Abstract
The only record of extant Reithrodontomys megalotis in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, is based on five specimens from 19.3 km (12 miles) N Galeana, elevation 2,130 m (Hooper, 1952). These specimens are referable to R. m. saturatus (Hall, 1981). In this paper, two geographic races of the harvest mice are reported in Nuevo Leon: R. m. megalotis in arid and semiarid regions on the southwestern portion of the state (Mexican plateau); R. m. saturatus in forest along the central and southeastern (Sierra Madre Oriental). The principal diagnostic characters of R. m. megalotis are the pale buffy upper parts, whitish venter, and short tail ( 80 mm) are the characters for recognition of R. m. saturatus. Three specimens of R. m. megalotis were taken in Ejido El Tokio, Nuevo Leon (24040'N, 100014'W, elevation 1,860 m). One male (UANL 3680) was obtained on 7 June 1983, a female with five embryos (UANL 3681) was collected on 2 November 1983, and a lactating female (UANL 3682) was captured on 29 January 1984. These specimens had the following external measurements (in millimeters), respectively: total length, 135, 142, 147; tail length, 72, 73, 75; hind foot length, 18, 18, 16; ear length, 13, 14, 15. They were captured in agricultural zones, surrounded by Chihuahuan desert shrub (Agave lecheguilla, Larrea tridentata, Yucca filifera) and gypsophilus grassland (Bouteloua chasei, Muhlenbergia villiflora). This subspecies was collected in association with Perognathus flavus, Dipodomys ordii, Peromyscus maniculatus, Peromyscus truei, Peromyscus dificilis, Sigmodon hispidus and Mus musculus.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call