FIELD BOOK OF MAMMALS 



Cotton Rat. — Sigmodon hispidus 



and related forms 



General Description. — A medium-sized Rat with long, 

 rather rough, harsh pelage; form robust; ears nearly hidden in 



Fig. 8o. Cotton Rat 



the fur; tail slightly less than equal to length of head and 

 body, slender, scaly, thinly haired; diurnal and nocturnal. 



Color. — Sexes colored alike, no very marked seasonal 

 variation. 



Upperparts uniform rich, warm brown, slightly darkened by 

 the blackish underfur showing through; tail dusky above, 

 slightly lighter below; feet dull brown; underparts whitish 

 to grayish white or buffy. Plate XXXIII. 



Measurements. — Sexes of equal size. Total length, 10.2 

 inches; tail vertebrae, 4.2 inches; hind foot, 1.3 inches. 



Geographical Distribution. — Southern North America. 



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