AnimaliaIUCN LCApproved Recent Sighting
Reithrodontomys mexicanus
Mexican Harvest Mouse
de Saussure, 1860
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small rodent with soft brown to reddish dorsal fur, a notably long and thin tail, and prominent ears.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)
Ratón espigador mexicanoRatón de los granos
Taxonomy
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderRodentia
FamilyCricetidae
GenusReithrodontomys
Taxonomic Authorityde Saussure, 1860
Ecology & Status
Origin
Native
Population Trend
Stable
Breeding Season
--
Trophic Role
Omnivore
Recent Sightings
Yes
Habitat Summary Multi-lang
Cloud forests, pine-oak forests, and dense vegetation zones in tropical mountainous areas.Behaviour Multi-lang
Omnivore: feeds mainly on seeds, grains, insects, and some small fruits.Social Activity Multi-lang
Mainly solitary and nocturnal or crepuscular in activity.Feeding Guild Multi-lang
Arboreal and semi-arboreal, very agile in the middle stratum of the forest.Trophic Chain Details Multi-lang
Controller of insect populations and seed disperser in the understory.Reproductive Behaviour Multi-lang
Seasonal reproduction with peaks associated with food availability.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.0 - 10.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 30 g
Offspring per cycle2 - 5
Sexual DimorphismNo
Lifespan
Sexual Maturity
0.2 - 0.4 Years
Gestation / Incubation
25 - 30
Lifespan Estimated
Males1 - 2 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Evolutionary Adaptations Multi-lang
Possesses prehensile tails adapted for climbing and moving agilely between shrubby and tall herbaceous vegetation.
Main Threats Multi-lang
Degradation of the cloud forest, expansion of the agricultural frontier, and habitat loss due to urban development.
Interesting Facts Multi-lang
Unlike many other mice, they usually build complex spherical nests suspended in the vegetation.