Subspeciation in the Meadow Mouse, Microtus pennsylvanicus, in Wyoming, Colorado, and Adjacent AreasAnderson, Sydney
Science
Subspeciation in the Meadow Mouse, Microtus pennsylvanicus, in Wyoming, Colorado, and Adjacent Areas
Anderson, Sydney
Mice
.60), narrower first upper molariform tooth (C. L. .75), and
shorter distance between the alveoli of the first upper molars (C.
L. .88).
_Remarks._--The species, _Microtus pennsylvanicus_, in Pleistocene time
ranged onto the plains of Kansas as far southward as Meade County,
Kansas (Hibbard, 1940:421). This occurrence indicates a cooler more
humid climate then than now in southwestern Kansas. _M. p. finitus_ is
more closely associated with water than _Microtus ochrogaster_, the
only other species of _Microtus_ now occupying the same region,
although both species have been captured at certain places in the same
runways. In Nebraska, a marginal part of the range of the species, _M.
pennsylvanicus_ has been taken at scattered localities. This scattered
and localized distribution of suitable habitat undoubtedly limits
gene-flow between these relict populations. Presumably as a result of
this isolation _finitus_ has accumulated and maintained its distinctive
characteristics. The subspecies is so named because of its limited
range. The average weight of eight specimens (4 males and 4
non-pregnant females) from Dundy County is 57.2 grams.
_Specimens examined._--Total 26. _Colorado_: YUMA CO.: Wray, 3
(USBS); _1 mi. W Laird_, 2. _Nebraska_: DUNDY CO.: 5 mi. N, 2 mi. W
Parks (Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery), 19; Haigler, 2 (USBS).
Microtus pennsylvanicus pullatus new subspecies
_Type._--Adult male, skin and skull, number 37873, University of
Kansas, Museum of Natural History, obtained by Rollin H. Baker,
original number 1343, 12 miles north and 2 miles east of Sage, 6100
ft., in Lincoln County, Wyoming, on July 19, 1950.
_Range._--North-central Utah, eastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and
southwestern Montana. See Figures 1 and 2.
_Diagnosis._--Size average; color dark, especially in southern part
of range; tail relatively long; molar teeth small; nasals
relatively broad; maxillary septum relatively small.
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