Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)
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Synonym: Xerospermophilus spilosoma

 

Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma
Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma  
Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma Spermophilus-spilosoma

 

Spermophilus spilosoma inhabits grasslands and semi-deserts of the central United States (from South Dakota to Texas and Arizona), and Mexico (Map). It prefers areas with deep sandy soils and sparse vegetation, e.g., shortgrass prairies; up to 2,000 m. This species is brown or gray in colour, with a white spotted back and white underbelly. It feeds on seeds, grass shoots, flowers and other plant parts; some invertebrates are also eaten. Spotted Ground Squirrels excavate their own burrows, but were also found in abandoned prairie dog burrows. They are active in spring and early summer (April to July-August), and hibernates for the rest of the year.

A 2007 taxonomic review of ground squirrels split the genus Spermophilus into nine genera, based on differences in morphometrics, and the mitochondrial genes. We feel that this re-arrangement of Spermophilus may be unwarranted, and the proposed new genera likely represent sub-genera. See also Our Views on Contemporary Taxonomy.

Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23226
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
     
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23222
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
   
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23211
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
     
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23206
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
   
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23225
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
     
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23223
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
   
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23213
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
     
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   21192
Spotted Ground Squirrel; juvenile
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
   
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23219
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
     
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23218
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
     
Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma)   23215
Spotted Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus spilosoma)
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Texas, USA
Copyright © Michael Patrikeev
All Rights Reserved
   

 

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