MAMMALS OF MARYLANI> 



65 



Figure 25. — Distribution of Lepus americanus virginianus. 



Distribution in Maryland. — Occurs in the Allegheny Mountain and 

 Ridge and Valley sections where it is now uncommon. 



Distinguishing characteristics. — A medium-sized rabbit with large 

 hind feet and thick fur. Coloration in summer pelage, dull rusty 

 brown varying to buffy brown, always more or less darkened by a wash 

 of black. In winter, coloration is sometimes pure white with a little 

 dusky around tips of ears; but frequently a dull brownish wash is 

 present on the feet and terminal half of the ears. 



Cranially, this species differs from Bylvilagus floridanus and B. 

 transitionalis in its larger size and heavier build, with much stronger 

 development of the supraorbitals which are subtriangular and stand 

 out broadly winglike with a broad open notch between the posterior 

 process and the skull. 



Measurements. — Nelson (1909, p. 86) gives average measurements 

 of five adults from Pennsylvania as follows: Total length 518; tail 

 vertebrae 49; hind foot 414; basilar length of skull 65.0; interorbital 

 breadth 22.0. 



Habitat and habits. — This rabbit prefers areas of spruce in the 

 highest regions of the Allegheny Mountain and Ridge and Valley 

 sections, where it has been observed in open woods and thickets. Spruce 

 areas are small and scattered districts in the upland swamps and on 

 some of the mountain tops. 



Mansueti (1953, pp. 72-73) says that 



