Southern pygmy mouse

Southern pygmy mouse
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cricetidae
Genus: Baiomys
Species: B. musculus
Binomial name
Baiomys musculus
(Merriam, 1892)

The southern pygmy mouse (Baiomys musculus) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.

Habitat

Coastal animals are larger on average. They prefer open canopy areas with grasses and less dead wood or bare ground. In general they are found in open areas with thick low vegetation.[1] They are also found in rocky areas.[2]

Description

The outer coat of the southern pygmy mouse varies from a reddish brown to almost black. The under belly is lighter in tone than the back ranging from pinkish buff to white. Juveniles are born with a gray coat that slowly turns brown as they mature.[2] Uncharacteristically of other members in the family Cricetidae they have 14 cheek teeth instead of 12.[3]

Reproduction

Breeding occurs year round but rates are not constant throughout the year. During the winter and spring there are fewer litters born. Individuals living in gassy areas dig burrows for nesting while others in rocky areas live under rocks.[2]

Synonyms:

References

  1. Schnell, Gary D.; Poindexter, Cassie J.; Sánchez-Hernández, Cornelio; Romero-Almaraz, María de Lourdes; Kennedy, Michael L.; Best, Troy L.; Wooten, Michael C.; Pérez Jiménez, Alfredo (2008-05-10). "Demographic features and habitat preferences of southern pygmy mice (Baiomys musculus) in Colima, Mexico". Canadian Journal of Zoology 86 (6): 507–524. doi:10.1139/Z08-026. ISSN 0008-4301.
  2. 1 2 3 Packard, Montgomery, Robert, James (1978-09-21). "Baiomys musculus" (PDF). Mammalian Species 102: 1-3. Retrieved 2015-11-19.
  3. Hooper, Emmet T. (1955-05-01). "Extra Teeth in the Pygmy Mouse, Baiomys musculus". Journal of Mammalogy 36 (2): 298–299. doi:10.2307/1375907. ISSN 0022-2372.


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