Heteromyids facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Heteromyids |
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| Fresno kangaroo rat (Dipodomys nitratoides) | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Superfamily: | Geomyoidea |
| Family: | Heteromyidae Gray, 1868 |
| Subfamilies | |
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Dipodomyinae |
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The Heteromyidae family is a group of small rodents. It includes animals like kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, and pocket mice. These animals are mostly found in the western parts of North America. Some types also live as far south as northern South America.
Most heteromyids make their homes in complex burrows. You can find them in deserts and grasslands. Some species, like those in the Heteromys and Liomys genera, also live in forests. They mostly eat seeds and other parts of plants. They carry their food back to their burrows using special pouches in their cheeks.
Even though they look very different, heteromyids are closely related to pocket gophers. Pocket gophers belong to the Geomyidae family.
Contents
What are Heteromyids?
Heteromyids are small mammals known for their unique features. They are well-adapted to living in dry places. Many of them can survive without drinking water, getting all the moisture they need from their food. They are mostly active at night, which helps them avoid the heat of the day.
How do Heteromyids Carry Food?
One of the most interesting things about heteromyids is their external cheek pouches. These are like small, fur-lined pockets on the outside of their cheeks. They use these pouches to collect and carry seeds and other plant parts. This allows them to gather a lot of food quickly and take it back to their safe burrows.
Where do Heteromyids Live?
Most heteromyids prefer dry, open areas. This includes deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. Their burrows protect them from predators and extreme temperatures. Some species have burrows that can be very deep and complex, with many tunnels and chambers.
Types of Heteromyids
The Heteromyidae family is divided into different groups. These groups are called subfamilies. Each subfamily contains different types of these amazing rodents.
Kangaroo Rats and Mice
- Kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys) are known for their long hind legs. They hop like small kangaroos. They have long tails that help them balance.
- Kangaroo mice (genus Microdipodops) are smaller than kangaroo rats. They also have large hind feet for hopping. They are found in sandy desert areas.
Pocket Mice
- Silky pocket mice (genus Perognathus) are small and have soft, silky fur. They are often found in sandy or gravelly soils.
- Pocket mice (genus Chaetodipus) are a bit larger than silky pocket mice. Some species have bristly fur. They live in various habitats, from deserts to woodlands.
Forest Heteromyids
- Spiny pocket mice (genus Heteromys) are found in forests. They have stiff, spiny fur.
- Liomys pocket mice (genus Liomys) are also forest dwellers. They are similar to spiny pocket mice.
See also
In Spanish: Heteromyidae para niños
