The delta fox squirrel is a species of squirrel widely distributed in the northeastern, mid-eastern and central-southern United States. Their skins can be made into leather jackets, scarves, hats, and their eyebrows can be made into paintbrushes, which have certain economic value. Let's learn about the popular science knowledge of delta fox squirrels today!

I. Basic information

[Chinese name] Delta fox squirrel

[Another name] Delta fox squirrel

【English name】Delta fox squirrel

【Latin name】Sciurus niger subauratus

【Kingdom】Animal Kingdom

【Domain】Chordates

【Subphylum】Vertebrate Subphylum

【Class】Mammalia

【Subclass】Zeuthera

【Order】 ] Rodents

[Suborder] Squirrel suborder

[Family] Sciuridae

[Genus] Squirrel

【 Species] Fox squirrel

II. Morphological characteristics

1. Body type: Delta fox squirrel, one of the subspecies of fox squirrel. The molars (including the premolars) are 5/4 on each side of the jaw, the upper molars are 5, there are no skin wings between the front and rear limbs, and there is a long hairy tail. It is a large, thick-bodied arboreal squirrel, larger than the common grey squirrel, with an overall length of 45 to 70 cm, a tail length of 20 to 33 cm, and a weight ranging from 500 to 1,000 grams. There are no differences in gender, size or appearance.

2. Body color: The fur color of the delta fox squirrel ranges from brownish gray to brownish yellow, and the fur color varies with the season.

III. Distribution and Habits

1. Distribution: Delta fox squirrels are distributed in the northeastern and central parts of the United States East and South Central, Louisiana, Iberville District, New Orleans, Mississippi Floodplain, Southeast Arkansas, and the Yazoo Delta.

2. Habitat environment: Delta fox squirrels live in sparse forests with vegetation under the forest. The ideal habitat is located on the branches of large trees in the farmland, mostly pine and oak trees.

3. Migration characteristics: Delta fox squirrels usually have 1-2 more activities, but they migrate in groups when food is extremely poor.

4. Diet: The delta fox squirrel has a rich variety of food including tree buds, insects, ant eggs, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, bird eggs, pine trees; spring fruit tree seeds, fruits, walnuts, mulberries, mushrooms, Fungi and berries; crops such as corn, soybeans, oats, wheat.

four , Breeding status

Delta fox squirrels enter estrus for the first time in mid-December or January, and again in June. Usually two litters are produced a year, and females reach sexual maturity at 10 to 11 months, usually at the age of one, giving birth to their first litter. The gestation period is between 44 and 45 days. The earliest litters appear in late January, and most are born in mid-March and July. An average of 3 litters are produced, and the number of litters can be determined according to different seasons and food conditions.

The above is some little knowledge about the delta fox squirrel. If you have any curious questions, you can leave a message below to discuss!