White-sided Jackrabbit
Lepus callotis
L. callotis is a medium-sized jackrabbit with grayish-brown fur. The key identifying feature is the distinct white sides and rump, which contrast sharply with the darker…
How to identify
L. callotis is a medium-sized jackrabbit with grayish-brown fur. The key identifying feature is the distinct white sides and rump, which contrast sharply with the darker dorsal coloration. The ears are long, and the tail is white with a black dorsal stripe.
Range
L. callotis is found in parts of the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico.
Habitat
L. callotis inhabits grasslands, open woodlands, and semi-desert areas. They prefer areas with moderate vegetation cover and open spaces for running.
Similar species
L. californicus (Black-tailed Jackrabbit) overlaps in parts of its range. L. callotis is distinguished by its prominent white sides and rump. L. californicus has a black dorsal stripe extending onto the tail.
Name and etymology
Genus
Lepus
Latin for hare
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
callotis
Greek for beautiful (kallos) ear (otis)
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Lepus callotis ↗
“Lepus callotis.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-sided_jackrabbit
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
L. callotis is found in parts of the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico.
Habitat
L. callotis inhabits grasslands, open woodlands, and semi-desert areas. They prefer areas with moderate vegetation cover and…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap