Long considered as the same species as the Desert Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus penicillatus), this rodent has been recognized as a separate species closely associated with the Chihuahuan Desert (Lee et al. 1996). The Desert Pocket Mouse, on the other hand, is a Sonoran Desert form, although reaching into the extreme southwestern portion of New Mexico. The separation of the two species is on molecular data, and there is little of no overall difference in the appearance of the two species.
A wealth of information concerning this mouse is on the New Mexico Game and Fish BISON site.
Lee Jr., T. E., B. R. Riddle, and P. L. Lee. 1996. Speciation in the desert pocket mouse (Chaetodipus penicillatus Woodhouse). Journal of Mammalogy 77:58–68.
Last Update: 19 Jul 2009