Northern Pocket Gopher
Thomomys talpoides
T. talpoides is highly variable in size and coloration, ranging from small to medium-sized and from light brown to dark brown or blackish. The upper incisors are smooth,…
How to identify
T. talpoides is highly variable in size and coloration, ranging from small to medium-sized and from light brown to dark brown or blackish. The upper incisors are smooth, lacking grooves. Due to its variability, identification often relies on a combination of morphological characteristics, geographic location, and habitat.
Range
T. talpoides has a broad distribution, extending from southern Canada south through the western United States to northern New Mexico and Arizona.
Habitat
T. talpoides occupies a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush steppe, forests, and mountains, wherever suitable soil conditions exist.
Similar species
T. talpoides can be confused with many other Thomomys species due to its wide range and variability. Careful comparison of cranial characteristics and geographic location is crucial 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
talpoides
Latin for mole (talpa) like (-oides)
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Thomomys talpoides ↗
“Thomomys talpoides.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
T. talpoides has a broad distribution, extending from southern Canada south through the western United States to northern New…
Habitat
T. talpoides occupies a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush steppe, forests, and mountains, wherever su…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap