Scotinomys Explained

Scotinomys is a genus of rodent, the singing mice, in the family Cricetidae. Together with Baiomys, it forms the tribe Baiomyini.It contains the following species:

• Alston's brown mouse (Scotinomys teguina)
• Chiriqui brown mouse (Scotinomys xerampelinus)

They are found in mountainous areas in Central America, at altitudes of 1000 m to at least 3500 m.^[1] As their common name indicates, they are notable for their acoustic communication. They are insectivorous. The two species show substantial divergence in behaviour and reproduction,^[2] with S. xerampelinus generally dominant over S. teguina where the species occur together.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Hooper, E. T. (1972). A synopsis of the rodent genus Scotinomys. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, 665, 1-13.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027
2. Hooper, E. T., & Carleton, M. D. (1976). Reproduction, growth and development in two contiguously allopatric rodent species, genus Scotinomys. Miscellaneous Publications of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, 151, 1-52. https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/56395
3. Pasch. B.. Bolker. B. M.. Phelps. S. M.. Interspecific Dominance Via Vocal Interactions Mediates Altitudinal Zonation in Neotropical Singing Mice. The American Naturalist. 182. 5. 2013-09-09. E161–E173. 10.1086/673263. 24107377. 2152/31196. free.