Peromyscus truei (Shufeldt, 1885)

Fur and Appearance

The fur of pinyon mice (Peromyscus truei) ranges in color from pale yellowish brown to brownish black, and their feet are lighter in color, varying between dusky and white. Pinyon mice are similar in appearance to white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), but have several distinguishing features.

External Distinguishing Features

P. truei typically has larger ears, which are as large as or larger than its hind foot. It also has a longer tail with a more heavily furred tip.

Skull Differences

The skull of P. truei is larger than that of P. leucopus, with more inflated auditory bullae and a less robust zygomatic arch than the latter species.

Habitat Range

P. truei inhabits a wide variety of habitats. While it prefers rocky slopes and pinyon–juniper woodland, it can also be found in deserts, forests, and grassy plains.

Home Range Size

P. truei tends to have a larger home range than other Peromyscus species, with male home ranges reaching up to 2.9 hectares (7.2 acres); this larger range may be linked to the need for a larger area to search for food during drought conditions.

Habitat Adaptability

The species is flexible across different habitats and elevation levels, and can adapt to varying climate conditions. In areas that have experienced wildfire, P. truei tends to stay along the edges of burned areas rather than moving into the burned zones.