San Diego Pocket Mouse

About the San Diego Pocket Mouse

The San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax) is a rodent species in the family Heteromyidae. It occupies the northern region of Baja California near San Diego extending into Mexico. The San Diego pocket mouse occupies the northern region of Baja California near San Diego extending into Mexico. This moderately sized mouse is characterized by dark brown fur covering the top of its body with white fur on its underside. Its length ranges from 170 to 200 mm and its weight is approximately 17–22 g. The San Diego pocket mouse is a homoeothermic endotherm with both hypsodont and lophodont teeth. Similar species include C. californicus, which shares the same habitat.

The San Diego pocket mouse is often a solitary animal, which makes it difficult to study its reproductive history. Many individuals mate in the spring, but others have been known to mate throughout the year. Reproduction occurs 1–3 times a year. There is significant evidence that correlates reproductive events with rainfall. An average litter is composed of 2–6 individuals with an average gestation period of 24–26 days. Females serve as the primary caregivers for their offspring, nursing... Wikipedia →