Synonyms: Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
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Spermophilus tridecemlineatus is widely distributed over the Great Plains of North America from central Alberta and Saskatchewan to New Mexico and Texas (Map). It is found in prairies, secondary grasslands, shrublands, pine barrens, meadows, and fields, on dry sandy soils. Although this species is not colonial, it often occurs in loose aggregations in preferred habitats. Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel is brownish, with 13 alternating brown and whitish lines, dorsally and laterally. It feeds on seeds and leaves of grasses and forbs, arthropods, and, occasionally, small vertebrates. This species is diurnal. S. tridecemlineatus enters hibernation in September-October, and emerges in March-early April. It may aestivate during the hottest summer months (July-August), and the aestivation passes into hibernation, so it does not emerge until the spring.
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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