Dusky-Footed Woodrat
Encyclopedia
The Dusky-footed Woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes) is a species of nocturnal rodent
in the family Cricetidae
. They are commonly called "packrats" or "trade rats" and build large, domed dens that can reach several feet in height. Coyotes and other predators will attempt to prey on these rodents by laying waste to the dens, but the sheer volume of material is usually dissuasive. Occasionally, Dusky-footed Woodrats will build satellite dens in trees. Although these animals are religiously solitary, except in the mating season (when they are most vulnerable to predation), dens are frequently found in clusters of up to several dozen, forming rough "communities". The mating system in this species appears to be variable, with promiscuity most general at high population densities and monogamy at lower densities
They are similar in appearance to the common rat species Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus, but with larger ears and eyes, a softer coat and a furred tail. The California Mouse, Peromyscus californicus, which has similar distribution, is sometimes found living in Woodrat dens. Dens contain a nest and up to several "pantry" chambers which are used to store leaves and nuts for future consumption.
Dusky footed woodrats of California have been found to selectively place California bay leaves (Umbellularia
) around the edges of their nest within their stickhouse to control levels of ectoparasites such as fleas. The leaves contain volatile organic compounds which are toxic to flea larvae. Among the terpenes most toxic to flea larvae in the bay leaves are umbellelone, cineole, and cymene. It is believed that the wood rats evolved this behavioral adaptation to cope with the environmental stresses posed by ectoparasites.
The species is found in Mexico
and the United States
.
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
in the family Cricetidae
Cricetidae
The Cricetidae are a family of rodents in the large and complex superfamily Muroidea. It includes true hamsters, voles, lemmings, and New World rats and mice...
. They are commonly called "packrats" or "trade rats" and build large, domed dens that can reach several feet in height. Coyotes and other predators will attempt to prey on these rodents by laying waste to the dens, but the sheer volume of material is usually dissuasive. Occasionally, Dusky-footed Woodrats will build satellite dens in trees. Although these animals are religiously solitary, except in the mating season (when they are most vulnerable to predation), dens are frequently found in clusters of up to several dozen, forming rough "communities". The mating system in this species appears to be variable, with promiscuity most general at high population densities and monogamy at lower densities
They are similar in appearance to the common rat species Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus, but with larger ears and eyes, a softer coat and a furred tail. The California Mouse, Peromyscus californicus, which has similar distribution, is sometimes found living in Woodrat dens. Dens contain a nest and up to several "pantry" chambers which are used to store leaves and nuts for future consumption.
Dusky footed woodrats of California have been found to selectively place California bay leaves (Umbellularia
Umbellularia
Umbellularia californica is a large tree native to coastal forests of California and slightly extended into Oregon.It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia....
) around the edges of their nest within their stickhouse to control levels of ectoparasites such as fleas. The leaves contain volatile organic compounds which are toxic to flea larvae. Among the terpenes most toxic to flea larvae in the bay leaves are umbellelone, cineole, and cymene. It is believed that the wood rats evolved this behavioral adaptation to cope with the environmental stresses posed by ectoparasites.
The species is found in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.