White-toothed Woodrat
Encyclopedia
Although originally named from San Luis Potosí
, Mexico, as a species by Merriam, the White-toothed Woodrat was long considered to be a synonym of the White-throated Woodrat
(Neotoma albigula). Molecular data, however, indicate that populations east of the Rio Grande
in New Mexico
and Trans-Pecos
Texas represent a different species than morphologically similar populations west of the river.
The habitat preferences of the two species appear similar, with woodland to desert habitats preferred. Almost invariably, cacti, especially cholla and prickly pear (Opuntia
), are present. In general, the data provided by Macedo and Mares (1988) for what was then thought to be a single species applies to both.
San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí officially Estado Libre y Soberano de San Luis Potosí is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 58 municipalities and its capital city is San Luis Potosí....
, Mexico, as a species by Merriam, the White-toothed Woodrat was long considered to be a synonym of the White-throated Woodrat
White-Throated Woodrat
The white-throated woodrat is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found from central Mexico north to Utah and Colorado in the United States. It is primarily a western species in the United States, extending from central Texas west to southeastern California...
(Neotoma albigula). Molecular data, however, indicate that populations east of the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
in New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
and Trans-Pecos
Trans-Pecos
The term Trans-Pecos, as originally defined in 1887 by the Texas geologist Robert T. Hill, refers to the portion of Texas that lies west of the Pecos River. The term is considered synonymous with "Far West Texas", a subdivision of West Texas...
Texas represent a different species than morphologically similar populations west of the river.
The habitat preferences of the two species appear similar, with woodland to desert habitats preferred. Almost invariably, cacti, especially cholla and prickly pear (Opuntia
Opuntia
Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus , is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae.Currently, only prickly pears are included in this genus of about 200 species distributed throughout most of the Americas. Chollas are now separated into the genus Cylindropuntia, which some still consider...
), are present. In general, the data provided by Macedo and Mares (1988) for what was then thought to be a single species applies to both.