Lesser Wilfred's mouse
Species of rodent From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The lesser Wilfred's mouse (Juliomys pictipes) is a species of South American rodents of the family Cricetidae.[2] It was first described by Wilfred H. Osgood under the name Thomasomys pictipes, then into the genus Wilfredomys,[3] and now known as Juliomys pictipes.[4] The lesser Wilfred's mouse is endemic to northeastern Argentina, southeastern Brazil [1] and eastern Paraguay.[5] Its physical appearance ranges from dark brown to light orange coloration and the typical size is small to medium.[4] This species is arboreal, spending most of its time trees and living in the local forests at altitudes from sea level to 2,000 m (6,560 ft).[1] Currently, this species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but, threats include livestock farming, ranching, and wood harvesting.[1]
| Lesser Wilfred's mouse | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Cricetidae |
| Subfamily: | Sigmodontinae |
| Genus: | Juliomys |
| Species: | J. pictipes |
| Binomial name | |
| Juliomys pictipes Osgood, 1933 | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Thomasomys pictipes | |
Taxonomy
Juliomys pictipes was first discovered by Osgood in 1933.[6] It was originally named Thomasomys pictipes.[7][4] For several decades, the placement of this species was uncertain and fairly recently changed to Juliomys pictipes to fit under the subfamily of Sigmodontinae rodents.[2] Currently, there are four living species under the genus of Juliomys. The taxon identifier is 89132.[3]
Description
This animal is considered to be small to medium sized Sigmodontinae rodents.[2] They are dark-brown to light-orange brown.[1] Other characteristics include having long soft fur with a brownish ochraceous dorsum.[8] This small-bodied animal is a pentalophodont with a tail longer than its head and body.[9] Juliomys pictipes have short, broad feet with 6 plantar pads.[4] In addition, the skull has identifying features including having a short rostrum and rounded braincase.[2] Another diagnostic characteristic is the presence of an open slit in the suture between the frontal bones. Lastly, its karyotype has 2n = 36, FN = 34.[8]
Distribution and habitat
It is found in northeastern Argentina and southeastern Brazil and limited to the tropical and subtropical moist forests of those countries.[9] The type locality was first discovered in Misiones, Argentina and occurs in the Atlantic forest.[9]
Ecology
The species is arboreal.[1] A baby of this species is often called a pinkie, kitten or pup.[1] The females are called doe and males are called buck.[10] Groups of this species are called a nest, colony, harvest, horde or mischief.[10]
Status
The Lesser wilfred's mouse is listed as Least Concern.[1] But, threats that increase mortality or decrease quality of life include livestock farming, ranching, and wood harvesting.[1]
References
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