Photo by Barbara L. Clauson.
Copyright 1999. All rights reserved.
Photo by Barbara L. Clauson. |
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Description: This small, light-colored mouse can be distinguished from other rodents by: 1) light grayish buff upperparts and sides mixed with black hairs, 2) yellowish to buffy wash along the sides and around the ears and nose, 3) small, sometimes indistinct, white patches at the base of the ears, 4) white underparts, 5) dorsal stripe on the tail, 6) external cheek pouches which are fur-lined and open on each side of the mouth, and 7) grooved upper incisor teeth. Immatures are grayer than adults. Seasonal and sexual variation among adults is slight.
Size: Adults may attain the following dimensions: total length 113-128 mm; tail 47-65 mm; hind foot 15-17 mm; ear 6-7 mm; weight 7-13 grams.
Range and Habitat:
| Two subspecies occur in Kansas; Perognathus flavescens flavescens occupies the western one-third and Perognathus flavescens cockrumi occupies the middle third of the state. They inhabit dry areas of sandy soils where vegetation is sparse. |  |
Reproduction: Little is known about the reproductive activity of this uncommon species except that it probably produces one or two litters of two to five young in subterranean nests in the spring and summer.
Habits: The plains pocket mouse does not hibernate, but does become inactive for short periods during severely cold weather. Its denning areas are characterized by many small holes localized in sandy or soft soils. These holes lead to nesting sites and other chambers where seeds are cached. During daylight hours the main entrance is plugged and, like gophers, if the plug is removed the mouse will reseal the entrance with another plug. The plains pocket mouse begins to feed at late twilight and continues all night until daybreak when it returns to its cool, protected subterranean shelter. Seeds are placed in cheek pouches with the front feet and are than carried to the storage chambers.
Food: Food of the plains pocket mouse consists almost entirely of grass seeds, and rarely arthropods. Water is provided by dew and the manufacture of metabolic water.
Remarks: Predators of the plains pocket mouse are snakes, owls, weasels, skunks, foxes and coyotes.