Spotted Ground Squirrel (Xerospermophilus spilosoma) lives in grassland prairies across North America. It feeds on seeds and insects. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Spotted Ground Squirrel
- The spotted ground squirrel's skull contains especially large auditory bullae, a feature that sets it apart from most other squirrels. Its skull is also slightly broader in the interorbital and rostral regions, resembling that of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel but with this distinct ear chamber enlargement.
- When danger approaches or a male wishes to assert dominance during the breeding season, the spotted ground squirrel adopts one of seven distinct alert postures. Each stance is used either to warn conspecifics of predators or to stake a territorial claim against rival males. This repertoire of postures is part of its broader behavioural repertoire that also includes sun-bathing, grooming and vocal alerts while it moves about its burrow network.
- The species enters a prolonged hibernation that begins in late July and continues through April or May, keeping it underground for most of the year. During this period the squirrel remains in its burrow, which it constructs in light, sparse soils of sand hills, dunes or abandoned prairie-dog tunnels. Emerging in spring, it sheds its thicker winter pelage and resumes foraging on seeds, green shoots and, later, insect larvae.
- Males of the spotted ground squirrel are active above ground for roughly 115 to 135 days each year, while females spend a shorter window of about 95 to 125 days foraging and breeding. Their seasonal activity begins in spring, typically April or May, and ends by late July when they retreat to their burrows. This period follows a hibernation that starts in late July and continues through April or May, keeping them underground for most of the year.
- While the spotted ground squirrel is mainly herbivorous, feeding on seeds and green plant parts, it adds insect protein to its diet in late summer. During this time it seeks out grasshopper larvae, which become a notable food source as the season progresses. This seasonal shift allows the squirrel to exploit abundant arthropod prey when plant resources begin to wane.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeNorth America
HabitatGrassland prairies
DietSeeds and insects
About the Spotted Ground Squirrel
As the sun rises over the arid landscape, the spotted ground squirrel emerges from its burrow, its tawny coat glistening with dew as it stretches and yawns, shaking off the slumber. With a twitch of its bushy tail, it darts forth, its tiny paws barely touching the ground as it weaves through the scrubby undergrowth, its bright, inquisitive eyes scanning the terrain for signs of danger or opportunity. In this harsh yet beautiful world, the spotted ground squirrel is a master of survival, its agility and quick wit allowing it to thrive in the unforgiving expanse of the desert.
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