Cactus mouse
The cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus) is a small rodent species in the family Cricetidae, characterized by its pale gray to ochraceous buff fur with a dusky wash on the upperparts, white underparts and feet, large naked ears, and a long tail that exceeds the head and body length, typically measuring 8–9 cm in body length, 10–14 cm in tail length, and weighing 18–40 g.[1][2] Native to desert steppes, semi-arid scrublands, and rocky foothills, it is distributed across the southwestern United States (including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Nevada) and northern Mexico, including Baja California, where it often nests in burrows, rock crevices, or under brush piles.[1][2] As an opportunistic omnivore, the cactus mouse primarily consumes seeds from desert annuals (such as mesquite and hackberry), fruits, blossoms, green vegetation, and insects, with a seasonal shift toward more insects in winter and reliance on succulent plants for water in arid conditions; it forages nocturnally and can climb trees like mesquite for food access.[1][2] Behaviorally, it is shy and agile, capable of running at speeds up to 13.1 km/h, entering torpor or estivation during extreme heat or cold to conserve energy and water, and exhibiting territoriality with populations peaking in midwinter and declining in midsummer.[1][2] Reproduction occurs mainly from January to October (potentially year-round in favorable conditions), with females producing 1–4 young per litter (average 3) after a 20–25-day gestation, up to three or four litters annually, and sexual maturity reached at about 2 months; lifespan in the wild is typically around 1 year.[1][2] Ecologically, it serves as a seed predator and disperser in desert ecosystems while acting as prey for predators such as owls, foxes, coyotes, and snakes; the species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its abundance and lack of major threats.[1][2]Taxonomy
Classification
The cactus mouse, scientifically named Peromyscus eremicus (Baird, 1858), belongs to the order Rodentia within the class Mammalia.[3] Its full taxonomic classification places it in the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Cricetidae, subfamily Neotominae, and genus Peromyscus.[4][5]| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Cricetidae |
| Subfamily | Neotominae |
| Genus | Peromyscus |
| Species | P. eremicus |