Its fur is grayish-brown, with dark and light-colored dorsal stripes. It has light gray or white stripes around the eyes and a white underbelly. The tail is very bushy, often measuring over 80% of the head and body length. They experience molting of the fur on their bodies and tails.[3]
The dental formula for Tamias merriami is 1.0.2.3.1.0.1.3. × 2 = 22[3]
Distribution and habitat
The Merriam’s chipmunk lives in parts of central and southern California and Baja California,[1] including along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains.[3] They have been observed at altitudes of up to 2,940 meters but most often live at elevations under 1,200 meters. They primarily inhabit forests and chaparral-covered shrubland habitats. They live in areas with a variety of trees, shrubs, logs, rocks, and plant litter, which are features utilized for their food and shelter. [3]
Diet
The merriam’s chipmunk has a mainly herbivorous diet. It forages daily for food and carries seeds or acorns in its cheek pouches, often to be cached in the ground. Acorns are a major part of its diet, especially from valley oak trees. Other sources of food include the seeds, nuts, and berries of a variety of plants, insects, and larvae.[3]
Reproduction
When mating, females attract males by calling to them. The duration of the female call is ten to fifteen minutes. A male will hear the call and respond to it by running to and jumping around the female. The female then squats down, and the male performs 12-24 thrusts. The entire process of mating lasts about fifteen seconds.[4]
^Compton, Stephen B (January 1995). ""REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN MERRIAM'S CHIPMUNK (TAMIAS MERRIAMI)."". The Great Basin Naturalist. 55 (1). ISSN0017-3614. JSTOR41712869.
