Kangaroo mice

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Kangaroo mice
Pale kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops pallidus)

Pale kangaroo mouse ( Microdipodops pallidus )

Systematics
Subclass : Higher mammals (Eutheria)
Superordinate : Euarchontoglires
Order : Rodents (Rodentia)
Superfamily : Pocket rodents (Geomyoidea)
Family : Pocket mice (Heteromyidae)
Genre : Kangaroo mice
Scientific name
Microdipodops
Merriam , 1891

The kangaroo mice ( Microdipodops ) are a genus of pocket mice (Heteromyinae), which are distributed with two species in the southwest of the USA .

features

With a head body length of 6.6 to 7.7 cm and a 6.4 to 10.3 cm long tail, kangaroo mice are slightly smaller than a house mouse. To adapt to desert life, their feet are provided with bristle-like hair that protrudes to the side and increases the area that touches the sand. The hind legs are enlarged and give the drive to jump, while the stunted front legs rarely touch the ground. The tail is used to keep balance when jumping on the hind legs.

On the upper side, kangaroo mice are colored beige, gray or brown depending on the species, the underside is white. The head is noticeably enlarged. Fat reserves can be stored in the tail, which the mice feed on during hibernation .

distribution and habitat

Kangaroos are found in the US states of California , Nevada , Utah , Oregon, and Idaho . They live in arid areas with a stony or sandy bottom. Shrub vegetation is a prerequisite.

Way of life

Kangaroo mice are nocturnal solitary animals. They feed mainly on seeds, but also eat insects. They do not have to drink, as they cover their fluid requirements with food alone. At least one species hibernates, the second has still not been clarified.

There are two to seven young in a litter. Pregnant kangaroo mice were spotted between late March and late September. Kangaroo mice lived to be five and a half years old in captivity.

Systematics

Two types are known:

  • Dark kangaroo mouse ( Microdipodops megacephalus ), in the US Southwest: Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, California
  • Pale kangaroo mouse ( Microdipodops pallidus ), in western Nevada and immediately adjacent parts of California

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 .