About Chaetodipus spinatus (Merriam, 1889)
Distinguishing Morphology
Description: The spiny pocket mouse (Chaetodipus spinatus) is distinguished from pocket mice of other genera by the long, flexible hairs and spines covering its back. It has small, round ears, and a long tail that measures 126% of the combined length of its head and body.
Coat Color
Coat color varies across island populations, but individuals typically have brown fur on the upper body and tan fur on the sides.
Size and Weight
Adult spiny pocket mice weigh between 13 and 18 g (0.46–0.63 oz), and their total body length ranges from 164 to 225 mm (6.5 to 8.9 in).
Geographic Range
Distribution and habitat: This species is native to North America, occurring in southern Nevada, the Gulf of California islands, and a range extending from southeastern California south to the southern cape of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. It lives at elevations up to 900 m (3,000 ft).
Conservation Status
Due to its wide distribution and absence from agricultural areas, the spiny pocket mouse population faces little risk of extinction.
Activity and Shelter
Ecology: The spiny pocket mouse is a nocturnal species, an adaptation that lets it inhabit dry, rocky desert landscapes by sheltering from hot daytime temperatures. It sleeps, breeds, and raises its young in burrows.
Main Predator
Feral cats are its main predator.
