About Microtus mexicanus (Saussure, 1861)
Taxonomic Identity
The Mexican vole, with the scientific name Microtus mexicanus (Saussure, 1861), is a species of vole.
Former Subspecies Status
The Hualapai Mexican vole (M. m. hualapaiensis) was formerly recognized as a subspecies of this species and was a protected taxon under the United States Endangered Species Act until 2017.
Subspecies Classification History
Several other populations of the Mexican vole were previously classified as named subspecies but are no longer recognized as distinct.
Geographic Distribution
This species has a disjunct distribution across the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Habitat and Climate Adaptability
It occurs in grasslands as well as other habitat types, and is generally adaptable to a range of climate types.
Primary Diet
The Mexican vole feeds mainly on grasses, and the roots of shrubs and trees (Beacham, 2000).
Bait Use in Research
In multiple research studies, the Mexican vole was baited with two plant products: barley and oatmeal.
Additional Food Source
It has also been recorded eating monarch butterflies.
Initial Species Description
The species was first described in 1861 by Swiss entomologist Henri de Saussure.
Historical Subspecies Naming
Separate populations that appeared to have different physical traits were sometimes classified as named subspecies, including Microtus mexicanus mogollonensis, M. m. hualpaiensis, and M. m. navaho.
Ongoing Taxonomic Research
Research is ongoing into the relationships between different clades within the species.
