Neotoma micropus Baird, 1855

Diet

Description: The Southern Plains woodrat is vegetarian. It feeds on prickly pear leaves, agave, and sotol, along with the seeds, pods, and nuts of mesquite trees.

Predators

Common predators of the Southern Plains woodrat include hawks, owls, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, and snakes, and western diamondback rattlesnakes prey on this species particularly frequently.

Habitat Type

Habitat: Neotoma micropus lives in semi-arid brushlands and rocky outcrops. It prefers areas with cactus, mesquite, and thickets.

Den Location & Layout

Dens are built under shrubs and cacti, most often prickly pears. Dens have a large central chamber that functions as a nest, with surrounding side chambers used to store food.

Den Occupancy

Adult female Southern Plains woodrats typically stay in the same den for their entire adult life. Other organisms, including desert shrews and assassin bugs, sometimes share dens with these woodrats.

Above-Ground Den

The above-ground portion of the woodrat's den is large, standing around 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) high. It is constructed from sticks, cactus parts, thorns, and other mixed debris.

Litter & Gestation

Reproduction: This woodrat produces litters of two to three offspring. Gestation lasts approximately 30 to 39 days.

Regional Breeding

Populations in the northern part of the species' range breed in early spring and produce one litter per year. Southern populations have a longer breeding season and produce more litters each year.