Synonyms: Otospermophilus variegatus
Spermophilus variegatus occurs in southwestern United States and Mexico, from Utah and Colorado, south to California, and Puebla; from near sea level to 2,900 m. This species inhabits rocky canyons, cliffs, and hillsides, e.g., in suburban areas. Rock Squirrels are grey or black anteriorly, and mottled brownish-grey posteriorly. The ears are pointed; the tails is long and bushy. They live in colonies, usually containing a dominant male, several females, and subordinant males. This species feeds on seeds, buds, acorns, juniper berries, arthropods, and, sometimes, rob bird nests. Rocks Squirrels are active above the ground in the early morning and late afternoons, and spend the rest of time in burrows. They hibernate in the colder parts of their range, and aestivate during the hottest summer months. In southern areas, this species may not hibernate.
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.
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