8/16/2019 Dipodomys_spectabilis

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Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Class: Mammalia

Subclass: Eutheria

Infraclass: Holotheria

Order: Rodentia

Family: HeteromyidaeGenus: Dipodomys

Species: Dipodomy SpectabilisLife Cycle & Life Span

Breeding season begins in January and

lasts till August. The young start to

appear as early as February. The young

are born naked, and eyes and ears are

closed. Number of offspring is usuallyone to three. Measurements on

average total length :6-12”; weight : 1-

6 oz. Sexual maturity 12-13 weeks.

Birth interval is 4-6 months.

Habits & Habitat

They are nocturnal. Live in sandy to well

developed grass lands. They build burrows

in the sand usually at an angle. Their burrow

is defended by footdruming a signal to their

threat. They are Garnivorous, surviving

mainly on grass seeds. Gather seed during

seed production season and store them for

later. Form of protection is leaping or flight

from predators such as coyotes. Owls, and

kit foxes. Water in not a necessity since

there body does not store water.

Phylogeny & Interesting Facts

They are close relatives of pocket mice,

they share many similarities to the jerboas from Africa and the hopping

mice from Australia, all due to

convergent evolution. Nineteen species

of Kangaroo rats. Have specialized

kidneys allowing them to dispose of

waste with very little output of water.

Known to make high pitched “pee's”

and even chuckles. Carry many flees. Donot sweat or pant to keep cool.

Created By; Yazmin Kangur

Best, T.L. 1988. Dipodomys spectabilis. Mammalian Species #311. The American

Society of Mammalogist

. Lockard, R.B. 1978. Seasonal Change in the Activity Pattern of <I>Dipodomysspectabilis</I>. Journal of Mammalogy. 59(3): 563-568.

Jones, W.T. 1984. Natal philopatry in bannertailed kangaroo rats. Behavioral

Ecology and Sociobiology. 15: 151-155.