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Kangaroo Mouse

Distinguishing Features

The difference between a pale and dark kangaroo mouse is the color of their fur which is suggested in their names. While a dark kangaroo mouse has dark brown and black fur, a pale kangaroo mouse has a lighter, pale brown color.

Both pale and dark Microdipodops species share the same features such as having wide eyes, long and silky fur, shorten forelegs, long hind legs, and a long, slim tail with fur at the end that is used for balance. The average tail is 84 mm (inclusive of a range of 68 mm to 103 mm).^[1] Their hind legs are proportionately large with fringed stiff hairs at the side and the undersurface of their feet to help through movement in sandy desert habitats.^[2] An average kangaroo mouse adult weighs 13.5g (inclusive of a range from 10g to 17g) with an average total length of 158.5 mm (inclusive of a range from 140 mm to 177 mm) and a average hind foot with the length of 25 mm.^[1]

Due to their extremely inflated auditory bullae, that is extended in the upper portion of their head, and large ear structure, Kangaroo mice skulls are relatively larger in size to their body which contributes to their keen hearing used to detect predators.^[2]

Diet

Both dark and pale kangaroo mice are herbivores, primarily granivorous. Their intake of food consists of seeds, grains, and nuts and in the summer, insects as well.^[2] Kangaroo mice use the front of their teeth to husk seeds, then carry and store in their fur-lined cheek pouches back to their burrowed homes.^[2] An extraordinary fact about some heteromyid species, such as the kangaroo mouse, is that they can spend several extended periods of time, even lifetimes, without consuming of water. This is due to their efficient kidneys and ability to extract sufficient water from food and is essential in their survival in desert areas.^[2] The fat they get from their food is also stored in their tail.^[2]

Predation

The fur color of both pale and dark Kangaroo mice aid in blending in background environments against predators. ^[2] The system of their complex underground burrows help them in escaping predators including a high-pitched squeal that is called out when threatened.^[1]

Known Predators ^[1]^[2]