Kansas Mammal Atlas
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KANSAS MAMMALS
Artiodactyla - Even-toed Ungulates
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TEXAS MOUSE
Peromyscus attwateri
J. A. Allen, 1895
pair-O-mis-cus at-water-I
Kansas Species in Need of Conservation (SINC)
An adult Texas Mouse.
Description:
This is the largest member of the genus
Peromyscus
in Kansas, and can be distinguished from other members of its family by: 1) long tail, distinctly bicolored, brownish above, brownish white below and slightly tufted at the end, and exceeding the length of its head and body, 2) buffy cinnamon upperparts mixed with dusky guard hairs, 3) grayish head with ochraceous buff on the lower side of the face, 4) creamy-white underparts, and 5) white feet.
Distribution:
The Texas Mouse is found only in the extreme southeastern part of the state along dry brushy slopes with oaks and junipers, often associated with high cliffs.
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Museum Voucher) (
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Observation) (
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Literature Record)
Open icons are questionable records; Click on a marker to view details.
Occurrence Summary:
165
Total Records
165
Museum Vouchers
0
Other Observations
Some county occurrences indicated below may be too imprecise to map above.
County Breakdown: County Name (# occurrences):
Chautauqua (103); Cherokee (39); Cowley (23);
Natural History:
The Texas mouse is nocturnal and active all year. This mouse finds concealment in crevices and cavities adjacent to trees among cliffs, and locates its nests of dry plants and grasses there. It is well-adapted for climbing rugged rock surfaces, on which it moves deliberately and cautiously, using its tail for balance. The bases of cliffs and rock ledges are also important avenues of travel.
Adults may attain the following dimensions: total length 100-198 mm; tail 83-104 mm; hind foot 23-25 mm; ear 18-20 mm; weight 25-37 grams.
Acorns are one of the principal foods of the Texas mouse, although other nuts, seeds, fruits and insects are important seasonally. As is true with the other species of
Peromyscus
, food is stored.
Little is known about the reproductive activity of this mammal. Breeding peaks of the Texas mouse occur in spring and fall, with a summer lull. In some years there is limited winter breeding. Two to six (usually three or four) young are born per litter. Development and attainment of sexual maturity are probably similar to that of other members of the genus.
Occurrence Activity:
Remarks:
Hawks, owls, small carnivores and snakes may prey on the Texas mouse. Longevity of this small mammal is usually less than one year, but maximum length of life is about two years in the wild.
Bibliography:
Account Last Updated:
7/13/2017 10:14:28 AM