Genus Orthogeomys Higher classification Orthogeomys | Phylum Chordata Family Geomyidae Scientific name Orthogeomys heterodus Rank Species | |
Similar Orthogeomys, Gopher, Rodent, Mammal, Michoacan pocket go | ||
The variable pocket gopher (Orthogeomys heterodus) is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is endemic to Costa Rica, usually being found in grasslands and tropical forests at higher altitudes, up to 8,000 feet. It is threatened by habitat loss, but are sometimes kept as pets in the United States and elsewhere.
The gopher typically has soft and dense fur colored blackish on the posterior and pale on the anterior. Its dentition features a longitudinal groove on outer face of each upper incisor. Large specimens range in length from 12 to 19 inches in length and weigh 16 to 35 ounces.
References
Variable pocket gopher Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA