Mountain Pocket Gopher
Thomomys monticola
T. monticola is characterized by its medium size and dark coloration, typically dark brown to blackish. The upper incisors are smooth, lacking grooves. Cranial characteri…
How to identify
T. monticola is characterized by its medium size and dark coloration, typically dark brown to blackish. 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. monticola is found in the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges of California and Nevada.
Habitat
T. monticola prefers well-drained soils in subalpine meadows, forests, and other high-elevation habitats in the mountains.
Similar species
T. monticola can be confused with other dark-colored Thomomys species in areas where their ranges may overlap. Careful comparison of cranial characteristics is important for accurate identification.
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
monticola
Latin for mountain (mons) dweller (cola
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Thomomys monticola ↗
“Thomomys monticola.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
T. monticola is found in the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges of California and Nevada.
Habitat
T. monticola prefers well-drained soils in subalpine meadows, forests, and other high-elevation habitats in the mountains.
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap