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Peromyscus gossypinus can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from swamplands to much drier sand dunes. Generally, these mice reside on the forest floor, using hollowed logs, vines, and brushes as shelter. One study concluded that the primary habitiat of cotton mice is underground tortoise burrows, presumably for the stable microclimate they provide.
This species is common in wooded areas along the edges of streams and in areas of potential flooding. However, this species can also be found in areas of less dense vegetation, such as fields cleared by humans, old buildings, and the previously mentioned sand dunes.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; savanna or grassland ; forest ; scrub forest
Wetlands: swamp
Other Habitat Features: suburban ; riparian
Peromyscus gossypinus is native to North America and can be found in the southeastern United States as far west as eastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma, and as far north as southeastern Virginia and southern Illinois Within this range, however, the Appalachian Mountains disrupt this species' distribution.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
The food habits of P. gossypinus are numerous and varied. As an omnivore, the cotton mouse feeds on all types of food, from fruits and berries to insects and animal matter. Studies have shown that P. gossypinus is an opportunistic feeder, consuming whatever food is available. Its diet may consist of up to fifty percent animal matter. The cotton mouse primarily feeds at night.
Foods eaten include: seeds, fruits, nuts, insects, arachnids and slugs.
Animal Foods: insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; mollusks
Plant Foods: seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit; flowers
Other Foods: fungus
Primary Diet: omnivore
Because P. gossypinus consumes fruit as part of its diet, it plays a role in the seed dispersal of a variety of plants. As a prey item, populations of cotton mice maybe important to sustaining predator populations. This species may also play a role in the decomposition of other animals because of its scavenging food habits.
Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds
Because a large amount of the cotton mouse's diet consists of animal matter, mainly insects, this species might aid in the control of pests in areas inhabited by humans.
Positive Impacts: controls pest population
Cotton mouse behavior is influenced by the many predators in its environment. Peromyscus gossypinus is active primarily at night. With darkness protecting it from predators, it is able to move about more freely. This behavior has led to well developed senses of sight, smell, and hearing. This species is also cryptically colored and secretive.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic
Peromyscus gossypinus is one of the largest members of the genus Peromyscus in the US, and can be recognized by its dark color. The dorsal pelage of this species consists of two different types of hair: short, dark brown hair that covers the majority of the body, and longer, darker hair that covers the middle of the dorsum. The hair on the feet and ventral side is white. The tail is sparsely haired and relatively short, compared to other rodents.
The top of the skull is flattened and there is little or no postorbital process. The dental formula is 1/1, 0/0, 0/0, 3/3.
These mice measure 142 to 206 mm in length, of which 55 to 97 mm is the tail. They can weigh between 17 and 46 g.
Range mass: 17 to 46 g.
Range length: 142 to 206 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; heterothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
As with most species of the genus Peromyscus, the cotton mouse has a relatively short lifespan, averaging four to five months.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 15 (high) months.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 4 to 5 months.
Peromyscus gossypinus possesses a diploid chromosome number of 48. This species has hybridized with several other species of the genus Peromyscus in laboratory conditions, but hybridization has not been observed in the wild. In areas where this mouse is found with P. leucopus, the suspected sister species of P. gossypinus, cotton mice show a great deal of aggression to these other mice, and tend to avoid them if possible. This is considered reproductive issolation by behavior, because these two species will readily hybridize in laboratory conditions.
The cotton mouse has been known to extend its habitat to older, dilapidated buildings and, therefore, act as a household pest if these buildings are inhabited by humans. Additionally, as with most wild mammals, P. gossypinus acts as a reservoir of various infectious pathogens that can also infect humans.
Negative Impacts: causes or carries domestic animal disease ; household pest
The genus Peromyscus uses a combination of vocal, visual, tactile and scent communication. Species in this genus are known to vocalize with high pitched squeaks and buzzes. When excited, mice of this genus have been observed to hit their front feet on the ground, producing a drumming sound.
Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Peromyscus gossypinus is not considered endangered by any organizations. However, there are several subspecies of P. gossypinus, two of which are considered to have attained a conservation status with various organizations.
Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola, the Key Largo cotton mouse, has received the Vulnerable D2 status with the IUCN, which means that the population is restricted to an acutely small area of occupancy, in which any disturbance could result in the endangerment or extinction of the subspecies. It is also considered endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Peromyscus gossypinus restrictus, the Chadwick Beach cotton mouse, is extinct, according to the IUCN. This subspecies was native to Florida.
US Federal List: endangered; no special status
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
The mating system of this species has not been described. However, information on home ranges indicates that the species is probably polygynous. Males have larger home ranges than females, and their home ranges overlap extensively with those of other males and of females. Females, on the other hand, have restricted home ranges, which may overlap those of males, but not those of other females. It is likely then that males have access to many females during breeding, but females are not likely to have access to many males.
Although this is a reasonable assumption, it should be noted that reproductive patterns within the genus Peromyscus as a whole are highly variable. In some species, like Peromyscus polionotus or Peromyscus californicus, mating appears to be strictly monogamous. In other species, like Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus maniculatus, breeding can be polygynous or monogamous, depending upon ecological conditons.
Because P. gossypinus occurs in a great variety of habitats and ecological conditions, it is likely that there is some variability in mating systems. Like their sister taxon, P. leucopus, these mice probably form monogamous pairs under some cirumstances.
During estrous, females of this species show little or no consistancy in their patterns of external signals. Swelling and protrusions of the vaginal area are observed inconsistently. It is likely, therefore, that these signals, used by people to determine the reproductive status of the female, are not that important to males of the species.
Males and females probably use a combination of scent cues and behaviors to determine when another animal is ready to mate.
Mating System: monogamous ; polygynous
Peromyscus gossypinus produces at least 4 litters per breeding season. This species averages a 23 day gestation period in non-lactating females and a 30 day gestation period in lactating females. There is a post-partum estrus in this species, which allows a female to rapidly produce addtional litters.
Peromyscus gossypinus females give birth to their young in a nest constructed of primarily cotton. Births usually occur in the early hours of morning. One specimen, observed in captivity by Pournelle, was extremely active on the night prior to parturition, moving around anxiously and frequently stretching her entire body. Once morning arrived, she had quieted down and slept until the first birth.
Litters of 1 to 7 young have been reported, with the average size being 3.7 young. In the sister species of cotton mice, Peromyscus leucopus, variation in litter size with latitude has been reported. Average litter size increases with lattitude, so that litters are larger in northern populations. Because P. gossypinus is also a very widespread species, it is likely that such litter size variation with lattitude also occurs in this species.
All Peromyscus neonates are altricial. They are born hairless, with their eyes closed, incisors underneath the gumline, and pinnae folded. However, cotton mice develop quickly. The ear pinnae are erect by about 4 days of age. By the age of 5 days, these mice are beginning to have a noticable hair cover on their backs. Around day 7 of life the incisors have broken through the gums. The young are fully furred by the time they are 10 days old, and appear to be alert and able to respond to stimuli in their environment. Most baby cotton mice open their eyes for the first time between the ages of 12 and 14 days.
In terms of their body size, neonates average only 2.19 g at birth. They are about 47 mm in length, and their tails are relativle short, measuring only 11 mm. They double in size within the first two weeks of life, and reach 93% of their adult length by the age of 60 days.
The pelage of baby mice is grayish. They undergo their first molt between the ages of 34 and 40 days, with the adult pelage appearing first on their sides, then on the head and face, and finally spreading back over the back and the rump.
Females in captivity reach reproductive maturity between the age of 43 and 73 days. The average age at which the vagina opens up is 43 days, and the average age of first conception is 73 days. It is difficult to say how this is mirrored in wild populations, because nutrition is different in captivity, as are other social and environmental cues which could affect reproductive development.
Male reproductive maturity is harder to determine. A captive male had sperm in his epididymides at about 45 days of age.
Breeding season in this species may vary geographically. In Florida, these mice breed throughout the year, with a peak in breeding activity in the late autumn and early winter. There is a lull in breeding in the middle of the summer. Although the precise reason for this lull is not known, it may be related to temperature, since male reproductive condition appears to be affected by temperature.
In other parts of the range, P. gossypinus has been seen in breeding condition in spring, summer, and autumn. Records from the Great Smokey Mountains do not show animals in breeding condition during the winter months, but it is not clear whether or not animals were examined at this time.
Breeding interval: Females can produce as many as four litters in a breeding season, with litters born approximately every 30 days.
Breeding season: Year-round in Florida
Range number of offspring: 1 to 7.
Average number of offspring: 3.7.
Range gestation period: 22.86 to 23.34 days.
Average weaning age: 3 to 4 weeks.
Average time to independence: 3-4 weeks.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 43 to 73 days.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 45 (low) days.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous ; post-partum estrous
Females care for their young in a nest, providing shelter, warmth, and milk to nourish the altricial neonates. It has been shown that in several species of the genus Peromyscus, the male remains with the female to help care for the young, although no data exist for P. gossypinus.
Parental Investment: altricial ; pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)
Key Largo cotton mice are omnivorous and feed on a wide variety of plant and animal materials. Over 70 percent of the tropical hardwood hammock trees and shrubs produce fruits and berries that may provide important food items for the Key Largo cotton mouse (USFWS 2008 and references therein).
The Key Largo cotton mouse is closely associated with the Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli). It is often found in woodrat holes, nests, or runways (Humphrey 1992, cited in USFWS 1999). Both of these species are dependent upon the
structure, composition, and quality of tropical hardwood hammocks. Several species listed by the USFWS as threatened or endangered occur in the same habitat or adjacent habitat, including the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi), and Schaus swallowtail butterfly (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus). In addition, there are at least seven state-protected animals and 20 state-listed plants that also share the same habitat, such as the threatened white-crowned pigeon (Columba leucocephala) and Miami black-headed snake (Tantilla oolitica) and the endangered lignumvitae tree (Guaiacum sanctum), prickly apple (Harrisia simpsonii), tamarindillo (Acacia choriophylla), powdery catopsis (Catopsis berteroniana), and long strap fern (Campyloneurum phyllitidus) (USFWS 1999).
Some of the behavioral and ecological information available for the Key Largo cotton mouse is inferred from other cotton mouse populations in Florida. The Key Largo cotton mouse builds leaf-lined nests in logs, tree hollows, and rock crevices. The holes occupied by these mice measure 3 to 9 cm in diameter, are often partially covered by leaves or bark, and may be located at the bases of trees and near or in woodrat nests. The Key Largo cotton mouse can move at least 2 km in 1 to 2 days. Male cotton mice have larger home ranges than females and home ranges overlap because cotton mice do not defend territories. Other Florida populations of cotton mice are primarily nocturnal and often run and climb on tree limbs and Key Largo cotton mice probably share these behaviors. Cotton mice use a variety of short musical barking sounds to communicate, which is probably also true for the Key Largo cotton mouse (USFWS 1999 and references therein).
Cotton mice are among the most common small mammals in South Florida and throughout the southeastern United States, but the Key Largo cotton mouse is endemic to (i.e., found only in) Key Largo. Although at one time it occurred throughout the tropical hardwood hammocks in the Upper Keys south to near Tavernier, today the Key Largo cotton mouse is restricted to the northernmost portion of Key Largo. Urbanization of Key Largo has decimated the tropical hardwood hammock forests and has reduced the availability of food, shelter, and habitat for the Key Largo cotton mouse, threatening its continued existence (USFWS 1999).
Data from 2007 suggest a stable population, but a rigorous monitoring program is only now being established. Conservation history, status, and plans for the future were reviewed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2008 (USFWS 2008).
The Key Largo cotton mouse formerly occurred throughout the tropical hardwood hammock forests of Key Largo, Monroe County, Florida, but is now restricted to the northern portion of Key Largo. Remaining hammocks on south Key Largo are small, isolated, and disturbed. Hammock fragments up to four hectares in size remain on south Key Largo, but may be too small and isolated to support viable cotton mouse populations (USFWS 1999).
A translocation project was initiated on Lignumvitae Key (outside the historic range of the Key Largo cotton mouse) in 1970, during which 14 individuals were released. A single individual was documented on the Key in 1977, but the population was considered extirpated by 1990 and a trapping survey in 2007 yielded no additional captures (USFWS 2008 and references therein).
The Key Largo cotton mouse uses a variety of tropical hardwood habitats, including recently burned, early successional, and mature hammock forests, and Salicornia coastal strand (the beach community just above the high tide line) adjacent to these forests (Humphrey 1992, cited in USFWS 1999). Much of the original tropical hardwood hammock on Key Largo was cleared in the past for development or agriculture. The southern portion of Key Largo is nearly completely developed, and the only remaining large contiguous tract of tropical hardwood hammock occurs on the northern half of the Key (USFWS 2008). Although a 1979 field study by Barbour and Humphrey (1982) found that a mature forest site had nearly twenty times the density of Key Largo cotton mice as did an intermediate-stage forest, more recent studies have suggested at least a somewhat greater degree of habitat flexibility (USFWS 2008 and references therein).
About a thousand hectares of tropical hardwood hammock remain in north Key Largo, mainly within the boundaries of Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, which were acquired in 1980 and 1982, respectively (USFWS 2008). Both of these sites have been managed to maintain and restore the native tropical hardwood hammock vegetation on which the Key Largo cotton mouse depends and acquisition of the little additional remaining hammock habitat on north Key Largo has continued. Many tracts on these sites were cleared for development or agriculture during the 20th century, but hammock vegetation has returned to many of these previously cleared sites. The remaining forest is now composed of a variety of successional stages of tropical hardwood hammock vegetation, reflecting the time since and extent of disturbance (USFWS 2008).
The Key Largo Cotton Mouse is listed as endangered by both the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) (USFWS 2008). The USFWS first listed this species in 1983 (Federal Register, 48 FR 43040-43043).
Cotton mice are short-lived, with an average life expectancy of perhaps just 5 months, although potential longevity is 2 to 3 years (USFWS 1999).
Key Largo cotton mice are larger and more reddish in appearance than other subspecies of cotton mice from peninsular Florida.The coat is reddish dorsally (above), with dusky brown sides, sharply contrasting white underparts, and a cinnamon buff wash on the throat and chest. The feet are white with dusky ankles. The bicolored tail is darker brown on top and whiter underneath. Body length is 170 to 189 mm, tail length is 72 to 87 mm, and hind foot length is 21 to 23 mm (Schwartz 1952).
In a 1979 trapping survey on Key Largo, population density was estimated at 21.8 individuals per hectare in a mature forest site and just 1.2 individuals per hectare in an intermediate-stage forest site (Barbour and Humphrey 1982).
In a later study, Humphrey (1988) found that density estimates varied considerably among sites, but averaged 15.5 individuals per hectare in three sites near housing subdivisions and 26.9 in three sites distant from such developments, yielding an overall average density for the study of 21.2 cotton mice per hectare. Using an estimate of 851 hectares of remaining forest habitat on north Key Largo at the time, Humphrey estimated the total Key Largo cotton mouse population at about 18,000 individuals.
The Key Largo cotton mouse breeds throughout the year. producing two to three litters annually, with an
average of four young per litter (Brown 1978, cited in USFWS 2008).
Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola has been recognized as a valid subspecies since it was first described in 1952 (USFWS 2008) and is distinguished mainly by its overall larger size and brighter, reddish-colored fur. Its name is derived from the Seminole word "allapattah", which refers to the tropical dry hammocks of South Florida where this mouse is most abundant (Schwartz 1952).
The main threats currently facing the Key Largo cotton mouse are population fragmentation (as a result of habitat fragmentation), small total population size (2007 estimate: 17,000 individuals), and predation. Habitat degradation and loss have continued and threats from non-native animals and invasive exotic plants have increased, although efforts are underway to manage these threats (USFWS 2008).
The Key Largo cotton mouse has a number of natural predators, including raptors (birds of prey), corn snakes (Elaphe guttata), diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus), Florida black racers (Coluber constrictor priapus), Keys rat snakes (Elaphe
obsolete deckerti), owls, and possibly raccoons (Procyon lotor). Non-native predators include free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus), fire ants, and possibly young Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivitattus). Predation would probably not be a major concern if Key Largo cotton mouse population levels were robust and plenty of suitable habitat were available. However, in the face of habitat and population fragmentation, predation pressure can have a substantial negative impact (USFWS 2008).
In studying the spatial distribution of Key Largo cotton mice, Keith and Gaines (2002, cited in USFWS 2008) detected a relationship between the presence of the mice and the absence of invasive exotic plants.
Peromyscus gossypinus és una espècie de rosegador de la família dels cricètids. És endèmic del sud-est dels Estats Units (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Geòrgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississipí, Missouri, Carolina del Nord, Oklahoma, Carolina del Sud, Tennessee, Texas i Virgínia). Es tracta d'un animal arborícola que ocupa una gran varietat d'hàbitats. Es creu que no hi ha cap amenaça significativa per a la supervivència d'aquesta espècie.[1] El seu nom específic, gossypinus, significa 'cotó' en llatí.[2]
Peromyscus gossypinus és una espècie de rosegador de la família dels cricètids. És endèmic del sud-est dels Estats Units (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Geòrgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississipí, Missouri, Carolina del Nord, Oklahoma, Carolina del Sud, Tennessee, Texas i Virgínia). Es tracta d'un animal arborícola que ocupa una gran varietat d'hàbitats. Es creu que no hi ha cap amenaça significativa per a la supervivència d'aquesta espècie. El seu nom específic, gossypinus, significa 'cotó' en llatí.
Die Baumwollmaus (Peromyscus gossypinus) ist ein Nagetier in der Gattung der Weißfußmäuse, das in Nordamerika vorkommt.[1]
Verglichen mit anderen Gattungsmitgliedern ist die Art groß und robust. Auf der Oberseite kommt kastanienbraunes, dunkelbraunes oder graubraunes Fell vor, wobei die zentralen Bereiche des Rückens am intensivsten gefärbt sind. Die weiße Unterseite ist deutlich abgegrenzt. Die Baumwollmaus hat große, abgerundete, graue Ohren. Ihr spärlich behaarter Schwanz ist oberseits bräunlich und unterseits weiß, obwohl die Einteilung bei einigen Exemplaren nicht deutlich ist. Die morphologischen Differenzen zu anderen Weißfußmäusen sind marginal und meist nur vom Fachpersonal erkennbar.[2]
Die Art erreicht eine Kopf-Rumpf-Länge von 71 bis 116 mm, eine Schwanzlänge von 55 bis 97 mm und ein Gewicht von 17 bis 46 g. Die Hinterfüße sind 16 bis 26 mm lang und die Länge der Ohren beträgt 10 bis 21 mm. Die Zahnformel der Baumwollmaus ist I 1/1, C 0/0, P 0/0, M 3/3, was zusammen 16 Zähne ergibt.[3]
Das Verbreitungsgebiet der Baumwollmaus reicht vom Golf von Mexiko bis in den Osten von Texas, nach Südost-Oklahoma, nach Südost-Missouri, bis in den Süden von Illinois und Kentucky sowie nach Südost-Virginia. Die Art ist ein typischer Bewohner des Great Dismal Swamp, der Sumpfgebiete am Chowan River und am südlichen Mississippi River. Neben Feuchtgebieten kann die Baumwollmaus in Laubwäldern, am Rande von intensiv genutzten Ackerflächen, auf extensiv genutzten Feldern, auf Sanddünen mit Buschbewuchs oder in Salz-Savannen angetroffen werden. Am häufigsten tritt die Art in Gebieten auf, die periodische Überschwemmungen aufweisen.[4]
Die Baumwollmaus bewegt sich auf dem Boden und klettert auf Bäumen oder anderen Pflanzen. Sie versteckt sich hinter Baumstümpfen, unter Holzklötzen, hinter loser Baumrinde, unter Moos, in Höhlen oder Felsspalten, in selten genutzten Gebäuden oder in Erdlöchern, die von Schildkröten gegraben wurden. Das Nest für die Aufzucht der Nachkommen liegt meist erhöht, bis zu 6 Meter über dem Boden.[4] Für diese Baue werden Blätter mit verschiedenen Pflanzenfasern verwoben.[2]
Die Individuen sind Allesfresser, wobei zeitweilig bis zu ¾ der Nahrung tierischen Ursprungs sind.[4] Typische pflanzliche Bestandteile der Nahrung sind Nüsse, Pilze, Baumsamen und Eicheln. An Tieren werden Schnecken, Insekten, Spinnen und andere wirbellose Tiere gefressen. Für die Baumwollmaus wurden Reviergrößen zwischen 0,2 und 0,8 Hektar registriert. Sie ist hauptsächlich nachtaktiv.[4] Das Schwimmvermögen der Art ist gut ausgeprägt.[3]
Bei Populationen in Florida und Texas können Weibchen zu allen Jahreszeiten Nachkommen zeugen. Im nördlichen Teil des Verbreitungsgebiets reicht die Paarungszeit von März bis Oktober. Weibchen, die noch den vorherigen Wurf säugen sind durchschnittlich 30 Tage trächtig, während bei anderen Weibchen die Geburt etwa 23 Tage nach der Paarung erfolgt. Bei der Geburt sind die Jungtiere nackt und blind. Pro Wurf kommen bis zu 7 Nachkommen vor, meist 3 bis 5, die drei oder vier Wochen gesäugt werden. Junge Baumwollmäuse sind einen oder zwei Monate nach der Geburt geschlechtsreif. Jede Generation kann mehrere Würfe zeugen. Die meisten Exemplare leben höchstens ein Jahr und die maximale Lebensdauer in der Wildnis liegt bei zwei Jahren.[4] Exemplare in Gefangenschaft konnten ein Alter von 6 Jahren erreichen. Mehrere kleine bis mittelgroße Beutegreifer zählen zu den natürlichen Feinden der Art.[2]
Es gab Vorschläge verschiedene Populationen auf Inseln im Golf von Mexiko als Unterarten zu führen. Genetische Studien konnten die Grenzen zwischen den hypothetischen Unterarten nicht verifizieren.[1]
Im Labor kam es häufig zu Hybriden mit der Eigentlichen Weißfußmaus (Peromyscus leucopus). In der Natur traten Kreuzungen dagegen nur vereinzelt auf.[3]
Eine der vorgeschlagenen Unterarten ist die ausgestorbene Chadwick-Beach-Baumwollmaus.
Die Baumwollmaus hat als Verbreiter von Baumsamen eine wichtige ökologische Bedeutung. In Landwirtschaftsgebieten wird sie dagegen als Schädling betrachtet, wenn sie Getreide, Mais, Baumwollsamen oder Sojabohnen frisst. Dazu besucht sie Kornspeicher und andere Lagergebäude. Die Baumwollmaus wird mit Mausefallen und Giftködern bekämpft.[2]
Für den Bestand der Baumwollmaus liegen keine Bedrohungen vor. Die Populationsdichte liegt meist bei 2 bis 10 Individuen pro Hektar. In seltenen Fällen können bis zu 97 Exemplare pro Hektar auftreten. Die Art wird von der IUCN als nicht gefährdet (Least Concern) gelistet.[4]
Die Baumwollmaus (Peromyscus gossypinus) ist ein Nagetier in der Gattung der Weißfußmäuse, das in Nordamerika vorkommt.
The cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae[2] found in the woodlands of the US South.
Adults are about 180 mm (7.1 in) long, with a tail around 78 mm (3.1 in), and weigh 34-51 g. Its general appearance is very similar to the white-footed mouse, but the cotton mouse is larger in size and has a longer skull and hind feet. They have dark brown bodies and white feet and bellies.[3]
The common name derives from the observed habit of using raw cotton in building nests.[3]
One subspecies, the Chadwick Beach cotton mouse (P. g. restrictus) was last seen in 1938 and is now presumed extinct.[4] Another subspecies, the Key Largo cotton mouse (P. g. allapaticola) is currently on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service list of endangered species.
The cotton mouse occurs in the Southeastern United States in an area roughly bordered by southeastern Virginia, Florida, Texas, and Kentucky. It makes use of a variety of habitats, including hardwood forests, swamps, the margins of cleared fields, edges of salt savanna and dunes, scrub, and rocky bluffs and ledges. They probably prefer terrain that is regularly inundated. Once native to Illinois, it is now considered extirpated from that state.[1]
Cotton mice use underground refuges such as stump holes, tree cavities, root boles, and burrows where they can avoid predators and wild fires. Such underground refuges also provide lower temperature and humidity during the summer season.[5]
Most Peromyscus species show great decrease in population after fire events through emigration, increase in predation, or from direct damage by fire from loss of habitat/protection. However, due to the behavior of using underground refuges, cotton mice are to survive with no significant loss of population from the fire.[5]
Cotton mice are omnivorous, and eat seeds and insects. Breeding may occur throughout the year, and usually occurs in early spring and fall. They may have four litters a year of up to seven young, which are helpless and naked at birth. Cotton mice are weaned at 20–25 days, and become sexually mature around two months. Lifespans are four to five months, with a rare few living to one year. They are preyed upon by owls, snakes, weasels, and bobcats.[3] Cotton mice are also parasitized by Cuterebra fontinella, the mouse botfly.[6]
The golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli) has similar characteristics and shares similar habitat and geographic regions with the cotton mouse. The coexistence of the two being possible when sharing similar habitat was due to their use of the common refuges had different daily and seasonal patterns. The cotton mouse shows broader selection in choosing refuges as they switch from one to the other, which is suggested to be the most significant component for such relationship to be possible.[7]
Due to their small population size and reduced chances of reproduction, evidence for cotton mouse hybridizing with white-footed mouse has been found. Although they are known to be conspecific, hybridization will occur when limited options for reproduction are available. Identification through toe-clip sampling made possible finding hybridization between the cotton mouse and the white-footed mouse on a heterozygous GPI-1 marker.[8]
The cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae found in the woodlands of the US South.
Peromyscus gossypinus Peromyscus generoko animalia da. Karraskarien barruko Neotominae azpifamilia eta Cricetidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Peromyscus gossypinus Peromyscus generoko animalia da. Karraskarien barruko Neotominae azpifamilia eta Cricetidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Peromyscus gossypinus
La Souris de coton[1] (Peromyscus gossypinus) est une espèce de rongeurs de la famille des Cricétidés.
On la trouve dans le sud des États-Unis. Elle vit dans les forêts tempérées, les marais et les hammocks[2].
Peromyscus gossypinus
La Souris de coton (Peromyscus gossypinus) est une espèce de rongeurs de la famille des Cricétidés.
Peromyscus gossypinus is een zoogdier uit de familie van de Cricetidae. De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort werd voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd door Le Conte in 1853.
De soort komt voor in de Verenigde Staten.
Bronnen, noten en/of referentiesPeromyscus gossypinus is een zoogdier uit de familie van de Cricetidae. De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort werd voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd door Le Conte in 1853.
Peromyscus gossypinus é uma espécie de roedor da família Muridae.
Apenas pode ser encontrada nos Estados Unidos da América.
Peromyscus gossypinus é uma espécie de roedor da família Muridae.
Apenas pode ser encontrada nos Estados Unidos da América.
Peromyscus gossypinus[2][3][4][5][6] är en däggdjursart som först beskrevs av LeConte 1853. Peromyscus gossypinus ingår i släktet hjortråttor, och familjen hamsterartade gnagare.[7][8] IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig.[1]
Peromyscus gossypinus når en kroppslängd (huvud och bål) av 71 till 116 mm, en svanslängd av 55 till 97 mm och en vikt av 17 till 46 g. Den har 16 till 26 mm långa bakfötter och 10 till 21 mm långa öron. Arten är ganska lik den vitfotade hjortråttan (Peromyscus leucopus) och där de delar utbredningsområde bildas hybrider. Ovansidans päls bildas av hår som är grå vid roten och brun på spetsen. Dessutom är flera svarta hår inblandade. På undersidan har håren likaså en grå rot och en vitaktig spets. Denna gnagare har i varje käkhalva en framtand, ingen hörntand, inga premolarer och tre molarer.[9]
Arten förekommer i sydöstra USA från Oklahoma och Texas till Virginia och Florida. Den föredrar områden som varje år översvämmas som habitat, bland annat fuktiga lövträdgrupper och träskmarker. Dessutom lever den på övergivna åkrar, i buskskogar, i sanddyner vid havet eller vid kanten av savanner. Peromyscus gossypinus söker ibland skydd i grottor, i håligheter som skapades av sköldpaddor, i ihåliga träd eller i förvaringsbyggnader. När dessa gömställen ligger på en kulle cirka 6 meter över omgivningen används de ofta för ungarnas uppfostring.[1]
Denna hjortråtta är allätare men cirka ¾ delar utgörs av animaliska ämnen. Arten är främst nattaktiv. Fortplantningen sker i norra delen av utbredningsområdet mellan mars och oktober. Hos populationer i de sydligaste delstaterna kan honor para sig hela året med undantag av mycket heta månader. Dräktigheten varar 23 till 30 dagar och sedan föds 1 till 7 ungar, oftast 3 till 5. Ungarna diar sin mor tre till fyra veckor och de blir könsmogna kort efteråt eller två månader efter födelsen. De flesta individer lever upp till ett år och enstaka exemplar kan leva två år.[1]
Arten delas in i följande underarter:[7]
Wikimedia Commons har media som rör Peromyscus gossypinus.
Wikispecies har information om Peromyscus gossypinus.
Peromyscus gossypinus är en däggdjursart som först beskrevs av LeConte 1853. Peromyscus gossypinus ingår i släktet hjortråttor, och familjen hamsterartade gnagare. IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig.
Peromyscus gossypinus når en kroppslängd (huvud och bål) av 71 till 116 mm, en svanslängd av 55 till 97 mm och en vikt av 17 till 46 g. Den har 16 till 26 mm långa bakfötter och 10 till 21 mm långa öron. Arten är ganska lik den vitfotade hjortråttan (Peromyscus leucopus) och där de delar utbredningsområde bildas hybrider. Ovansidans päls bildas av hår som är grå vid roten och brun på spetsen. Dessutom är flera svarta hår inblandade. På undersidan har håren likaså en grå rot och en vitaktig spets. Denna gnagare har i varje käkhalva en framtand, ingen hörntand, inga premolarer och tre molarer.
Arten förekommer i sydöstra USA från Oklahoma och Texas till Virginia och Florida. Den föredrar områden som varje år översvämmas som habitat, bland annat fuktiga lövträdgrupper och träskmarker. Dessutom lever den på övergivna åkrar, i buskskogar, i sanddyner vid havet eller vid kanten av savanner. Peromyscus gossypinus söker ibland skydd i grottor, i håligheter som skapades av sköldpaddor, i ihåliga träd eller i förvaringsbyggnader. När dessa gömställen ligger på en kulle cirka 6 meter över omgivningen används de ofta för ungarnas uppfostring.
Denna hjortråtta är allätare men cirka ¾ delar utgörs av animaliska ämnen. Arten är främst nattaktiv. Fortplantningen sker i norra delen av utbredningsområdet mellan mars och oktober. Hos populationer i de sydligaste delstaterna kan honor para sig hela året med undantag av mycket heta månader. Dräktigheten varar 23 till 30 dagar och sedan föds 1 till 7 ungar, oftast 3 till 5. Ungarna diar sin mor tre till fyra veckor och de blir könsmogna kort efteråt eller två månader efter födelsen. De flesta individer lever upp till ett år och enstaka exemplar kan leva två år.
Peromyscus gossypinus là một loài động vật có vú trong họ Cricetidae, bộ Gặm nhấm. Loài này được Le Conte mô tả năm 1853.[2]
Bài viết liên quan đến họ gặm nhấm Cricetidae này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn. Peromyscus gossypinus là một loài động vật có vú trong họ Cricetidae, bộ Gặm nhấm. Loài này được Le Conte mô tả năm 1853.
목화쥐(Peromyscus gossypinus)는 비단털쥐과에 속하는 설치류의 일종이다. 미국 남동부 삼림에서 발견된다.
다 자란 목화쥐는 꼬리 길이 약 78mm를 포함하여 몸길이가 약 180mm이고 몸무게는 34~51g이다. 일반적으로 겉모습은 흰발쥐와 유사하지만 목화쥐는 크기가 더 크고 두개골과 뒷발이 더 길다. 몸은 짙은 갈색을 띠고, 발과 배는 희다.[2] 일반명은 둥지를 만들 때 목화 솜을 사용하는 관찰된 습관에서 유래했다.[2] 아종 채드윅해변목화쥐(P. g. restrictus)는 1938년 이래 발견되지 않고 있으며, 현재 멸종된 것으로 추정하고 있다.[3]
목화쥐는 버지니아주 남동부와 플로리다 주, 텍사스 주, 켄터키 주를 거칠게 경계로 이루는 미국 남동부 지역에서 발견된다. 활엽수림과 습지, 앞이 트인 개활지 가장자리, 염분이 있는 사바나 지역과 모래 언덕 가장자리, 관목 지대, 바위가 많은 절벽과 암층이 포함되는 다양한 서식지에서 서식한다. 규칙적으로 침수가 되는 지형을 좋아하는 것으로 추정된다.[1]
목화쥐는 나무 그루터기 구멍과 나무 구멍, 뿌리 줄기와 같은 지하 피난처를 사용하며, 포식자들과 들불을 피하기 위해 굴을 판다. 이와같은 지하 피난처는 여름철 동안에 낮은 온도와 습도도 제공한다.[4]
대부분의 사슴쥐속 종은 화재 이후 이주와 포식자의 증가 또는 화재에 의한 직접적인 피해, 서식지와 보호지의 감소 때문에 개체수가 크게 감소하는 것으로 나타난다. 그러나 지하 피난처를 사용하는 습성 때문에 목화쥐는 산불로 인한 영향을 받는 개체수의 큰 감소없이 생존한다.[4]
목화쥐는 잡식성 동물로 씨앗과 곤충을 먹는다. 연중 번식을 할 수 있으며 일반적으로 초봄과 가을에 번식을 한다. 일년에 네 번 최대 7마리의 새끼를 낳고, 태어날 때 새끼는 무기력하고 털이 없다. 목화주는 생후 20~25일에 젖을 떼고, 약 2개월이 지나 성적으로 성국해진다. 수명은 4~5개월이고 드물게 1년까지 산다. 포식자는 올빼미와 뱀, 족제비, 보브캣 등이다.[2]
