Camas Pocket Gopher
Thomomys bulbivorus
T. bulbivorus is characterized by its medium size and dark brown to blackish coloration. The upper incisors are smooth, lacking grooves. Cranial characteristics, particul…
How to identify
T. bulbivorus is characterized by its medium size and dark brown to blackish coloration. The upper incisors are smooth, lacking grooves. Cranial characteristics, particularly the shape of the incisors and the size of the auditory bullae, are important for distinguishing this species.
Range
T. bulbivorus is restricted to the Willamette Valley in western Oregon.
Habitat
T. bulbivorus prefers deep, well-drained soils in grasslands and oak savannas of the Willamette Valley. It is often found in areas with camas lilies, a favored food source.
Similar species
T. bulbivorus has a limited range and is not likely to be confused with many other species in the field.
Name and etymology
Genus
Thomomys
Greek for mound (thomos) mouse (mys)
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
bulbivorus
Latin for bulb (bulbus) eater (-vorus)
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Thomomys bulbivorus ↗
“Thomomys bulbivorus.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camas_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
More illustrations
Red coloration
Dark coloration
At a glance
Range
T. bulbivorus is restricted to the Willamette Valley in western Oregon.
Habitat
T. bulbivorus prefers deep, well-drained soils in grasslands and oak savannas of the Willamette Valley. It is often found in…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap