Name: Nearctic Collared Lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)
Length: 6 to 15 cm, depending on species.
Weight: Around 40 grams, depending on species.
Location: Arctic and subarctic regions.
Conservation status: Depends on species.
Diet: Plants, roots, berries, lichens, seeds.
Appearance: Short-tail rodent somewhat similar to hamsters. Brown or brown-grey coats during the summer, turning white in the winter. Dark stripe down the back.
How do Nearctic Collared Lemmings feed?
Aside from burrowing, Nearctic Collared Lemmings spend their winters hunting for plant matter that has been buried by the snow.
Are Nearctic Collared Lemmings social?
Nearctic Collared Lemmings are generally solitary animals, keeping their own foraging territories and burrow systems.
How fast do Nearctic Collared Lemmings run?
Nearctic Collared Lemmings can run at speeds of up to 5 km per hour.
What are Nearctic Collared Lemmings birthing rituals like?
Nearctic Collared Lemmings are busy little breeders, the females giving birth to as many as eight babies as rapidly as every five weeks during the breeding season, which can last from January through September. The pregnancy lasts anywhere from sixteen days to a month.
How long do Nearctic Collared Lemmings live?
Nearctic Collared Lemmings live for about 2 years.
Do Nearctic Collared Lemmings have any natural predators?
Nearctic Collared Lemmings are prey for a variety of animals including Owls, Wolves, Arctic Foxes, and Weasels.
7 Cool Nearctic Collared Lemmings Facts
- Nearctic Collared Lemmings are the only rodent found in North America that turns white during the winter.
- Collared Lemmings are made up of the species:
1. Dicrostonyx groenlandicus - Nearctic Collared Lemming
2. Dicrostonyx hudsonius - Ungava Collared Lemming
3. Dicrostonyx nelsoni - Nelson's Collared Lemming
4. Dicrostonyx nunatakensis - Ogilvie Mountains Collared Lemming
5. Dicrostonyx richardsoni - Richardson's Collared Lemming
6. Dicrostonyx torquatus - Arctic Lemming
7. Dicrostonyx unalascensis - Unalaska Collared Lemming
8. Dicrostonyx vinogradovi - Wrangel Lemming - Nearctic Collared Lemmings' snow burrows are created with comfort in mind – they have room dedicated to sleeping, bathrooms, and nest rooms.
- The birth rates of some predator animals, like the Snowy Owl, depend on how many Nearctic Collared Lemmings are available in the area during the breeding season.
- The Ogilvie Mountains Collared Lemming is one of only 5 mammals to be found solely in Canada.
- Nearctic Collared Lemmings’ short ears and tail help them conserve heat in the winter by exposing less surface area to the cold.
- Nearctic Collared Lemmings’ front teeth never stop growing.
