Meadow Jumping Mouse

Zapus hudsonius

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Z. hudsonius is characterized by its smaller size compared to Z. princeps and Z. trinotatus, a dark dorsal stripe, and yellowish-brown or ochraceous sides. The tail is ve…

Meadow Jumping Mouse illustration

How to identify

Z. hudsonius is characterized by its smaller size compared to Z. princeps and Z. trinotatus, a dark dorsal stripe, and yellowish-brown or ochraceous sides. The tail is very long. The upper incisors are grooved. Total length ranges from 180-240 mm.

Range

Z. hudsonius is found across much of eastern Canada and the United States, from Newfoundland and Labrador west to the Great Plains and south to the Carolinas and northern Georgia.

Habitat

Z. hudsonius prefers moist meadows, grasslands, and forest edges, often near streams or other water sources.

Similar species

Z. hudsonius can be confused with Z. princeps in areas of range overlap. However, Z. hudsonius is generally smaller and has less vibrant coloration.

Name and etymology

hudsonius: Referencing Hudson Bay

At a glance

Range

Z. hudsonius is found across much of eastern Canada and the United States, from Newfoundland and Labrador west to the Great P…

Habitat

Z. hudsonius prefers moist meadows, grasslands, and forest edges, often near streams or other water sources.

Guide

Mammals of North America

Range map

Range map for Meadow Jumping Mouse

Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

Sources & further reading