What Family Does the Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel Belong To? 
You’ve probably wondered, “What family does the thirteen lined ground squirrel belong to?” You’re not alone! This species is a member of the rodent family, Sciuridae, which is comprised of small, medium-sized, and flying rodents. They’re indigenous to North America and Eurasia. They’re called Mexican ground squirrels for obvious reasons. But if you’re looking for a scientific name for one of these ground squirrels, you’re in luck!
Rodentia
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel (or striped gopher) is an omnipresent member of the rodent family, Rodentia. This species is widespread across the grasslands of North America and is also known as the leopard ground squirrel. It has thirteen distinct stripes, each resembling a different color. Moreover, the squirrel is capable of jumping high enough to climb trees.
The Thirteen-lined ground squirrel is small in size, with a tail length of 2-5 inches. It mates shortly after spring emergence and has seven to fourteen hairless young. Ninety percent of these young die in the first winter of their lives. The average lifespan of this species is two to four years. The species lives in a range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and parks.
Ictidomys
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is also known as the striped gopher, leopard ground, or spotted gopher. It is an omnipresent species found in the grasslands of North America. Its distinctive stripes help it distinguish itself from other species. Ictidomys of the thirteen lined ground squirrel is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and wooded areas.
Previously, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel was in one genus, but recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate that there are at least eight separate genera. It is now classified as part of Ictidomys. While a single species of this species is present in North America, dozens of others are found elsewhere. Some species are even extinct, as the number of humans living in the area continues to increase.
Spermophiles
The 13 lined ground squirrel is a species of rodent in the family of Spermophiles, which also includes chipmunks and tree squirrels. They are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, leaves, and insects. They are also known as prairie dogs, and their range in the Great Plains has been greatly expanded by agricultural development. Their main food source is seeds, and they will also eat bird eggs.
Although formerly classified as a genus with forty species, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have led to its split into eight separate genera. The thirteen lined ground squirrel, however, is a member of the genus Ictidomys. It has also been placed in a separate genus, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus.
Mexican ground squirrel
The Mexican ground squirrel is a native of Mexico and is found throughout the country. They are territorial and live in loose colonies. They prefer sandy and gravelly soil and can often be seen living near people. Their main food source is nuts. Mexican ground squirrels are also found in parts of Texas. Their habitat has been greatly altered by humans. However, the species has found a way to adapt to their new environments.
The 13-lined ground squirrel has a tridactyl pattern on its back. It has thirteen stripes, each alternating dark and light. The ground squirrel is found mostly in prairie regions in northern and western Missouri, but it has expanded into the center of the continent as suburban development and agricultural practices have cleared timbered areas. It was first described by Samuel Mitchell in 1821 and is a member of the Sciuridae family of squirrels.
13-lined ground squirrel
The thirteen-lined ground-squirrel is a relative newcomer to parts of the U.P., originally occurring on the Great Plains and moving east with the clearing of land. While they are not colonial, they prefer open grasslands and shrubbery away from dense forests. They do not share burrows, but can live quite close to each other in good habitat.
The thirteen-lined ground-squirrel’s distinctive appearance distinguishes it from other members of the squirrel family, including the aforementioned marmots. Its lower jaw resembles a v shape, and it has a zygomatic plate anterior to the orbit. It also has a small infraorbital foramen, and its teeth are three-thirds of the length of its body. In addition, its incisors are constantly growing, and the teeth are also shaped like a v. This allows it to easily chew on small objects.
Harris’ antelope squirrel
The Harris’ antelope squirrel is a rodent native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora in Mexico. They have adapted to the harsh desert climate by using a technique known as heat dumping. Rather than laying low in the ground, they prefer to move around on the ground in search of a cooler location. This way, they can conserve energy and avoid the high temperatures associated with desert habitats.
The Harris’ antelope squirrel breeds only once a year and may begin breeding as early as December. It has a 30-day gestation period and one litter per year. The young are born with 3.6 grams of body weight and are weaned at about seven weeks. Their reproductive maturity occurs during their first year of life. These squirrels are a great way to see a wild animal in action! To see a Harris’ antelope squirrel, visit the wild habitats in the desert.
What is the scientific name for the thirteen-lined ground squirrel?
The scientific name for the thirteen-lined ground squirrel is Ictidomys tridecemlineatus.
What is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s range?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s range extends from southern Canada through the central United States to northern Mexico.
What does the thirteen-lined ground squirrel eat?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is omnivorous and its diet includes insects earthworms other small invertebrates fruits and seeds.
How long is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s lifespan?
In the wild the thirteen-lined ground squirrel has a lifespan of 2 to 5 years.
How much does the thirteen-lined ground squirrel weigh?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel typically weighs between 113 and 178 grams.
What is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s body length?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s body length is between 195 and 217 mm.
What is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s tail length?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s tail length is between 70 and 100 mm.
When is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel most active?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is most active during the day.
What is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s gestation period?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s gestation period is between 26 and 31 days.
How many litters can a thirteen-lined ground squirrel have in a year?
A thirteen-lined ground squirrel can have up to 3 litters in a year.
How many young are in a thirteen-lined ground squirrel litter?
A thirteen-lined ground squirrel litter typically contains between 4 and 7 young.
When do thirteen-lined ground squirrels reach sexual maturity?
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels reach sexual maturity at around 1 year old.
What is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s predator?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s predators include hawks owls coyotes foxes weasels and snakes.
What is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s habitat?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s habitat includes grasslands open woods and areas along the edges of woods.
What is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel’s conservation status?
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is classified as least concern by the IUCN.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
