Microdipodops
| Genus Microdipodops | |
|---|---|
| Range | |
 | |
| Taxonomic classification | |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Suborder: | Supramyomorpha |
| Infraorder: | Castorimorphi |
| Superfamily: | Geomyoidea |
| Family: | Heteromyidae |
| Subfamily: | Dipodomyinae |
Kangaroo mice (genus: Microdipodops) have large heads, enlarged hind feet and hind legs, and thick tails that lack a crest or tuft. There are currently six recognized species and all species are endemic to the Great Basin Desert of western North America. Genetic (karyology and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequencing) and phenetic (cranial morphometrics and pelage colorimetry) analyses by Hafner et al. (2025) supports the recognition of 6 species and 2 subgenera. From Hafner et al. (2025): "The intertwined distributions of these Kangaroo Mouse species across the Great Basin Desert raise key questions about ecological partitioning for ensuing generations of desert naturalists to pursue."
-
A Kangaroo Mouse observed in Nevada by Corey Lange. Notice the large head, enlarged hind feet, and thick tail that lacks a crest or tuft. -
Skull of a Kangaroo Mouse. Members of the genus Microdipodops have auditory bullae that are inflated so much so as to completely obscure the interparietal. White arrows point to the auditory bullae; yellow arrow points toward the interparietal bone.
Species
-
Bonneville Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops albiventer) -
Oregon Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops californicus) -
Owyhee Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops megacephalus) -
Nevada Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops polionotus) -
Lahontan Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) -
Kawich Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops ruficollaris)
Range maps
-
Bonneville Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops albiventer) -
Oregon Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops californicus) -
Owyhee Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops megacephalus) -
Nevada Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops polionotus) -
Lahontan Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) -
Kawich Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops ruficollaris)
Available taxon pages
The following subgenera are available on WhiskerWiki for this genus:
- Subgenus: Microdipodops
- Subgenus: Psammophilomys
Species ranges prior to Hafner et al. (2025)
-
Distribution of Microdipodops megacephalus based on Hafner & Upham (2011). -
Distribution of Microdipodops pallidus based on Hafner et al. (2008).
References
Hafner JC, Upham NS. 2011. Phylogeography of the dark kangaroo mouse, Microdipodops megacephalus: cryptic lineages and dispersal routes in North America’s Great Basin. Journal of Biogeography 38(6):1077-1097.
Hafner, JC, Upham NS, Gowen-Huang F, Light JE. 2025. Cryptic species and taxonomic revision of kangaroo mice, the rodent genus Microdipodops. Journal of Mammalogy 106(6): 1342-1371. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf070
Hafner JC, Upham NS, Reddington E, Torres CW. 2008. Phylogeography of the pallid kangaroo mouse, Microdipodops pallidus: a sand‐obligate endemic of the Great Basin, western North America. Journal of Biogeography 35(11):2102-2118.