What is The Difference Between Groundhog and Prarie-Dog ( Disqus: User Comparisons ) Groundhog The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, whistle-pig, or in some areas land-beaver, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots.

groundhog n : reddish brown North American marmot [syn: {woodchuck}, {Marmota monax}] 40 Moby Thesaurus words for "groundhog": Cape polecat, ape, bar, bear, cavy, chimp, chimpanzee, coon, digger, dredge, dredger, driller, excavator, ferret, foumart, glutton, guinea pig, hedgehog, miner, monk, monkey, mousehound, navvy, opossum, polecat, porcupine, possum, prairie dog, quill pig, raccoon, sandhog, sapper, skunk, steam shovel, tunneler, weasel, whistle-pig, wolverine, woodchuck, zoril marmot \mar"mot\ (m[aum]r"m[o^]t; 277), n. [It. marmotta, marmotto, prob. fr. L. mus montanus, or mus montis, lit., mountain mouse or rat. See {Mountain}, and {Mouse}.] 1.

(Zo["o]l.) Any rodent of the genus {Marmota} (formerly {Arctomys}) of the subfamily Sciurinae. The common European marmot ({Marmota marmotta}) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The {bobac} is another European species. The common American species ({Marmota monax}) is the {woodchuck} (also called {groundhog}), but the name marmot is usually used only for the western variety. [1913 Webster +PJC] 2. Any one of several species of ground squirrels or gophers of the genus {Spermophilus}; also, the prairie dog. [1913 Webster] {Marmot squirrel} (Zo["o]l.), a ground squirrel or spermophile. {Prairie marmot}. See {Prairie dog}. [1913 Webster] groundhog \ground"hog`\, ground hog \ground" hog`\ (ground"h[o^]g`), n.

A reddish brown North American burrowing marmot ({Marmota monax}), also called the {woodchuck}. It hibernates in the winter. Syn: woodchuck, {Marmota monax}. [WordNet 1.5] Hog \Hog\ (h[o^]g), n. [Prob. akin to E. hack to cut, and meaning orig., a castrated boar; cf. also W. hwch swine, sow, Armor. houc'h, hoc'h. Cf. {Haggis}, {Hogget}, and {Hoggerel}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) A quadruped of the genus {Sus}, and allied genera of {Suid[ae]}; esp., the domesticated varieties of {Sus scrofa}, kept for their fat and meat, called, respectively, {lard} and {pork}; swine; porker; specifically, a castrated boar; a barrow. [1913 Webster] Note: The domestic hogs of Siam, China, and parts of Southern Europe, are thought to have been derived from {Sus Indicus}.

[1913 Webster] 2. A mean, filthy, or gluttonous fellow. [Low.] [1913 Webster] 3. A young sheep that has not been shorn. [Eng.] [1913 Webster] 4. (Naut.) A rough, flat scrubbing broom for scrubbing a ship's bottom under water. --Totten. [1913 Webster] 5. (Paper Manuf.) A device for mixing and stirring the pulp of which paper is made. [1913 Webster] {Bush hog}, {Ground hog}, etc.. See under {Bush}, {Ground}, etc. {Hog caterpillar} (Zo["o]l.), the larva of the green grapevine sphinx; -- so called because the head and first three segments are much smaller than those behind them, so as to make a resemblance to a hog's snout. See {Hawk moth}. {Hog cholera}, an epidemic contagious fever of swine, attended by liquid, fetid, diarrhea, and by the appearance on the skin and mucous membrane of spots and patches of a scarlet, purple, or black color.

It is fatal in from one to six days, or ends in a slow, uncertain recovery. --Law (Farmer's Veter. Adviser.) {Hog deer} (Zo["o]l.), the axis deer. {Hog gum} (Bot.), West Indian tree ({Symphonia globulifera}), yielding an aromatic gum. {Hog of wool}, the trade name for the fleece or wool of sheep of the second year. {Hog peanut} (Bot.), a kind of earth pea. {Hog plum} (Bot.), a tropical tree, of the genus {Spondias} ({Spondias lutea}), with fruit somewhat resembling plums, but chiefly eaten by hogs. It is found in the West Indies. {Hog's bean} (Bot.), the plant henbane. {Hog's bread}.(Bot.) See {Sow bread}. {Hog's fennel}. (Bot.) See under {Fennel}. {Mexican hog} (Zo["o]l.), the peccary. {Water hog}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Capybara}.

[1913 Webster] Woodchuck \Wood"chuck`\, n. 1. (Zo["o]l.) A common large North American marmot ({Arctomys monax}). It is usually reddish brown, more or less grizzled with gray. It makes extensive burrows, and is often injurious to growing crops. Called also {ground hog}. [1913 Webster] 2. (Zo["o]l.) The yaffle, or green woodpecker. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster] groundhog \ground"hog`\, ground hog \ground" hog`\ (ground"h[o^]g`), n. A reddish brown North American burrowing marmot ({Marmota monax}), also called the {woodchuck}. It hibernates in the winter. Syn: woodchuck, {Marmota monax}. [WordNet 1.5] ground \ground\ (ground), n. [OE. ground, grund, AS. grund; akin to D. grond, OS., G., Sw., & Dan. grund, Icel. grunnr bottom, Goth.

grundus (in composition); perh. orig. meaning, dust, gravel, and if so perh. akin to E. grind.] 1. The surface of the earth; the outer crust of the globe, or some indefinite portion of it. [1913 Webster] There was not a man to till the ground. --Gen. ii. 5. [1913 Webster] The fire ran along upon the ground. --Ex. ix. 23. Hence: A floor or pavement supposed to rest upon the earth. [1913 Webster] 2. Any definite portion of the earth's surface; region; territory; country. Hence: A territory appropriated to, or resorted to, for a particular purpose; the field or place of action; as, a hunting or fishing ground; a play ground. [1913 Webster] From . . . old Euphrates, to the brook that parts Egypt from Syrian ground. --Milton. [1913 Webster] 3. Land; estate; possession; field; esp.

(pl.), the gardens, lawns, fields, etc., belonging to a homestead; as, the grounds of the estate are well kept. [1913 Webster] Thy next design is on thy neighbor's grounds. --Dryden. 4. [1913 Webster] 4. The basis on which anything rests; foundation. Hence: The foundation of knowledge, belief, or conviction; a premise, reason, or datum; ultimate or first principle; cause of existence or occurrence; originating force or agency; as, the ground of my hope. [1913 Webster] 5. (Paint. & Decorative Art) (a) That surface upon which the figures of a composition are set, and which relieves them by its plainness, being either of one tint or of tints but slightly contrasted with one another; as, crimson Bowers on a white ground. See {Background}, {Foreground}, and {Middle-ground}. (b) In sculpture, a flat surface upon which figures are raised in relief. (c) In point lace, the net of small meshes upon which the embroidered pattern is applied; as, Brussels ground. See {Brussels lace}, under {Brussels}.

[1913 Webster] 6. (Etching) A gummy composition spread over the surface of a metal to be etched, to prevent the acid from eating except where an opening is made by the needle. [1913 Webster] 7. (Arch.) One of the pieces of wood, flush with the plastering, to which moldings, etc., are attached; -- usually in the plural. [1913 Webster] Note: Grounds are usually put up first and the plastering floated flush with them. [1913 Webster] 8. (Mus.) (a) A composition in which the bass, consisting of a few bars of independent notes, is continually repeated to a varying melody. (b) The tune on which descants are raised; the plain song. --Moore (Encyc.). [1913 Webster] On that ground I'll build a holy descant. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 9. (Elec.) A conducting connection with the earth, whereby the earth is made part of an electrical circuit. [1913 Webster] 10. pl.

Sediment at the bottom of liquors or liquids; dregs; lees; feces; as, coffee grounds. [1913 Webster] 11. The pit of a theater. [Obs.] --B. Jonson. [1913 Webster] {Ground angling}, angling with a weighted line without a float. {Ground annual} (Scots Law), an estate created in land by a vassal who instead of selling his land outright reserves an annual ground rent, which becomes a perpetual charge upon the land. {Ground ash}. (Bot.) See {Groutweed}. {Ground bailiff} (Mining), a superintendent of mines. --Simmonds. {Ground bait}, bits of bread, boiled barley or worms, etc., thrown into the water to collect the fish, --Wallon. {Ground bass} or {Ground base} (Mus.), fundamental base; a fundamental base continually repeated to a varied melody. {Ground beetle} (Zo["o]l.), one of numerous species of carnivorous beetles of the family {Carabid[ae]}, living mostly in burrows or under stones, etc. {Ground chamber}, a room on the ground floor. {Ground cherry}.

(Bot.) (a) A genus ({Physalis}) of herbaceous plants having an inflated calyx for a seed pod: esp., the strawberry tomato ({Physalis Alkekengi}). See {Alkekengl}. (b) A European shrub ({Prunus Cham[ae]cerasus}), with small, very acid fruit. {Ground cuckoo}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Chaparral cock}. {Ground cypress}. (Bot.) See {Lavender cotton}. {Ground dove} (Zo["o]l.), one of several small American pigeons of the genus {Columbigallina}, esp. {C. passerina} of the Southern United States, Mexico, etc. They live chiefly on the ground. {Ground fish} (Zo["o]l.), any fish which constantly lives on the botton of the sea, as the sole, turbot, halibut. {Ground floor}, the floor of a house most nearly on a level with the ground; -- called also in America, but not in England, the {first floor}.

{Ground form} (Gram.), the stem or basis of a word, to which the other parts are added in declension or conjugation. It is sometimes, but not always, the same as the root. {Ground furze} (Bot.), a low slightly thorny, leguminous shrub ({Ononis arvensis}) of Europe and Central Asia,; -- called also {rest-harrow}. {Ground game}, hares, rabbits, etc., as distinguished from winged game. {Ground hele} (Bot.), a perennial herb ({Veronica officinalis}) with small blue flowers, common in Europe and America, formerly thought to have curative properties. {Ground of the heavens} (Astron.), the surface of any part of the celestial sphere upon which the stars may be regarded as projected. {Ground hemlock} (Bot.), the yew ({Taxus baccata} var. Canadensisi) of eastern North America, distinguished from that of Europe by its low, straggling stems. {Ground hog}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) The woodchuck or American marmot ({Arctomys monax}). See {Woodchuck}.

(b) The aardvark. {Ground hold} (Naut.), ground tackle. [Obs.] --Spenser. {Ground ice}, ice formed at the bottom of a body of water before it forms on the surface. {Ground ivy}. (Bot.) A trailing plant; alehoof. See {Gill}. {Ground joist}, a joist for a basement or ground floor; a. sleeper. {Ground lark} (Zo["o]l.), the European pipit. See {Pipit}. {Ground laurel} (Bot.). See {Trailing arbutus}, under {Arbutus}. {Ground line} (Descriptive Geom.), the line of intersection of the horizontal and vertical planes of projection. {Ground liverwort} (Bot.), a flowerless plant with a broad flat forking thallus and the fruit raised on peduncled and radiated receptacles ({Marchantia polymorpha}). {Ground mail}, in Scotland, the fee paid for interment in a churchyard. {Ground mass} (Geol.), the fine-grained or glassy base of a rock, in which distinct crystals of its constituents are embedded.

{Ground parrakeet} (Zo["o]l.), one of several Australian parrakeets, of the genera {Callipsittacus} and {Geopsittacus}, which live mainly upon the ground. {Ground pearl} (Zo["o]l.), an insect of the family {Coccid[ae]} ({Margarodes formicarum}), found in ants' nests in the Bahamas, and having a shelly covering. They are strung like beads, and made into necklaces by the natives. {Ground pig} (Zo["o]l.), a large, burrowing, African rodent ({Aulacodus Swinderianus}) about two feet long, allied to the porcupines but with harsh, bristly hair, and no spines; -- called also {ground rat}. {Ground pigeon} (Zo["o]l.), one of numerous species of pigeons which live largely upon the ground, as the tooth-billed pigeon ({Didunculus strigirostris}), of the Samoan Islands, and the crowned pigeon, or goura. See {Goura}, and {Ground dove} (above). {Ground pine}.

(Bot.) (a) A blue-flowered herb of the genus {Ajuga} ({A. Cham[ae]pitys}), formerly included in the genus {Teucrium} or germander, and named from its resinous smell. --Sir J. Hill. (b) A long, creeping, evergreen plant of the genus {Lycopodium} ({L. clavatum}); -- called also {club moss}. (c) A tree-shaped evergreen plant about eight inches in height, of the same genus ({L. dendroideum}) found in moist, dark woods in the northern part of the United States. --Gray. {Ground plan} (Arch.), a plan of the ground floor of any building, or of any floor, as distinguished from an elevation or perpendicular section. {Ground plane}, the horizontal plane of projection in perspective drawing. {Ground plate}. (a) (Arch.) One of the chief pieces of framing of a building; a timber laid horizontally on or near the ground to support the uprights; a ground sill or groundsel. (b) (Railroads) A bed plate for sleepers or ties; a mudsill.

(c) (Teleg.) A metallic plate buried in the earth to conduct the electric current thereto. Connection to the pipes of a gas or water main is usual in cities. --Knight. {Ground plot}, the ground upon which any structure is erected; hence, any basis or foundation; also, a ground plan. {Ground plum} (Bot.), a leguminous plant ({Astragalus caryocarpus}) occurring from the Saskatchewan to Texas, and having a succulent plum-shaped pod. {Ground rat}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Ground pig} (above). {Ground rent}, rent paid for the privilege of building on another man's land. {Ground robin}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Chewink}. {Ground room}, a room on the ground floor; a lower room. --Tatler. {Ground sea}, the West Indian name for a swell of the ocean, which occurs in calm weather and without obvious cause, breaking on the shore in heavy roaring billows; -- called also {rollers}, and in Jamaica, {the North sea}. {Ground sill}. See {Ground plate} (a) (above).

{Ground snake} (Zo["o]l.), a small burrowing American snake ({Celuta am[oe]na}). It is salmon colored, and has a blunt tail. {Ground squirrel}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) One of numerous species of burrowing rodents of the genera {Tamias} and {Spermophilus}, having cheek pouches. The former genus includes the Eastern striped squirrel or chipmunk and some allied Western species; the latter includes the prairie squirrel or striped gopher, the gray gopher, and many allied Western species. See {Chipmunk}, and {Gopher}. (b) Any species of the African genus {Xerus}, allied to {Tamias}. {Ground story}. Same as {Ground floor} (above). {Ground substance} (Anat.), the intercellular substance, or matrix, of tissues. {Ground swell}. (a) (Bot.) The plant groundsel. [Obs.] --Holland. (b) A broad, deep swell or undulation of the ocean, caused by a long continued gale, and felt even at a remote distance after the gale has ceased. {Ground table}. (Arch.) See Earth table, under Earth.

{Ground tackle} (Naut.), the tackle necessary to secure a vessel at anchor. --Totten. {Ground thrush} (Zo["o]l.), one of numerous species of bright-colored Oriental birds of the family {Pittid[ae]}. See {Pitta}. {Ground tier}. (a) The lowest tier of water casks in a vessel's hold. --Totten. (b) The lowest line of articles of any kind stowed in a vessel's hold. (c) The lowest range of boxes in a theater. {Ground timbers} (Shipbuilding) the timbers which lie on the keel and are bolted to the keelson; floor timbers. --Knight. {Ground tit}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Ground wren} (below). {Ground wheel}, that wheel of a harvester, mowing machine, etc., which, rolling on the ground, drives the mechanism. {Ground wren} (Zo["o]l.), a small California bird ({Cham[ae]a fasciata}) allied to the wrens and titmice. It inhabits the arid plains. Called also {ground tit}, and {wren tit}.

{To bite the ground}, {To break ground}. See under {Bite}, {Break}. {To come to the ground}, {To fall to the ground}, to come to nothing; to fail; to miscarry. {To gain ground}. (a) To advance; to proceed forward in conflict; as, an army in battle gains ground. (b) To obtain an advantage; to have some success; as, the army gains ground on the enemy. (c) To gain credit; to become more prosperous or influential. {To get ground}, or {To gather ground}, to gain ground. [R.] ``Evening mist . . . gathers ground fast.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster] There is no way for duty to prevail, and get ground of them, but by bidding higher. --South. {To give ground}, to recede; to yield advantage. [1913 Webster] These nine . . . began to give me ground. --Shak. {To lose ground}, to retire; to retreat; to withdraw from the position taken; hence, to lose advantage; to lose credit or reputation; to decline.

-- {To stand one's ground}, to stand firm; to resist attack or encroachment. --Atterbury.{To take the ground} to touch bottom or become stranded; -- said of a ship. [1913 Webster] Related comparisons Marmots | Article about Marmots by The Free Dictionary Marmots | Article about Marmots by The Free Dictionary ground-living rodent rodent, member of the mammalian order Rodentia, characterized by front teeth adapted for gnawing and cheek teeth adapted for chewing. The Rodentia is by far the largest mammalian order; nearly half of all mammal species are rodents. ..... Click the link for more information. of the genus Marmota, of the squirrel squirrel, name for small or medium-sized rodents of the family Sciuridae, found throughout the world except in Australia, Madagascar, and the polar regions; it is applied especially to the tree-living species. ..... Click the link for more information. family, closely related to the ground squirrel, prairie dog, and chipmunk.

Marmots are found in Eurasia and North America; the best-known North American marmot is the woodchuck woodchuck or groundhog, common name of a North American species of marmot, Marmota monax. This large rodent is found in open woods and ravines throughout most of Canada and the NE United States. Its heavyset body is about 2 ft (60 cm) long, excluding the 6 in. ..... Click the link for more information. , M. monax, of Canada and the E United States. Marmots inhabit plains or open country in mountainous regions. They live in burrows (some species in large colonies). They hibernate during the winter and mate immediately thereafter. Active during the day, they feed chiefly on grasses and other green plants. Marmots have stout bodies, rounded ears, and powerful digging claws. They can sit upright. They vary in length from 15 to 25 in. (38–64 cm), excluding 5- to 12-in. (16- to 30-cm) bushy tails. The coarse fur, which is usually brown on the upper parts, is often tipped with white.

The yellow-bellied marmot, M. flaviventris, is found in W North America from S Canada to New Mexico. The hoary marmot, M. caligata, also called whistler from its shrill warning call, is found in Siberia and from Alaska S to Idaho. A colonial animal, it lives in mountains above the timberline. Largest of the marmots, it is also distinguished by its pale yellow-gray fur and black and white head. The Alpine marmot, M. marmota, lives below the snow level in the Alps. The bobac, M. bobak, is a marmot found in mountains from E Europe through central Asia. It is hunted for its flesh by the Mongols, and its fur is used as imitation marten. Marmots are classified in the phylum Chordata Chordata , phylum of animals having a notochord, or dorsal stiffening rod, as the chief internal skeletal support at some stage of their development. Most chordates are vertebrates (animals with backbones), but the phylum also includes some small marine invertebrate animals. ..... Click the link for more information.

, subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Sciuridae. marmot [′mär·mət] (vertebrate zoology) Any of several species of stout-bodied, short-legged burrowing rodents of the genus Marmota in the squirrel family Sciuridae. marmot 1. any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genus Marmota, of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are heavily built, having short legs, a short furry tail, and coarse fur 2. prairie marmot another name for prairie dog marmot - definition, etymology and usage, examples and related words marmot Definitions WordNet 3.6 n marmot stocky coarse-furred burrowing rodent with a short bushy tail found throughout the northern hemisphere; hibernates in winter *** Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary marmot Any one of several species of ground squirrels or gophers of the genus Spermophilus; also, the prairie dog.

marmot (Zoöl) Any rodent of the genus Marmotaformerly Arctomys) of the subfamily Sciurinae. The common European marmot (Marmota marmotta) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The bobac is another European species. The common American species (Marmota monax) is the woodchuckalso called groundhog), but the name marmot is usually used only for the western variety. *** Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia n marmot A rodent quadruped of the genus Arctomys; a bear-mouse, ground-hog, or woodchuck. There are several species, of Europe, Asia, and North America: they are the largest living representatives of the Sciuridœ, or squirrel family, of stout thickset form, with short bushy tail. They are terrestrial and fossorial, living in underground burrows, generally in open ground and often in communities, and hibernate in winter. The species to which the name was originally given is Arctomys marmotta or A. alpinus. inhabiting the Alps and Pyrenees.

A. bobac is the Asiatic marmot, occurring also in parts of Europe, especially in Russia. North America as at least three species: the common woodchuck or ground-hog, A. monax, found abundantly in many parts of the United States and Canada; the yellow-bellied marmot of the Rocky Mountains, A. flaviventris; and the large hoary marmot or whistler of northwestern America, A. pruinosus. Besides the foregoing, some of the larger species of the related genera Cynomys and Spermophilus, which include the prairie-dogs and marmot-squirrels, are sometimes called marmots. See cut under Arctomys. n marmot The Cape cony, Hyrax capensis: a misnomer. Kolbe, Vosmaer, Buffon, etc. *** Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary n Marmot mär′mot a rodent animal, about the size of a rabbit, which inhabits the higher parts of the Alps and Pyrenees. *** Etymology Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary It. marmotta, marmotto, prob. fr. L.

mus montanus, or mus montis, lit., mountain mouse or rat. See Mountain, and Mouse Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary It. marmotto—Romansch murmont—L. mus montanus, mountain-mouse. Usage What is The Difference Between Groundhog and Hedgehog ( Disqus: User Comparisons ) Groundhog The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, or whistlepig, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. groundhog n : reddish brown North American marmot [syn: {woodchuck}, {Marmota monax}] marmot \mar"mot\ (m[aum]r"m[o^]t; 277), n. [It. marmotta, marmotto, prob. fr. L. mus montanus, or mus montis, lit., mountain mouse or rat. See {Mountain}, and {Mouse}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any rodent of the genus {Marmota} (formerly {Arctomys}) of the subfamily Sciurinae.

The common European marmot ({Marmota marmotta}) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The {bobac} is another European species. The common American species ({Marmota monax}) is the {woodchuck} (also called {groundhog}), but the name marmot is usually used only for the western variety. [1913 Webster +PJC] 2. Any one of several species of ground squirrels or gophers of the genus {Spermophilus}; also, the prairie dog. [1913 Webster] {Marmot squirrel} (Zo["o]l.), a ground squirrel or spermophile. {Prairie marmot}. See {Prairie dog}. [1913 Webster] groundhog \ground"hog`\, ground hog \ground" hog`\ (ground"h[o^]g`), n. A reddish brown North American burrowing marmot ({Marmota monax}), also called the {woodchuck}. It hibernates in the winter. Syn: woodchuck, {Marmota monax}.

[WordNet 1.5] Hog \Hog\ (h[o^]g), n. [Prob. akin to E. hack to cut, and meaning orig., a castrated boar; cf. also W. hwch swine, sow, Armor. houc'h, hoc'h. Cf. {Haggis}, {Hogget}, and {Hoggerel}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) A quadruped of the genus {Sus}, and allied genera of {Suid[ae]}; esp., the domesticated varieties of {Sus scrofa}, kept for their fat and meat, called, respectively, {lard} and {pork}; swine; porker; specifically, a castrated boar; a barrow. [1913 Webster] Note: The domestic hogs of Siam, China, and parts of Southern Europe, are thought to have been derived from {Sus Indicus}. [1913 Webster] 2. A mean, filthy, or gluttonous fellow. [Low.] [1913 Webster] 3. A young sheep that has not been shorn.

[Eng.] [1913 Webster] 4. (Naut.) A rough, flat scrubbing broom for scrubbing a ship's bottom under water. --Totten. [1913 Webster] 5. (Paper Manuf.) A device for mixing and stirring the pulp of which paper is made. [1913 Webster] {Bush hog}, {Ground hog}, etc.. See under {Bush}, {Ground}, etc. {Hog caterpillar} (Zo["o]l.), the larva of the green grapevine sphinx; -- so called because the head and first three segments are much smaller than those behind them, so as to make a resemblance to a hog's snout. See {Hawk moth}. {Hog cholera}, an epidemic contagious fever of swine, attended by liquid, fetid, diarrhea, and by the appearance on the skin and mucous membrane of spots and patches of a scarlet, purple, or black color. It is fatal in from one to six days, or ends in a slow, uncertain recovery. --Law (Farmer's Veter. Adviser.) {Hog deer} (Zo["o]l.), the axis deer.

{Hog gum} (Bot.), West Indian tree ({Symphonia globulifera}), yielding an aromatic gum. {Hog of wool}, the trade name for the fleece or wool of sheep of the second year. {Hog peanut} (Bot.), a kind of earth pea. {Hog plum} (Bot.), a tropical tree, of the genus {Spondias} ({Spondias lutea}), with fruit somewhat resembling plums, but chiefly eaten by hogs. It is found in the West Indies. {Hog's bean} (Bot.), the plant henbane. {Hog's bread}.(Bot.) See {Sow bread}. {Hog's fennel}. (Bot.) See under {Fennel}. {Mexican hog} (Zo["o]l.), the peccary. {Water hog}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Capybara}. [1913 Webster] Woodchuck \Wood"chuck`\, n. 1. (Zo["o]l.) A common large North American marmot ({Arctomys monax}). It is usually reddish brown, more or less grizzled with gray.

It makes extensive burrows, and is often injurious to growing crops. Called also {ground hog}. [1913 Webster] 2. (Zo["o]l.) The yaffle, or green woodpecker. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster] groundhog \ground"hog`\, ground hog \ground" hog`\ (ground"h[o^]g`), n. A reddish brown North American burrowing marmot ({Marmota monax}), also called the {woodchuck}. It hibernates in the winter. Syn: woodchuck, {Marmota monax}. [WordNet 1.5] ground \ground\ (ground), n. [OE. ground, grund, AS. grund; akin to D. grond, OS., G., Sw., & Dan. grund, Icel. grunnr bottom, Goth. grundus (in composition); perh. orig. meaning, dust, gravel, and if so perh. akin to E. grind.] 1. The surface of the earth; the outer crust of the globe, or some indefinite portion of it.

[1913 Webster] There was not a man to till the ground. --Gen. ii. 5. [1913 Webster] The fire ran along upon the ground. --Ex. ix. 23. Hence: A floor or pavement supposed to rest upon the earth. [1913 Webster] 2. Any definite portion of the earth's surface; region; territory; country. Hence: A territory appropriated to, or resorted to, for a particular purpose; the field or place of action; as, a hunting or fishing ground; a play ground. [1913 Webster] From . . . old Euphrates, to the brook that parts Egypt from Syrian ground. --Milton. [1913 Webster] 3. Land; estate; possession; field; esp. (pl.), the gardens, lawns, fields, etc., belonging to a homestead; as, the grounds of the estate are well kept. [1913 Webster] Thy next design is on thy neighbor's grounds. --Dryden. 4. [1913 Webster] 4. The basis on which anything rests; foundation.

Hence: The foundation of knowledge, belief, or conviction; a premise, reason, or datum; ultimate or first principle; cause of existence or occurrence; originating force or agency; as, the ground of my hope. [1913 Webster] 5. (Paint. & Decorative Art) (a) That surface upon which the figures of a composition are set, and which relieves them by its plainness, being either of one tint or of tints but slightly contrasted with one another; as, crimson Bowers on a white ground. See {Background}, {Foreground}, and {Middle-ground}. (b) In sculpture, a flat surface upon which figures are raised in relief. (c) In point lace, the net of small meshes upon which the embroidered pattern is applied; as, Brussels ground. See {Brussels lace}, under {Brussels}. [1913 Webster] 6. (Etching) A gummy composition spread over the surface of a metal to be etched, to prevent the acid from eating except where an opening is made by the needle. [1913 Webster] 7.

(Arch.) One of the pieces of wood, flush with the plastering, to which moldings, etc., are attached; -- usually in the plural. [1913 Webster] Note: Grounds are usually put up first and the plastering floated flush with them. [1913 Webster] 8. (Mus.) (a) A composition in which the bass, consisting of a few bars of independent notes, is continually repeated to a varying melody. (b) The tune on which descants are raised; the plain song. --Moore (Encyc.). [1913 Webster] On that ground I'll build a holy descant. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 9. (Elec.) A conducting connection with the earth, whereby the earth is made part of an electrical circuit. [1913 Webster] 10. pl. Sediment at the bottom of liquors or liquids; dregs; lees; feces; as, coffee grounds. [1913 Webster] 11. The pit of a theater. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.

[1913 Webster] {Ground angling}, angling with a weighted line without a float. {Ground annual} (Scots Law), an estate created in land by a vassal who instead of selling his land outright reserves an annual ground rent, which becomes a perpetual charge upon the land. {Ground ash}. (Bot.) See {Groutweed}. {Ground bailiff} (Mining), a superintendent of mines. --Simmonds. {Ground bait}, bits of bread, boiled barley or worms, etc., thrown into the water to collect the fish, --Wallon. {Ground bass} or {Ground base} (Mus.), fundamental base; a fundamental base continually repeated to a varied melody. {Ground beetle} (Zo["o]l.), one of numerous species of carnivorous beetles of the family {Carabid[ae]}, living mostly in burrows or under stones, etc. {Ground chamber}, a room on the ground floor. {Ground cherry}. (Bot.) (a) A genus ({Physalis}) of herbaceous plants having an inflated calyx for a seed pod: esp., the strawberry tomato ({Physalis Alkekengi}). See {Alkekengl}.

(b) A European shrub ({Prunus Cham[ae]cerasus}), with small, very acid fruit. {Ground cuckoo}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Chaparral cock}. {Ground cypress}. (Bot.) See {Lavender cotton}. {Ground dove} (Zo["o]l.), one of several small American pigeons of the genus {Columbigallina}, esp. {C. passerina} of the Southern United States, Mexico, etc. They live chiefly on the ground. {Ground fish} (Zo["o]l.), any fish which constantly lives on the botton of the sea, as the sole, turbot, halibut. {Ground floor}, the floor of a house most nearly on a level with the ground; -- called also in America, but not in England, the {first floor}. {Ground form} (Gram.), the stem or basis of a word, to which the other parts are added in declension or conjugation. It is sometimes, but not always, the same as the root.

{Ground furze} (Bot.), a low slightly thorny, leguminous shrub ({Ononis arvensis}) of Europe and Central Asia,; -- called also {rest-harrow}. {Ground game}, hares, rabbits, etc., as distinguished from winged game. {Ground hele} (Bot.), a perennial herb ({Veronica officinalis}) with small blue flowers, common in Europe and America, formerly thought to have curative properties. {Ground of the heavens} (Astron.), the surface of any part of the celestial sphere upon which the stars may be regarded as projected. {Ground hemlock} (Bot.), the yew ({Taxus baccata} var. Canadensisi) of eastern North America, distinguished from that of Europe by its low, straggling stems. {Ground hog}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) The woodchuck or American marmot ({Arctomys monax}). See {Woodchuck}. (b) The aardvark. {Ground hold} (Naut.), ground tackle. [Obs.] --Spenser. {Ground ice}, ice formed at the bottom of a body of water before it forms on the surface.

{Ground ivy}. (Bot.) A trailing plant; alehoof. See {Gill}. {Ground joist}, a joist for a basement or ground floor; a. sleeper. {Ground lark} (Zo["o]l.), the European pipit. See {Pipit}. {Ground laurel} (Bot.). See {Trailing arbutus}, under {Arbutus}. {Ground line} (Descriptive Geom.), the line of intersection of the horizontal and vertical planes of projection. {Ground liverwort} (Bot.), a flowerless plant with a broad flat forking thallus and the fruit raised on peduncled and radiated receptacles ({Marchantia polymorpha}). {Ground mail}, in Scotland, the fee paid for interment in a churchyard. {Ground mass} (Geol.), the fine-grained or glassy base of a rock, in which distinct crystals of its constituents are embedded. {Ground parrakeet} (Zo["o]l.), one of several Australian parrakeets, of the genera {Callipsittacus} and {Geopsittacus}, which live mainly upon the ground.

{Ground pearl} (Zo["o]l.), an insect of the family {Coccid[ae]} ({Margarodes formicarum}), found in ants' nests in the Bahamas, and having a shelly covering. They are strung like beads, and made into necklaces by the natives. {Ground pig} (Zo["o]l.), a large, burrowing, African rodent ({Aulacodus Swinderianus}) about two feet long, allied to the porcupines but with harsh, bristly hair, and no spines; -- called also {ground rat}. {Ground pigeon} (Zo["o]l.), one of numerous species of pigeons which live largely upon the ground, as the tooth-billed pigeon ({Didunculus strigirostris}), of the Samoan Islands, and the crowned pigeon, or goura. See {Goura}, and {Ground dove} (above). {Ground pine}. (Bot.) (a) A blue-flowered herb of the genus {Ajuga} ({A.

Cham[ae]pitys}), formerly included in the genus {Teucrium} or germander, and named from its resinous smell. --Sir J. Hill. (b) A long, creeping, evergreen plant of the genus {Lycopodium} ({L. clavatum}); -- called also {club moss}. (c) A tree-shaped evergreen plant about eight inches in height, of the same genus ({L. dendroideum}) found in moist, dark woods in the northern part of the United States. --Gray. {Ground plan} (Arch.), a plan of the ground floor of any building, or of any floor, as distinguished from an elevation or perpendicular section. {Ground plane}, the horizontal plane of projection in perspective drawing. {Ground plate}. (a) (Arch.) One of the chief pieces of framing of a building; a timber laid horizontally on or near the ground to support the uprights; a ground sill or groundsel. (b) (Railroads) A bed plate for sleepers or ties; a mudsill. (c) (Teleg.) A metallic plate buried in the earth to conduct the electric current thereto.

Connection to the pipes of a gas or water main is usual in cities. --Knight. {Ground plot}, the ground upon which any structure is erected; hence, any basis or foundation; also, a ground plan. {Ground plum} (Bot.), a leguminous plant ({Astragalus caryocarpus}) occurring from the Saskatchewan to Texas, and having a succulent plum-shaped pod. {Ground rat}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Ground pig} (above). {Ground rent}, rent paid for the privilege of building on another man's land. {Ground robin}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Chewink}. {Ground room}, a room on the ground floor; a lower room. --Tatler. {Ground sea}, the West Indian name for a swell of the ocean, which occurs in calm weather and without obvious cause, breaking on the shore in heavy roaring billows; -- called also {rollers}, and in Jamaica, {the North sea}. {Ground sill}. See {Ground plate} (a) (above). {Ground snake} (Zo["o]l.), a small burrowing American snake ({Celuta am[oe]na}).

It is salmon colored, and has a blunt tail. {Ground squirrel}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) One of numerous species of burrowing rodents of the genera {Tamias} and {Spermophilus}, having cheek pouches. The former genus includes the Eastern striped squirrel or chipmunk and some allied Western species; the latter includes the prairie squirrel or striped gopher, the gray gopher, and many allied Western species. See {Chipmunk}, and {Gopher}. (b) Any species of the African genus {Xerus}, allied to {Tamias}. {Ground story}. Same as {Ground floor} (above). {Ground substance} (Anat.), the intercellular substance, or matrix, of tissues. {Ground swell}. (a) (Bot.) The plant groundsel. [Obs.] --Holland. (b) A broad, deep swell or undulation of the ocean, caused by a long continued gale, and felt even at a remote distance after the gale has ceased. {Ground table}. (Arch.) See Earth table, under Earth. {Ground tackle} (Naut.), the tackle necessary to secure a vessel at anchor. --Totten.

{Ground thrush} (Zo["o]l.), one of numerous species of bright-colored Oriental birds of the family {Pittid[ae]}. See {Pitta}. {Ground tier}. (a) The lowest tier of water casks in a vessel's hold. --Totten. (b) The lowest line of articles of any kind stowed in a vessel's hold. (c) The lowest range of boxes in a theater. {Ground timbers} (Shipbuilding) the timbers which lie on the keel and are bolted to the keelson; floor timbers. --Knight. {Ground tit}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Ground wren} (below). {Ground wheel}, that wheel of a harvester, mowing machine, etc., which, rolling on the ground, drives the mechanism. {Ground wren} (Zo["o]l.), a small California bird ({Cham[ae]a fasciata}) allied to the wrens and titmice. It inhabits the arid plains. Called also {ground tit}, and {wren tit}. {To bite the ground}, {To break ground}. See under {Bite}, {Break}.

{To come to the ground}, {To fall to the ground}, to come to nothing; to fail; to miscarry. {To gain ground}. (a) To advance; to proceed forward in conflict; as, an army in battle gains ground. (b) To obtain an advantage; to have some success; as, the army gains ground on the enemy. (c) To gain credit; to become more prosperous or influential. {To get ground}, or {To gather ground}, to gain ground. [R.] ``Evening mist . . . gathers ground fast.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster] There is no way for duty to prevail, and get ground of them, but by bidding higher. --South. {To give ground}, to recede; to yield advantage. [1913 Webster] These nine . . . began to give me ground. --Shak. {To lose ground}, to retire; to retreat; to withdraw from the position taken; hence, to lose advantage; to lose credit or reputation; to decline. -- {To stand one's ground}, to stand firm; to resist attack or encroachment.

--Atterbury.{To take the ground} to touch bottom or become stranded; -- said of a ship. [1913 Webster] Related comparisons What does marmot mean? This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word marmot Princeton's WordNet(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: marmot(noun) stocky coarse-furred burrowing rodent with a short bushy tail found throughout the northern hemisphere; hibernates in winter GCIDE(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: marmot(n.) (Zool.) Any rodent of the genus Marmota (formerly Arctomys) of the subfamily Sciurinae. The common European marmot (Marmota marmotta) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The bobac is another European species. The common American species (Marmota monax) is the woodchuck (also called groundhog), but the name marmot is usually used only for the western variety. Origin: [It. marmotta, marmotto, prob. fr. L.

mus montanus, or mus montis, lit., mountain mouse or rat. See Mountain, and Mouse.] Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: marmot(Noun) Any of several large ground-dwelling rodents of the genera Marmota and Cynomys in the squirrel family. Origin: marmote, from marmotaine, marmontaine, murmontain, from Old Franco-Provençal marmotan, mures montani, from mus monti 'mountain rat', from Classical Latin mus alpini; akin to (Engadine) murmont, muremunto, dialectal Murmentel, standard Murmeltier. Webster Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Marmot(noun) any rodent of the genus Arctomys. The common European marmot (A. marmotta) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The bobac is another European species. The common American species (A.

monax) is the woodchuck Marmot(noun) any one of several species of ground squirrels or gophers of the genus Spermophilus; also, the prairie dog Origin: [It. marmotta, marmotto, prob. fr. L. mus montanus, or mus montis, lit., mountain mouse or rat. See Mountain, and Mouse.] Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Marmot Marmots are large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota, of which there are 15 species. Those most often referred to as marmots tend to live in mountainous areas, such as the Alps, northern Apennines, Eurasian steppes, Carpathians, Tatras, and Pyrenees in Europe and northwestern Asia; the Rocky Mountains, Black Hills, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada in North America; and the Deosai Plateau in Pakistan and Ladakh in India. The groundhog, however, is also sometimes called a marmot, while the similarly sized, but more social, prairie dog is not classified in the genus Marmota but in the related genus Cynomys.

Marmots typically live in burrows, and hibernate there through the winter. Most marmots are highly social and use loud whistles to communicate with one another, especially when alarmed. Marmots mainly eat greens and many types of grasses, berries, lichens, mosses, roots and flowers. Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Marmot mär′mot, n. a rodent animal, about the size of a rabbit, which inhabits the higher parts of the Alps and Pyrenees. [It. marmotto—Romansch murmont—L. mus montanus, mountain-mouse.] Numerology The numerical value of marmot in Chaldean Numerology is: 4 Pythagorean Numerology Groundhogs, Groundhog Pictures, Grounghog Facts - National Geographic Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man Please add a "relative" entry to your dictionary. The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots. These rodents live a feast-or-famine lifestyle and gorge themselves all summer to build up plentiful reserves of fat.

After the first frost, they retreat to their underground burrows and snooze until spring, drawing their sustenance from body fat. While hibernating, the animal's heart rate plunges, and its body temperature is not much warmer than the temperature inside its burrow. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular American custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Tradition dictates that if a groundhog sees its shadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter, though such a prediction seems a sure bet over much of the groundhog's North American range. In the spring, females welcome a litter of perhaps a half dozen newborns, which stay with their mother for several months. Groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family. Though they are usually seen on the ground, they can climb trees and are also capable swimmers. These rodents frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams. Here they eat grasses and plants as well as fruits and tree bark. Groundhogs are the bane of many a gardener. They can decimate a plot while voraciously feeding during the summer and fall seasons.

groundhog | rodent | Britannica.com Groundhog Alternative Titles: Marmota monax, woodchuck Related Topics vertebrate Groundhog (Marmota monax), also called woodchuck, one of 14 species of marmots (Marmota), considered basically a giant North American ground squirrel . It is sometimes destructive to gardens and pasturelands. Classified as a marmot, the groundhog is a member of the squirrel family, Sciuridae, within the order Rodentia . According to popular legend in the United States , it emerges from hibernation each year on February 2, which is designated as Groundhog Day , and if it sees its shadow, winter will last six more weeks. The woodchuck (Marmota monax) is also known as a groundhog or marmot. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Woodchuck (Marmota monax). © Photos.com/Jupiterimages This stout-bodied rodent weighs up to 6 kg (13 pounds) and has a body length of up to 50 cm (about 20 inches) and a short, bushy tail up to 18 cm (7 inches) long.

Thick fur on the upper parts ranges in colour through various shades of brown; the feet are darker, and the underparts are buff. Melanistic (nearly black) and albino individuals sometimes occur in some populations. Found from the eastern and central United States northward across Canada and into Alaska , they most commonly live along forest edges abutting meadows, open fields, roads, and streams, but they are occasionally also encountered in dense forests. The groundhog is solitary except in the spring, when a litter of four to six young is born. (Litters of one to nine have been recorded.) The young stay with the mother for two to three months. Groundhog (Marmota monax). Groundhog (Marmota monax). © Photos.com/Jupiterimages Although groundhogs dig deep and extensive burrow systems, they are also good swimmers and can climb tall shrubs and sizable trees . They are most active in the morning and evening, eating grasses and other green plants, as well as some fruit and the bark and buds of trees. They feed heavily in summer and early fall, accumulating huge fat reserves for the winter. The animal is a true hibernator .

It curls into what appears to be a lifeless ball, its body temperature drops nearly to the ambient temperature of the burrow, and its heart rate decreases from 75 to 4 beats per minute. During the winter months the burrow may also provide shelter for foxes (Vulpes), skunks (Mephitis), the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), raccoons (Procyon), and other animals, particularly cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus). Groundhogs were once the objects of sport hunting and are considered quite edible. Groundhog (Marmota monax) emerging from a snowy den. © Brian E Kushner/Fotolia Marmot | Article about marmot by The Free Dictionary Marmot | Article about marmot by The Free Dictionary ground-living rodent rodent, member of the mammalian order Rodentia, characterized by front teeth adapted for gnawing and cheek teeth adapted for chewing. The Rodentia is by far the largest mammalian order; nearly half of all mammal species are rodents. ..... Click the link for more information.

of the genus Marmota, of the squirrel squirrel, name for small or medium-sized rodents of the family Sciuridae, found throughout the world except in Australia, Madagascar, and the polar regions; it is applied especially to the tree-living species. ..... Click the link for more information. family, closely related to the ground squirrel, prairie dog, and chipmunk. Marmots are found in Eurasia and North America; the best-known North American marmot is the woodchuck woodchuck or groundhog, common name of a North American species of marmot, Marmota monax. This large rodent is found in open woods and ravines throughout most of Canada and the NE United States. Its heavyset body is about 2 ft (60 cm) long, excluding the 6 in. ..... Click the link for more information. , M. monax, of Canada and the E United States. Marmots inhabit plains or open country in mountainous regions. They live in burrows (some species in large colonies). They hibernate during the winter and mate immediately thereafter. Active during the day, they feed chiefly on grasses and other green plants.

Marmots have stout bodies, rounded ears, and powerful digging claws. They can sit upright. They vary in length from 15 to 25 in. (38–64 cm), excluding 5- to 12-in. (16- to 30-cm) bushy tails. The coarse fur, which is usually brown on the upper parts, is often tipped with white. The yellow-bellied marmot, M. flaviventris, is found in W North America from S Canada to New Mexico. The hoary marmot, M. caligata, also called whistler from its shrill warning call, is found in Siberia and from Alaska S to Idaho. A colonial animal, it lives in mountains above the timberline. Largest of the marmots, it is also distinguished by its pale yellow-gray fur and black and white head. The Alpine marmot, M. marmota, lives below the snow level in the Alps. The bobac, M. bobak, is a marmot found in mountains from E Europe through central Asia. It is hunted for its flesh by the Mongols, and its fur is used as imitation marten.

Marmots are classified in the phylum Chordata Chordata , phylum of animals having a notochord, or dorsal stiffening rod, as the chief internal skeletal support at some stage of their development. Most chordates are vertebrates (animals with backbones), but the phylum also includes some small marine invertebrate animals. ..... Click the link for more information. , subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Sciuridae. marmot [′mär·mət] (vertebrate zoology) Any of several species of stout-bodied, short-legged burrowing rodents of the genus Marmota in the squirrel family Sciuridae. marmot 1. any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genus Marmota, of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are heavily built, having short legs, a short furry tail, and coarse fur 2.

prairie marmot another name for prairie dog Richardson's Ground Squirrels: Phylogenetic Tree Phylogenetic Tree of Richardson's Ground Squirrels (also known as gophers) Ground squirrels are members of the mammalian Order Rodentia, Family Sciuridae, Class Mammalia. In North America, the squirrel family includes ground squirrels (formerly classed in the genus Spermophilus but since 2009 reorganized into the genera Urocitellus, Poliocitellus, Otospermophilus, Callospermophilus, Xerospermophilus, and Ictidomys), prairie dogs (Cynomys), marmots (Marmota), antelope squirrels (Ammospermophilus), chipmunks (Tamias), tree squirrels (Sciurus and Tamiasciurus), and flying squirrels (Glaucomys). Phylogeny The phylogenic tree below is adapted from Harrison et al. (2003). Note that the generic names used by Harrison et al. (2003) for North American species changed following the generic revision by Helgen at al. (2009).

Species names that are underlined are linked to a brief description of that species. A maple leaf behind the species name indicates that the species is found in Canada. C. indicates prairie dogs in the genus Cynomys. The name prairie dog refers to a warning call that sounds similar to a dog's bark. M. indicates marmots in the genus Marmota. Marmots are the largest members of the squirrel family, attaining weights of 2-6 kg depending on the species. S. indicates ground squirrels formerly in the genus Spermophilus. A. indicates antelope squirrels in the genus Ammospermophilus. Use the following link to view the phylogenetic tree, then click anywhere in the tree to enlarge. Species links from phylogenic tree: Urocitellus columbianus (Columbian ground squirrel) Grayish fur flecked with buffy spots, and reddish fur on face, forelegs and tail. Found in alpine meadows of the Rocky Mountains of south-western Alberta, eastern British Columbia, and the north-west United States.

Ictidomys tridecemlineatus (thirteen-lined ground squirrel) Distinguished by thirteen whitish stripes, some continuous and others interrupted to form spots. This species is widespread, but not common, throughout the Great Plains and prairie regions of central United States and Canada. Callospermophilus lateralis (golden-mantled ground squirrel) Due to the conspicuous white stripe on the sides, this ground squirrel is often confused with a chipmunk. However, the golden-mantled ground squirrel is larger and has a russet-coloured mantle on the shoulders. It lives in the high mountains of western North America. Poliocitellus franklinii (Franklin's ground squirrel) The long bushy tail of the Franklin's ground squirrels is more reminiscent of tree squirrels than other ground squirrels. This species can be identified by its conspicuous grey tail, gray head and shoulders, and by its choice of habitat. Whereas most other ground squirrels live in open habitats such as alpine meadows and short grass prairies, Franklin's ground squirrels prefer tall-grass prairies, shrub land, and aspen parkland.

Urocitellus parryii (Arctic ground squirrel) The most northerly species of ground squirrel, with a range extending to the Arctic Ocean. The head is cinnamon brown, the dorsal fur is flecked with white, and the belly is grayish. Urocitellus elegans (Wyoming ground squirrel) The similarity in appearance between Wyoming ground squirrels and Richardson's ground squirrels is so great that for many years the Wyoming ground squirrel was considered to be a subspecies of Richardson's ground squirrels. However, genetic evidence, such as the difference in numbers of chromosomes, justifies classification as a separate species. The Wyoming ground squirrel occurs in three distinct locations in the US, primarily in Montana/Idaho, Wyoming/Colorado, and Nevada. Urocitellus armatus (Uinta ground squirrel) Distinguished from Townsend's and Richardson's ground squirrels by its blackish tail. Found in the foothills and mountains of Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. Urocitellus beldingi (Belding's ground squirrel) Distinguished from Richardson's ground squirrel by the reddish underside of its tail and from Townsend's ground squirrel by its larger size and cinnamon under-parts.

Colonies are found in mountain meadows surrounded by coniferous forests in western United States. Urocitellus townsendii (Townsend's ground squirrel) A relatively small, buff-colored squirrel found in the sandy sagebrush valleys of western United States. Xeropermophilus tereticaudus (round-tailed ground squirrel) This desert ground squirrel of southwest United States has two color phases, pinkish-cinnamon and dull gray. Otospermophilus beecheyi (California ground squirrel) Characterized by a mottled brown coat with a darker band extending from head over the back. They are slightly smaller than rock squirrels and are found in the far west United States. Otospermophilus variegatus (rock squirrel) Intermixed black and white hairs give it a grizzled appearance, and black fur may cover the head and shoulders of some subspecies. Found in rocky areas of southwest United States and central Mexico. Cynomys ludovicianus (black-tailed prairie dog) The black-tipped tail of the black-tailed prairie dog is short relative to overall body size. When they stand upright, black-tailed prairie dogs appear to tilt slightly backwards.

The black-tailed prairie dog has an extremely large geographic range, extending from northern Mexico to southern Canada. As a result of the introduction of European agriculture to North America, remnant populations of black-tailed prairie dogs are now smaller and more scattered than the historical distribution. Cynomys parvidens (Utah prairie dog) Belonging to the white-tailed group, this species represents the western-most outpost of prairie dog populations in Utah. They are also the least common and most restricted in range of all the prairie dogs. Cynomys gunnisoni (Gunnison's prairie dog) Cinnamon-buff coloration overlaid with black hairs. From central Colorado, its range extends into Arizona and New Mexico. Cynomys leucurus (white-tailed prairie dog) White-tailed prairie dogs can be distinguished from the black-tailed prairie dogs by their smaller size and white-tipped tail. This species lives at high elevations in the Rocky Mountain region of the west-central United States. Marmota flaviventris (yellow-bellied marmot) Named after its yellow-brown underside, this marmot occurs in the northwest United States, south-central British Columbia, and southern Alberta.

It makes its burrows in rock slides or beneath a jumble of boulders. Marmota caligata (hoary marmot) Largest of the American marmots, it appears mostly black and white with black 'boots' on its feet and black streaks marking the sides of the head and neck. Found in western North America from Alberta to Alaska. Marmota olympus (Olympic marmot) Resembling the hoary marmot, its markings are less distinct and its coat bleaches yellow during the summer. Found in the Olympic Mountains of Washington. Marmota monax (woodchuck) This is the most widespread marmot, ranging from the eastern United States and Canada across the aspen parkland to Alaska. This species is also called the groundhog or whistle pig. Marmota vancouverensis (Vancouver Island marmot) An extremely endangered species found only on Vancouver Island. Extensive work on recovering the species is ongoing. Related Pages:

Question: What is a species of marmot, also called a groundhog, found in parts of the USA?
Answer: Woodchuck