Reithrodontomys humulis

Abstract

- Range only overlaps with R. fulvescens. Is smaller.- total length 107-128, tail 45-60, hind foot 15-17,ear 8-9, weight average 8.2g- Found in south-eastern USA. Lack of trapping records.- reproductive peaks in spring and autumn, reduced effort in summer.- gestation period = 21 days.- possible trap avoidance by juveniles.- habitat = old fields, roadside ditches, thickets, meadows. Commonly found in areas with dense vegetation at or near the ground.- natural diet not well known - seeds, small green veg, orthopterous insects.- females become difficult to trap during pregnancy.- increased trapability in winter = high popn estimates.- not territorial.- nest is made of finely shredded grasses, globular in shape. In clumps of grass or on ground.- trapping is difficult. Best techniques exclude larger species and a re tripped by animals in this weight range, eg Fitch (1950) design. Pitfall traps are up to 5x more productive than live traps.