links