Black-eared mouse
In Chihuahua, Mexico
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Cricetidae
Subfamily: Neotominae
Genus: Peromyscus
Species:
P. melanotis
Binomial name
Peromyscus melanotis
J.A. Allen & Chapman, 1897

The black-eared mouse (Peromyscus melanotis), or black-eared deer mouse, is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae, native to North America.[1]

Description

The black-eared mouse is one of the smaller species in the genus Peromyscus, measuring 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in) in total length, including a relatively short tail, 5 to 7 cm (2.0 to 2.8 in) long. The fur is tawny to yellow-brown over most of the body, fading from a darker shade on the back to paler on the flanks. The under parts and feet are pure white, with a clear dividing line from the tawny fur elsewhere. A narrow ring of dusky fur is found around the eyes, while the ears are dark brown to black, with white edges. The tail is furred, and has the same color as the body, being tawny above and white below. In at least some localities, the mouse has a slightly paler coat in winter than in summer.[2]

The mouse is virtually identical in appearance to the closely related species Peromyscus sonoriensis (formerly referred to as P. maniculatus). Although subtle differences in the fur and shape of the skull occur between the species, the considerable overlap in the appearance of individuals means even these features cannot reliably be used to distinguish them. The two species can, however, be distinguished using genetic analysis.[2] and are unable to successfully interbreed.[3]

Distribution and habitat

In Portal, Arizona.

Black-eared mice are found in regions of coniferous forest and mixed grassland throughout much of the central mountains of Mexico. They occur from the Neovolcanic range through the Sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental, and across the US border into mountainous regions of southern Arizona.[1] Within this region, they may be found in rocky or marshy habitats or among forest undergrowth between 2,600 and 2,900 m (8,500 and 9,500 ft) in elevation.[2] In contrast, P. sonoriensis tends to live on lower slopes in the same region,[4] although some overlap may occur in ravines and along forest edges.[2]

Biology

Black-eared mice are nocturnal and omnivorous,[4] feeding mainly on seeds and insects.[5] Unusually, they are able to tolerate very bitter cardenolide chemicals,[6] allowing them to consume relatively large quantities of monarch butterflies.[7] They spend the day in burrows consisting of a nest chamber about 7 cm (2.8 in) across, connected to the surface by a vertical tunnel about 60 cm (2.0 ft) in length.[2] They reportedly defend the territory around their nests from other species, in particular driving away Mexican volcano mice, where the two species are found together.[5]

The mice breed throughout the year, giving birth to litters of up to five young, with three or four being typical.[2] No subspecies are recognized.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Álvarez-Castañeda, S.T.; Castro-Arellano, I.; Lacher, T.; Vázquez, E. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Peromyscus melanotis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T16678A115136970. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T16678A22363551.en. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Álvarez-Castañeda, S.T. (2005). "Peromyscus melanotis". Mammalian Species (764): Number 764: pp. 1–4. doi:10.1644/1545-1410(2005)764[0001:PM]2.0.CO;2. S2CID 198968529.
  3. ↑ Bowers, J.H. (1974). "Genetic compatibility of Peromyscus maniculatus and Peromyscus melanotis, as indicated by breeding studies and morphology". Journal of Mammalogy. 55 (4): 720–737. doi:10.2307/1379403. JSTOR 1379403.
  4. 1 2 Fa, J.E.; et al. (2005). "Influence of habitat characteristics on small mammals in a Mexican high-altitude grassland". Journal of Zoology. 221 (2): 275–292. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb03996.x.
  5. 1 2 Fa, J.E.; et al. (1996). "Interspecific agonistic behavior in small mammals in a Mexican high-elevational grassland". Journal of Zoology. 239 (2): 396–401. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1996.tb05461.x.
  6. ↑ Glendinning, J.I.; et al. (1992). "Effectiveness of cardenolides as feeding deterrents to Peromyscus mice". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 18 (9): 1559–1575. doi:10.1007/BF00993229. PMID 24254287. S2CID 31883385.
  7. ↑ Glendinning, J.I.; et al. (1988). "Behavioral and ecological interactions of foraging mice (Peromyscus melanotis) with overwintering monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in Mexico". Oecologia. 75 (2): 222–227. doi:10.1007/BF00378602. PMID 28310839. S2CID 25539279.
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