The lesser Wilfred's mouse (Juliomys pictipes) is a species of South Americanrodents of the family Cricetidae.[2] It was first described by Wilfred H. Osgood under the name Thomasomys pictipes, then into the genus Wilfredomys, and now known as Juliomys pictipes.[3] The lesser Wilfred's mouse is endemic to northeastern Argentina and southeastern Brazil.[4] Its physical appearance ranges from dark brown to light orange coloration and the typical size is small to medium.[3] This species is arboreal, spending most of its time trees and living in the local forests at altitudes from sea level to 2000 m.[1] Currently, this species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but, threats include livestock farming, ranching, and wood harvesting.[4]
Taxonomy
Juliomys pictipes was first discovered by Osgood in 1933.[5] It was originally named Thomasomys pictipes.[6][3] For several decades, the placement of this species was uncertain and fairly recently changed to Juliomys pictipes to fit under the subfamily of Sigmodontinae rodents.[2] Currently, there are three species under the genus of Juliomys. The taxon identifier is 89132.[7]
Description
This animal is considered to be small to medium sized Sigmodontinae rodents.[2] They are dark-brown to light-orange brown.[7] Other characteristics include having long soft fur with a brownish ochraceous dorsum.[8] This small-bodied animal is a pentalophodont with a tail longer than its head and body.[9]Juliomys pictipes have short, broad feet with 6 plantar pads.[3] In addition, the skull has identifying features including having a short rostrum and rounded braincase.[2] Another diagnostic characteristic is the presence of an open slit in the suture between the frontal bones. Lastly, its karyotype has 2n = 36, FN = 34.[8]
Distribution and habitat
It is found in northeastern Argentina and southeastern Brazil and limited to the tropical and subtropical moist forests of those countries.[9] The type locality was first discovered in Misiones, Argentina and occurs in the Atlantic forest.[10]
Ecology
The species is arboreal.[7] A baby of this species is often called a pinkie, kitten or pup.[7] The females are called doe and males are called buck.[7] Groups of this species are called a nest, colony, harvest, horde or mischief.[11]
Status
The Lesser wilfred's mouse is listed as Least Concern.[11] But, threats that increase mortality or decrease quality of life include livestock farming, ranching, and wood harvesting.[4]
^de Oliveira, Joao A.; Bonvicino, Cibele R. (2002-09-01). "A new species of sigmodontine rodent from the Atlantic forest of eastern Brazil". Acta Theriologica. 47 (3): 307–322. doi:10.1007/BF03194149. ISSN2190-3743. S2CID34916706.