LIFE HISTORY OF THE KANGAROO RAT,

Dipodomys spectabilis spectabilis Merriam.

By Charles T. Vorhies, Entomologist, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arizona; and Walter P. Taylor, Assistant Biologist, Bureau of Biological Survey, U. S. Department of Agriculture.


CONTENTS.

Page
Importance of rodent groups[1]
Investigational methods[2]
Identification[3]
Description[5]
General characters[5]
Color[6]
Oil gland[6]
Measurements and weights[7]
Occurrence[7]
General distribution[7]
Habitat[7]
Habits[9]
Evidence of presence[9]
Mounds[9]
Runways and tracks[10]
Signals[11]
Voice[12]
Daily and seasonal activity[12]
Pugnacity and sociability[13]
Sense developments[14]
Movements and attitudes[15]
Storing habits[15]
Breeding habits[16]
Food and storage[18]
Burrow systems, or dens[28]
Commensals and enemies[33]
Commensals[33]
Natural checks[34]
Parasites[35]
Abundance[36]
Economic considerations[36]
Control[37]
Summary[38]
Bibliography[40]

Note.—This bulletin, a joint contribution of the Bureau of Biological Survey and the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station, contains a summary of the results of investigations of the relation of a subspecies of kangaroo rat to the carrying capacity of the open ranges, being one phase of a general study of the life histories of rodent groups as they affect agriculture, forestry, and grazing.


IMPORTANCE OF RODENT GROUPS.