Long-eared jerboas get their name from the fact that their ears are 1/3 longer than their heads! The average long-eared jerboa measures up to 3.5 inches long and weighs up to 1.3 ounces, not counting their tail which can grow from 5.9-6.4 inches long. Their fur and tail are a warm brown color with a white underside, and a black and white tuft on the tail.

Long-eared jerboas are rodents found in Mongolia and China. Their ideal habitats are deserts and xeric shrublands where they can burrow and hide out until nighttime when they are active. Long-eared jerboas are so unique, they are the only member in their genus and subfamily.

Long-eared jerboas are insectivorous as they usually eat flying insects. They use their large ears to locate them and then use quick, high jumps to capture them. They also use their ears to avoid flying predators such as little owls, which is why they have neutral-colored coats and burrows to hide in.

There is little information known about the long-eared jerboa’s mating system since they carry monkey pox with them to captivity. Looking at other jerboas related to the long-eared jerboa, they mate twice a year in polygynous relationships, with females carrying 2-6 pups for about a month. The mother takes care of the nursing until they are sufficiently weaned.

Long-eared jerboas have long back feet that are roughly an inch and a half long. Using their tail for balance, they can run and jump similar to a kangaroo. The soles of their feet are covered in stiff hairs to protect them from the hot dessert, and a flap of skin keeps sand from getting into their nose when they jump at high speeds.