Plains Pocket Gopher
Geomys bursarius
G. bursarius is highly variable in color, ranging from light brown to dark brown or nearly black. The upper incisors have two distinct grooves. Skull morphology, particul…
How to identify
G. bursarius is highly variable in color, ranging from light brown to dark brown or nearly black. The upper incisors have two distinct grooves. Skull morphology, particularly the shape of the incisors and the size of the auditory bullae, is important for distinguishing this species. Total length can range from 200-300 mm.
Range
G. bursarius has a wide range, extending from southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada south through the Great Plains of the United States to Texas and Louisiana, and east to Illinois, Indiana and parts of Ohio.
Habitat
G. bursarius occupies a wide variety of habitats, including prairies, grasslands, pastures, and agricultural fields, typically with well-drained soils suitable for burrowing.
Similar species
Due to its broad range, G. bursarius can be confused with several other Geomys species. Careful examination of cranial characteristics, particularly the shape of the incisors and auditory bullae, is crucial for accurate identification. Geographic location can also be helpful.
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
bursarius
Latin for pouch (bursa) having (-arius)
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Geomys bursarius ↗
“Geomys bursarius.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plains_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
G. bursarius has a wide range, extending from southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada south through the Great Plains of…
Habitat
G. bursarius occupies a wide variety of habitats, including prairies, grasslands, pastures, and agricultural fields, typicall…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap