(Dipus.) , A genus of rodent mammals allied to the mouse, having very short fore legs and remarkably long hind ones, and noted for their power of jumping by the aid of a long muscular tail. The average length of the body is about 8 inches, the tail often measuring 10 inches. They are common in Asia and Northern Africa, and a few species are found in Russia and North America. They live in burrows, are nocturnal in their habits, and hibernate.

JERBOA OR JUMPING MICE.