Head to head
Antelope Jackrabbit vs Black-Tailed Jackrabbit
The antelope jackrabbit and black-tailed jackrabbit share overlapping desert range across the American Southwest, but the antelope jackrabbit stands out for its larger size and dramatic heat-shedding ears, while the black-tailed jackrabbit is best known for its distinctive dark-topped tail.
| Antelope Jackrabbit | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lepus alleni | Lepus californicus |
| Size | Among the largest jackrabbits | A moderately sized jackrabbit |
| Signature trait | Antelope-like bounding leaps and white flash patches | A distinctive black-topped tail |
| Ear function | Oversized ears specifically for heat dissipation | Large ears, though less extreme |
| Habitat | Hot desert | Desert and open grassland |
| Native range | Arizona and Sonora, Mexico | Western and southwestern United States and parts of Mexico |
| Diet | Herbivore | Herbivore |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Antelope Jackrabbit vs Black-tailed Jackrabbit: common questions
Which jackrabbit is bigger, the antelope jackrabbit or the black-tailed jackrabbit?
The antelope jackrabbit, which ranks among the largest jackrabbit species, is generally larger than the more moderately sized black-tailed jackrabbit.
How can you tell the antelope jackrabbit and black-tailed jackrabbit apart?
The antelope jackrabbit is known for its oversized, heat-dissipating ears and antelope-like bounding leaps with flashes of white fur, while the black-tailed jackrabbit is instead best identified by the distinctive black stripe running along the top of its tail.
Where are the antelope jackrabbit and black-tailed jackrabbit found?
The antelope jackrabbit is native to desert habitat across Arizona and parts of Sonora, Mexico, while the black-tailed jackrabbit ranges more broadly across desert and grassland habitat in the western and southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.