8 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2017
A Mammal
Brief
By Lindsay Rogers
Easily confused with
other harvest mice, the
plains harvest mouse
(Reithrodontomys
montanus) is distinguished
by its small size (2-6 inches)
and a dark stripe down its back.
An additional identifying
characteristic is its short tail,
which is shorter than the head
and body combined in length. The Latin
name "Reithrodontomys" means "groove-
toothed mouse" in reference to the single groove
that runs down the back of each upper incisor.
Like the western harvest mouse, it is found throughout Nebraska, but the plains harvest mouse is more
limited in habitat and is generally found in grassland areas with highest densities in shortgrass prairies. Their
nest is built of grasses and is often elevated in the stems of grasses or shrubs. Plains harvest mice eat a variety
of foods including seeds, nuts, fruits and insects. They are known to store food in underground caches for use
in extreme winter weather. Like all rodent species, the plains harvest mouse serves as a food source for raptors,
snakes, owls and carnivorous mammals.
■
PHOTO
BY
KEITH
GELUSO
Lindsay Rogers is an outdoor education specialist
with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
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