Central Texas Pocket Gopher
Geomys texensis
G. texensis is characterized by its medium size and dark brown to blackish coloration. The upper incisors have two distinct grooves. Skull morphology, especially the shap…
How to identify
G. texensis is characterized by its medium size and dark brown to blackish coloration. The upper incisors have two distinct grooves. Skull morphology, especially the shape of the incisors and the size of the auditory bullae, is important for definitive identification. Total length can range from 200-280 mm.
Range
G. texensis is restricted to a relatively small area of central Texas, primarily within the Edwards Plateau region.
Habitat
G. texensis inhabits a variety of habitats in central Texas, including grasslands, oak woodlands, and juniper savannas, typically with well-drained soils suitable for burrowing.
Similar species
G. texensis has a limited range and is not likely to be confused with many other species in the field. However, careful comparison of cranial characteristics is important if there is any doubt.
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
texensis
Latin for Texas
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Geomys texensis ↗
“Geomys texensis.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Texas_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
G. texensis is restricted to a relatively small area of central Texas, primarily within the Edwards Plateau region.
Habitat
G. texensis inhabits a variety of habitats in central Texas, including grasslands, oak woodlands, and juniper savannas, typic…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap