MEADOW MOUSE 



Poxes, Wildcats, Skunks, and all the other carnivorous 

 mammals. 



Species and Subspecies of the Genus Microtus. 



This genus embraces so many forms that it becomes no easy 

 task to differentiate between the various species and sub- 

 species. In many cases, distinctions are based upon cranial 

 characters, and these, as well as superficial characters, may 

 be of a nature impossible to detect without an abundance of 

 specimens. For this reason it is easiest, when attempting to 

 identify one of these Mice, to employ a geographical method 

 of approach. From the known ranges of Meadow Mice one 

 can narrow down the possibilities to a comparatively few 

 forms and at once rule out all the rest of the genus. The 

 several varities of Meadow Mice living in any given locality 

 generally belong to distinct major groups of species or to 

 different subgenera which are not so troublesome to dis- 

 tinguish, one from the other. 



Subgenus Microtus 



Characterized by six plantar tubercles ; lateral glands ■ in 

 skin over hips (adult males); ears generally projecting beyond 

 fur; mammae normally 8 in number, 4 inguinal, 4 pectoral; 

 and by various dental characters, 



Pennsylvanicus Group 



Ord Meadow Mouse; Eastern Meadow Mouse ; Pennsylvania 

 Meadow Mouse. — Microtus pennsylvanicus pennsyl- 

 vanicus (Ord.) Plate XXX. 

 As described above. Found in "Eastern United States and 

 westward as far as Dakota and Nebraska, shading into 

 modestus of the western plains and Rocky Mountains. In 

 a general way it occupies the Transition Zone from the 

 Atlantic coast to the edge of the Great Plains." (Bailey) 

 Albermarle Meadow Mouse. — Microtus pennsylvanicus ni- 

 grans Rhoads. 

 Larger and darker than typical pennsylvanicus. Upper- 

 parts (summer) dull bister mixed with black; feet blackish; 

 tail black above, sooty below; underparts ashy, sometimes 

 with cinnamon wash. Winter pelage darker than summer, 

 almost black on back. Total length, 7 inches; tail verte- 

 brae, 2 inches; hind foot, .95 inch. Found in "Coast 

 region of northern North Carolina and southern Virginia 

 in the Austroriparian Zone." (Bailey) 



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