Pocket mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ChaetodipusTemporal range: Recent
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| Chaetodipus baileyi | |
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Chaetodipus
Merriam, 1889
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Chaetodipus is a group of small mice called pocket mice. They are special because they have fur-lined pouches in their cheeks, like tiny pockets! These pockets are used to carry seeds and other food. Even though they are called "mice," they are actually more closely related to pocket gophers than to the common house mouse you might know. They belong to a family of animals called Heteromyidae.
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What are Chaetodipus Pocket Mice?
These pocket mice are small rodents. They are part of a larger family of animals that also includes pocket gophers. This means they share a common ancestor with gophers, even though they look more like mice.
Size and Appearance
Chaetodipus pocket mice are usually between 80 to 125 millimeters long, not counting their tail. That's about the length of a standard pen! They weigh between 15 and 47 grams, which is about as much as a few coins.
One interesting thing about most Chaetodipus species is their fur. Unlike some other pocket mice that have very soft, silky fur, Chaetodipus mice often have rough fur. Some even have fur that feels a bit spiny!
Where They Live and What They Eat
These pocket mice usually live in dry places, like deserts and arid (very dry) areas. They are mostly active at night.
Their diet mainly consists of seeds, which they gather and carry in their cheek pouches. They also eat some plant parts and even insects.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Female Chaetodipus pocket mice give birth to a litter of young after a gestation period (the time they are pregnant) of just under a month. Each litter can have anywhere from 2 to 9 babies.
These small creatures can live for a surprisingly long time. The longest recorded lifespan for a Chaetodipus pocket mouse is 8 years and 4 months!
How They Are Classified
Sometimes, scientists group Chaetodipus pocket mice together with another genus of pocket mice called Perognathus. However, most experts now agree that Chaetodipus is its own distinct group.
