Citellus Lateralis is a scientific Latin term that refers to a species of ground squirrel, commonly known as the golden-mantled ground squirrel. This small, diurnal mammal belongs to the genus Citellus, which is a group within the family Sciuridae.
The golden-mantled ground squirrel typically measures around 9 to 11 inches in total length, with a tail of about 3 to 5 inches. It has a distinct coloration, characterized by a golden-brown mantle or stripe running laterally along its back from the head to the base of the tail, which gives it its common name. The rest of its fur is a mix of lighter shades of brown and gray. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males generally being larger than females.
Citellus Lateralis is widely distributed throughout western North America, occupying various habitats such as forests, meadows, and rocky areas at elevations ranging from about 5,000 to 12,000 feet. They are well adapted to their environment, utilizing underground burrows for shelter and hibernation during winter months. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. The golden-mantled ground squirrel is known for its food-storing behavior, where they accumulate and hoard food in their burrows for future consumption.
These squirrels play important roles in ecosystems as seed dispersers and prey for predators like birds of prey and mammals. Despite being a common sight in their range, they are not considered to be of any conservation concern.
