Cactus Deermouse
(Peromyscus eremicus)




Distribution map



Whole brain photographs
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• Rotating brain cast



Coronal section through middle of brain
• Movie Atlas
• Picture Atlas

Physical characteristics and distribution

Head and body length of Peromyscus species range from 70-170 mm and tail lengths are 40-205 mm. There are 2 subgenera and 55 species.

P. eremicus has soft dense fur and large ears which are covered with fine hairs. The tail is about one third the length of the total length of this mouse, and is also covered with fine hairs. Females have four or six mammae.

The preferred habitat is deep woodlands and brushy areas. Several nest are built each year and are line with soft down from plants or other materials which are shredded. Once a nest is soiled it is abandoned and another is constructed.

P. eremicus breeds throughout the year. Estrous cycles last an average of 7 days, gestation periods range from 21-27 days for non-lactating females and as much as 40 days for lactating females. Overall weights for newborn Peromyscus is 2.2 grams and the eyes open at about 2 weeks of age. Mean litter size for the species is 3.4 young. Most are weaned at 3-4 weeks old and stay with their mother for another month.

P. eremicus is found in
bottomland hardwood forests and swamps in SE California, S Nevada, and SW Utah east to Trans-Pecos Texas (USA); south along mainland coast to C Sinaloa, and on the Mexican Plateau to N Zacatecas and S San Luis Potosi, Mexico.


Description of the brain


Animal source and preparation
All specimens collected followed the same preparation and histological procedure.

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