654.

Peruvian Oldfield Mouse

Thomasomys eleusis

French: Thomasomys du Pérou / German: Peru-Paramomaus / Spanish: Raton de erial de Peru

Other common names: Peruvian Thomasomys

Taxonomy. Thomasomys ischyrus eleusis Thomas, 1926, “Tambo Jenes, 12,000’ [= 3658 m],” Amazonas, Peru .

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. E Andes Range of N Peru.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 126-140 mm, tail 123-148 mm, ear 21 mm, hindfoot 28-32 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. Fur of the Peruvian Oldfield Mouse is long, soft, and dense. Dorsum is dark gray, with slight tinge of brownish on sides. Venter is paler gray, with buffy overtone; hairs are slatecolored at bases, with tips dull whitish or slightly buffy, and moderately countershaded relative to dorsal pelage. Mystacial vibrissae are moderately long, extending slightly beyond posterior margin of pinnae when bent. Grayish white spot at base of each ear is usually evident. Tail is 93-112% of head-body length, comparatively thick, and indistinctly bicolored, lacking terminal white tip. Hindfoot is moderately long; metacarpals and digits are covered with pure white, shiny hairs. Hallux is moderately long.

Habitat. Variety of habitats ranging from Puna grassland, bare or shrub rocky places, and shrubby places bordering streams to borders of continuous humid montane forests at elevations of 3050-3660 m.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. No information.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Cassola (2016r), Leo & Romo (1992), Musser & Carleton (2005), Osgood (1914b), Pacheco (2003, 2015b), Pacheco, Cadenillas et al. (2009), Pacheco, Salas et al. (2013), Thomas (1926c¢).