Lesser Wilfred's mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lesser Wilfred's mouse |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Cricetidae |
| Genus: | Juliomys |
| Species: |
J. pictipes
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| Binomial name | |
| Juliomys pictipes Osgood, 1933
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| Synonyms | |
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Thomasomys pictipes |
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The lesser Wilfred's mouse (Juliomys pictipes) is a small rodent found in South America. It belongs to the Cricetidae family, which includes many types of mice and hamsters. This mouse was first discovered by Wilfred Hudson Osgood in 1933.
It has had a few different names over the years. Today, it is known as Juliomys pictipes. This mouse lives only in northeastern Argentina and southeastern Brazil. It is usually dark brown to light orange in color. These mice are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their lives in trees. They live in forests from sea level up to 2,000 meters high. The IUCN currently lists this species as "Least Concern." However, things like farming and cutting down trees can still threaten them.
Contents
Discovering the Lesser Wilfred's Mouse
The lesser Wilfred's mouse was first found by Wilfred Hudson Osgood in 1933. He first named it Thomasomys pictipes. For many years, scientists were not sure where this mouse fit in the animal family tree.
More recently, it was placed in the Juliomys group. This group is part of the Sigmodontinae subfamily of rodents. There are currently three known species in the Juliomys group.
What Does the Lesser Wilfred's Mouse Look Like?
This mouse is a small to medium-sized rodent. It has long, soft fur that can be dark brown to light orange-brown. Its back is usually a brownish-yellow color.
The lesser Wilfred's mouse has a tail that is longer than its head and body. It also has short, wide feet with six special pads on the bottom. Its skull has a short snout and a rounded brain area. A unique feature is a small opening in the bones at the front of its head.
Where the Lesser Wilfred's Mouse Lives
You can find the lesser Wilfred's mouse in northeastern Argentina and southeastern Brazil. It lives only in the warm, wet forests of these areas.
The first place it was found was in Misiones, Argentina. It is often seen in the Atlantic Forest, a very important forest region.
Life and Habits of the Lesser Wilfred's Mouse
These mice are arboreal, which means they live mostly in trees. They are well-suited for climbing and moving through branches.
When a baby lesser Wilfred's mouse is born, it is often called a "pinkie," "kitten," or "pup." Female mice are called "does," and males are called "bucks." A group of these mice can be called a "nest," "colony," "harvest," "horde," or even a "mischief."
Conservation Status of the Mouse
The lesser Wilfred's mouse is currently listed as "Least Concern" by conservation groups. This means it is not in immediate danger of disappearing.
However, there are still threats to its survival. These include activities like livestock farming, ranching, and cutting down trees for wood. These actions can destroy the forests where the mice live. Protecting their forest homes is important for their future.
 | Georgia Louise Harris Brown |
 | Julian Abele |
 | Norma Merrick Sklarek |
 | William Sidney Pittman |
