Northern pygmy mouse explained

The northern pygmy mouse (Baiomys taylori)^[1] is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is known as ratón-pigmeo norteño in the Spanish-speaking areas of its range. It is found in Mexico and the United States.

Parasites of the northern pygmy mouse include the intestinal nematode Pterygodermatites baiomydis.^[2] The average size of an adult male is approximately, while adult females can weigh up to .^[3]

Reproduction

The pygmy mouse has litters of 1 to 5 pups, with an average of 3. The gestation time for pregnant females is less than 20 days. Unlike many other rodents, father pygmy mice will care for offspring, and groom and huddle over young.

Communication

In captivity, these mice will sometimes produce a 'squeal', and use a posture similar to singing mice.

Notes and References

1. Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. 2005. Superfamily Muroidea. pp. 894–1531 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
2. Lynggaard C, García-Prieto L, Guzmán-Cornejo C & Osorio-Sarabia D (2014): Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) baiomydis n. sp. (Nematoda: Rictulariidae), a parasite of Baiomys taylori (Cricetidae). Parasite, 21, 58.
3. Blair. W. Frank. November 1941. Observations on the Life History of Baiomys Taylori Subater. Journal of Mammalogy. 22. 4. 378–383. 10.2307/1374930. 1374930.