| Mexican spiny pocket mouse | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Heteromys irroratus texensis | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Heteromyidae |
| Genus: | Heteromys |
| Species: | H. irroratus |
| Binomial name | |
| Heteromys irroratus J. E. Gray, 1868 | |
 | |
TheMexican spiny pocket mouse (Heteromys irroratus) is a species ofrodent in the familyHeteromyidae.[2] It is native to Mexico andTexas in the United States where it is found in dry, scrubby habitats. TheIUCN has assessed it as being of "least concern". It was formerly placed in the genusLiomys, which is now recognized to beparaphyletic and has been subsumed intoHeteromys.[3]
There are sevensubspecies of Mexican spiny pocket mouse and there is considerable differences in color and size between different populations. In general it is a medium-sized member of its genusHeteromys, growing to a head and body length of about 12 cm (4.7 in) with a tail of about the same length. Thepelage is composed of a mixture of stiff spines with soft hairs, but because the hairs lie flat, the spines are the more noticeable part of the coat. The upper parts of the head and body are greyish-brown and the underparts whitish. There is a pinkish or buff lateral line separating the two colors. Juveniles are grey and initially lack spines which grow through the coat later. The soles of the feet are haired and the Mexican spiny pocket mouse is unique in its genus in possessing five rather than six tubercles on the hind foot.[4]
The Mexican spiny pocket mouse isendemic to parts of Texas and Mexico. Its range extends from just north of theRio Grande southwards to theMexican Plateau, its southernmost limit beingZapotitlán in the state ofOaxaca. It is found in dry shrubland at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres (9,800 ft). In regions where their ranges overlap, it occurs in drier, upland habitats than thepainted spiny pocket mouse (Liomys pictus). It is not normally present in areas with less than 50 centimetres (20 in) of annual rainfall.[4]
The Mexican spiny pocket mouse is parasitized by the mouse botfly,Cuterebra fontinella.[5]
Four different methods of locomotion are used by the Mexican spiny pocket mouse. The fastest is a kangaroo-like leaping gait, during which the mouse can cover 1.5 metres (5 feet) in a second.[4] This pocket mouse isnocturnal and spends the day in a burrow, the entrance of which may be covered with leaves or an earth mound. The diet consists largely of seeds, particularly ofhackberry (Celtis sp.),mesquite and other trees and shrubs. These are stored incheek pouches and carried back to the burrow.[1] In laboratory studies it was found that this pocket mouse was unable to maintain its body weight unless it had access to water. Reproduction takes place during much of the year but seems to peak between August and November. Litter sizes range from two to eight with four young being typical.[4]
The Mexican spiny pocket mouse has a wide range and is common in suitable habitats within that range. The population size seems to be stable and no particular threats have been identified so theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature lists its conservation status as being of "least concern".[1]
