Alpine Chipmunk
Neotamias alpinus
This is a small chipmunk with a grayish dorsal coloration and relatively indistinct dark and light stripes. The underside is whitish.
How to identify
This is a small chipmunk with a grayish dorsal coloration and relatively indistinct dark and light stripes. The underside is whitish.
Range
N. alpinus is found in the high-elevation areas of the Sierra Nevada in California.
Habitat
It inhabits alpine and subalpine areas, including rocky slopes, meadows, and sparse coniferous forests.
Similar species
N. alpinus is most similar to Neotamias speciosus, but has a shorter tail and less distinct striping.
Name and etymology
Genus
Neotamias
Greek for new (neo) storekeeper (tamias)
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
alpinus
Latin for alpine
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Neotamias alpinus ↗
“Neotamias alpinus.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_chipmunk
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
N. alpinus is found in the high-elevation areas of the Sierra Nevada in California.
Habitat
It inhabits alpine and subalpine areas, including rocky slopes, meadows, and sparse coniferous forests.
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap