315.

Delicate Deermouse

Habromys delicatulus

French: Habromys délicat / German: Zierliche Hirschmaus / Spanish: Ratén ciervo delicado

Other common names: Delicate Crested-tail Mouse

Taxonomy. Habromys delicatulus Carleton, Sanchez & Urbano, 2002, “ México, Estado de México, Municipio Jilotepec, Dexcani Alto, 2 km E and 3-5 km SJilotepec, Canada de la Ermita, 2570 M (19°56’N, 99°30'W).” This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Traditionally known only from the type locality in NW México, but recently found in Cerro de Garnica, NE Michoacan, Mexico.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 74-84 mm, tail 74-81 mm, ear 18-20 mm, hindfoot 18-20 mm; weight 10-19 g. The Delicate Deermouse is the smallest species of Habromys, characterized by delicate cranial features and soft, delicate, and dense pelage. Dorsum is dark brown to brown mixed with black; ears are blackish and relative long, wide, and prominent; and tail is bicolored and relatively hairy.

Habitat. Patches of cloud forest and grassy areas in pine-oak forests at elevations of c.2570 m.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. Delicate Deermice are nocturnal and arboreal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red Lust.

Bibliography. Alvarez-Castafieda, Castro-Arellano, Lacher & Vazquez (2008b), Carleton et al. (2002), Ledn-Paniagua et al. (2007), Sanchez (2014a).