Family: Muridae, Mice and Rats view all from this family
Description A stocky mouse. Grayish to pinkish cinnamon above; white below. Very short, thick, bicolored tail with white tip. Ears brown, with conspicuous white tufts at base in front. L average 5 1/2" (13" mm); T 1 7/8" (48 mm); HF 3/4" (20 mm).
Similar Species Very similar Southern Grasshopper Mouse, best distinguished genetically, is slightly larger, with drab brown back fur, less conspicuous ear tufts, and a larger white tip on tail. Northern Grasshopper Mouse has shorter tail on average.
Habitat Low deserts with creosote bush, yucca and mesquite.
Range Southeastern Arizona east to sc New Mexico, extreme w Texas, and south into Mexico.
Discussion Mearns' Grasshopper Mouse is closely related to the Northern and Southern grasshopper mice and exhibits physical characteristics intermediate between the two. It is currently recognized by some mammalogists as a separate species because it apparently remains distinct where it occurs together with them. Its habits and behaviors are also similar to those of the Northern and Southern grasshopper mice.
