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Mouse (Cactus)

Peromyscus eremicus

Mouse (Cactus)

Range

They are found in Texas.

Habitat

They live in the desert in rocky areas among cliffs.

Body Traits

They can reach 7 inches long (180mm), with their tail making up 4 inches of their length. They are dark colored with long hair and large ears.

Habits

They are great climbers. They go up trees to feed on seeds and climb cliffs to escape prey. They survive very hot temperatures by going into hibernation (aestivation).

Diet

They eat plants, seeds, beans, nuts, and insects. They don’t need to drink water to survive as they get enough moisture in the things they eat, but after a rain they drink!

Predators

They are eaten by hawks, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and weasels.

Reproduction

Females are pregnant for 3 weeks (gestation) and have 1-4 young. They may have up to 3 litters per year.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They can live up to 3 years, but most do not. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.
Mouse (Cactus)

Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Rodentia
  • Suborder: Myomorpha
  • Family: Cricetidae
  • Subfamily: Neotominae
  • Genus: Peromyscus
  • Species: Peromyscus eremicus

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