Attwater's Pocket Gopher
Geomys attwateri
G. attwateri can be identified by its medium size compared to other pocket gophers, its reddish-brown to grayish-brown fur, and the presence of two distinct grooves on ea…
How to identify
G. attwateri can be identified by its medium size compared to other pocket gophers, its reddish-brown to grayish-brown fur, and the presence of two distinct grooves on each upper incisor, a characteristic of the Geomys genus. Identification to the species level often requires careful examination of skull characteristics and/or genetic analysis, as external features can be variable.
Range
G. attwateri is found in a relatively restricted range within southeastern Texas, primarily in the coastal prairies and Post Oak Savannah regions. Its distribution is influenced by soil type, as it prefers deep, sandy loam soils that are conducive to burrowing.
Habitat
G. attwateri inhabits coastal prairies, grasslands, and Post Oak Savannah habitats characterized by deep, well-drained sandy loam soils. These soil types are crucial for their burrowing lifestyle, allowing them to construct extensive tunnel systems for foraging, nesting, and protection from predators.
Similar species
G. attwateri can potentially be confused with other Geomys species that may occur in overlapping or adjacent areas, although there is limited overlap. Differentiation requires close examination of skull morphology, karyotype (chromosome characteristics), and/or genetic analysis.
Name and etymology
Genus
Geomys
Greek for earth (geo) mouse (mus)
Origin
Sources
- Palmer, Index Generum Mammalium (1904) ↗
Palmer, T. S. 1904. Index Generum Mammalium: a list of the genera and families of mammals. North American Fauna 23. Government Printing Office, Washington. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.39809
Species epithet
attwateri
Honoring naturalist Henry Philemon Attwater
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Geomys attwateri ↗
“Geomys attwateri.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attwater's_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
G. attwateri is found in a relatively restricted range within southeastern Texas, primarily in the coastal prairies and Post…
Habitat
G. attwateri inhabits coastal prairies, grasslands, and Post Oak Savannah habitats characterized by deep, well-drained sandy…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap