Family: Heteromyidae, Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats view all from this family

Description Upper pelage is drab brown and shaggy. Hairs are dark gray near base, pale tan in middle, black at tips. Lateral line is faint or absent. Underparts are buff-white. Ears are small (average 10mm) and dusky, and there is a small white spot at the base of each ear. Tail is bicolored, with a distinct crest near the tip. Spines are located mostly on the rump, but scattered spines occur as far forward as the shoulder region.

Dimensions 164-225mm, 89-128mm, 13-18g

Habitat Deserts

Range Southwest, California

Discussion Inhabits rough desert landscapes of boulders, washes, rocky slopes, coarse soil, and sparse vegetation.