Northern pygmy mouse
The northern pygmy mouse (Baiomys taylori)[2] is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is known as ratón-pigmeo norteño in the Spanish-speaking areas of its range. It is found in Mexico and the United States.
| Northern pygmy mouse | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Cricetidae |
| Subfamily: | Neotominae |
| Genus: | Baiomys |
| Species: | B. taylori |
| Binomial name | |
| Baiomys taylori (Thomas, 1887) | |
Parasites of the northern pygmy mouse include the intestinal nematode Pterygodermatites baiomydis.[3] The average size of an adult male is approximately 7.5 grams, while adult females can weigh up to 9.4 grams.[4]
Reproduction
The pygmy mouse has litters of 1 to 5 pups, with an average size of 3.[4] The gestation time for pregnant females is less than 20 days.[4] Unlike many other rodents, father pygmy mice will care for offspring, and groom and huddle over young.[4]
Communication
In captivity, these mice will sometimes produce a 'squeal', and use a posture similar to singing mice.[4]
References
- Timm, R.; Álvarez-Castañeda, S.; Castro-Arellano, I. & Lacher, T. (2008). "Baiomys taylori". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. Retrieved 18 July 2009.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link) Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern.
- Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. 2005. Superfamily Muroidea. pp. 894–1531 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
- Lynggaard C, García-Prieto L, Guzmán-Cornejo C & Osorio-Sarabia D (2014): Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) baiomydis n. sp. (Nematoda: Rictulariidae), a parasite of Baiomys taylori (Cricetidae). Parasite, 21, 58. doi:10.1051/parasite/2014057 PMID 25375029
- Blair, W. Frank (November 1941). "Observations on the Life History of Baiomys Taylori Subater". Journal of Mammalogy. 22 (4): 378. doi:10.2307/1374930.