The pleasant bolo mouse, or pleasant akodont, (Necromys amoenus) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.[2] It is found on grassland at high altitudes in Bolivia and Peru.
Description
The pleasant bolo mouse is a small member of its genus with a head-and-body length of between 95 and 103 mm (3.7 and 4.1 in) and a tail of 63 and 79 mm (2.5 and 3.1 in). The back and upper parts have yellowish-brown fur intermixed with some black hairs. The muzzle, cheeks and sides of the body are yellowish-buff, and the underparts are whitish. There is often a clear demarcation between the different regions, and the belly contrasts strongly with the upper regions. The whiskers are short, the ears rounded and well-furred and the tail is blackish-brown or ochre-brown above, and white below. The paws are covered with ochre-brown hairs above and the nails are concealed in bushy tufts of hair.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The pleasant bolo mouse is found in the Andean Plateau of west-central South America, in western Bolivia and southeastern Peru. It is present in the altiplano grasslands at altitudes between about 3,200 and 4,300 m (10,500 and 14,100 ft).[1] It is also reported from the eastern side of the Andes on slopes in Salta Province, Argentina. It can be found near rocky outcrops and in sparsely-grassed area with scattered rocks, particularly in areas where the Peruvian feathergrass (Jarava ichu) and Parastrephia lepidophylla predominate.[3] It is also found in Polylepis woodland and cultivated areas in Bolivia and seems tolerant of disturbance to its habitat.[1]
Ecology
The pleasant bolo mouse is diurnal and seems to feed mostly on insects.[3]
