Dipodidae

​ __** DIPODIDAE ** By: Andrea Whitney__

**__Suborder Characteristics:__** The suborder Myomorpha has over 1,100 species of mouse-like rodents which is almost a quarter of all mammal species. Animals included in this suborder are mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, lemmings, and voles. Animals of the suborder myomorpha have many different characteristics. One characteristic is that they are grouped according to the structure of the jaw and the structure of the molar teeth. Also, myomorphs are found worldwide in almost all land habitats. They are usually nocturnal, and these mammals are also seed-eaters.

**__Family Characteristics:__** The family dipodidae includes small to medium-sized rodents with hind limbs that are longer than the forelimbs. These animals have long tails and external ears ranging in size. Their fur is usually soft brown to brownish-yellow in color.


 * __Subfamily Characteristics:__** The subfamily zapodinae includes any of five species of small leaping rodents that are found in North America and China. These animals weigh from 13 to 26 grams and are 18 to 28 cm long including the tail. Their fur is soft or slightly coarse. Their fur is brown on top, grayish to redish on the sides, and white on the belly. The tail is brown above and white below.


 * __Classification Breakdown:__** Domain-Eukarya Kingdom-Animal Phylum-Chordate Class-Mammals Order-Rodentia Suborder-Myomorpha Family-Dipodidae Subfamily-Zapodinae

**Species:** Meadow Jumping Mouse **Environmental Characteristics:** Feeds on a fungus called //Endogone// in the summer. Eats up to 100 percent of its body weight before winter. Is a true hibernator and does not store food for winter.
 * Average Length:** 6-9 inches (15-22.5 cm)
 * Average Weight:** 3/4- 1 oz. (21-28 grams)
 * Where they live:** All regions of Minnesota in semi-woodlands and moist open fields
 * Food:** Herbivore, insectivore; eats underground fungi, seeds, fruit, and insects
 * Lifespan:** 1-2 years
 * Other Characteristics:** Can leap up to three feet in the air to escape predators.
 * How to Identify** **:** Surface runways leading in many directions, grasses with missing seed heads; identify by tracks; rarely enters houses or buildings.

​**How to Identify:** Rarely leaves forest, grass with missing seed heads, surface runways leading in many directions.
 * Species:** Woodland Jumping Mouse
 * Average Length:** 7-11 inches (17.5-28 cm)
 * Average Weight:** 3/4-1 oz. (21-28 grams)
 * Where they live:** In northeast minnesota in coniferous woodlands with much undergrowth; forest edges
 * Food:** Herbivore, insectivore; eats fungi, seeds, fruit, and insects
 * Lifespan:** 1-2 years
 * Environmental Characteristics:** A true hibernator, won't eat anything during the winter. gains up to 100 percent of its body weight before winter.
 * Other Characteristics:** Can jump up to four feet in the air to escape predators. Jumps several times and then stays perfectly still to blend in with the environment.

[] [] []
 * __Sources:__**