Chaetodipus hispidus (Baird, 1858)

Species Introduction

This species, the hispid pocket mouse (Chaetodipus hispidus), is one of the largest pocket mice.

Etymology

Its fur is bristly, which matches its scientific epithet hispidus that means "bristly".

Dorsal Coloration

The upper fur is yellowish, with black hairs interspersed throughout.

Ventral and Lateral Coloration

It has a distinct buff-colored side stripe, and white underparts.

North-South Distribution Range

The hispid pocket mouse is distributed across the Great Plains, ranging from southern North Dakota south to central Mexico.

East-West Distribution Range

Westward, its range extends from the Missouri River to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Distribution Absences

It is absent from the far-eastern parts of the states of Kansas and Missouri.

Preferred Habitat Soil Conditions

Hispid pocket mice live in a variety of upland habitats, and are most abundant in areas with sandy soils and patches of bare ground.

Secondary Soil Habitats

They also occur in areas with rocky, loamy soils.

Avoided Habitats

They are not found in rocky prairie, and appear to avoid sand dunes and riparian zones.

Favored Vegetation

These mice favor vegetation that is a mix of short- to mid-height grasses, shrubs, forbs, cacti, and/or yucca.

Diet Composition

The hispid pocket mouse is primarily a granivore; its diet consists mostly of seeds that it gathers selectively, though it also eats a small amount of insects and leaves.

Burrow Construction Basics

Burrows are always dug into loose, friable soil, and have two to three entrances that are often plugged.

Distinctive Burrow Features

Unlike other pocket mice, the hispid pocket mouse often leaves a noticeable mound of earth around its burrow entrance, similar to the mounds made by pocket gophers, but noticeably smaller.

Social Behavior

Hispid pocket mice are solitary.

Reproduction Research Status

Little research exists on the reproduction of this species.

Breeding Period Observations

Adult males have been recorded with enlarged testes from March through October, and pregnant females have been trapped in July and August.

Litter Frequency Estimate

The length of the active breeding period suggests females can produce two or more litters per year.