Townsend's Pocket Gopher
Thomomys townsendii
T. townsendii is one of the larger Thomomys species. Its coloration is generally dark brown to blackish. The upper incisors are smooth, lacking grooves. Cranial character…
How to identify
T. townsendii is one of the larger Thomomys species. Its coloration is generally dark brown to blackish. The upper incisors are smooth, lacking grooves. Cranial characteristics, particularly the shape and size of the skull and teeth, are essential for distinguishing this species. Total length can range from 220-290 mm.
Range
T. townsendii is found in parts of eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, and northern Nevada.
Habitat
T. townsendii prefers deep, well-drained soils in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and agricultural areas. It is often found in irrigated fields and pastures.
Similar species
T. townsendii can be confused with other large 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
townsendii
Honoring naturalist and ornithologist John Kirk Townsend
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Thomomys townsendii ↗
“Thomomys townsendii.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Townsend's_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
T. townsendii is found in parts of eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, and northern Nevada.
Habitat
T. townsendii prefers deep, well-drained soils in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and agricult…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap