The Long-Eared Jerboa's Diet

The long-eared jerboa is a small rodent native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. It resembles a common field mouse except for its two enormous ears and long back legs which are used for hopping. The long-eared jerboa is a member of the Dipodidae rodent family which also contains birch mice and jumping mice. Because the long-eared jerboa is nocturnal, small and lives in an isolated habitat, little is known about the habits of this creature.

  1. Feeding Habits

    • Long-eared jerboas are nocturnal, feeding primarily at night and resting during the daytime within underground tunnels in their desert habitat.

    Plants

    • Though the long-eared jerboa's diet consists mostly of insects, it is thought to feed on desert plants and plant seeds. Other jerboa species eat mostly plants, but the long-eared jerboa's diet is only partially made up vegetation.

    Insects

    • The long-eared jerboa eats mostly desert invertebrates and insects, especially flying insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers and ants.

    Hunting

    • Long-eared jerboas use their large ears to listen for insects flying at night. When they have located an insect, they spring on it using their long legs, catching their prey quickly.

    Water

    • Long-eared jerboas, like most jerboa species, usually do not drink water. Instead, they get moisture from the plants and insects that they eat.