Heterogeomys is a genus of rodent in the family Geomyidae, found in Mexico, Central America and Colombia.

Heterogeomys are a small genus of rodents commonly known as pocket gophers, though the term applies to all genera within the family Geomyidae.

[1] The name pocket gopher was earned for this family because of their fur lined cheek pouches that can be used for carrying food.

The ventral side tends to be more variable in coloration, though in species such as H. underwoodi, the dorsal coat can have patterns such as white bands extending across the hind quarters.

[10] Pocket gophers also possess valvular ears, which can be closed to prevent the entry of soil into the auditory canal while digging.

[10] This is due to the added energy expenditures necessary to move around underground, and is a contributing factor to how destructive these animals can be towards crops that are cultivated by humans.

Heterogeomys are herbivores, who feed on corn, grass roots, cassava, rice, and sugar cane.

[13][14][15][16] Documents from before the Spanish settlement of Mexico report different methods on the catching and preparing of pocket gophers for food.

In Costa Rica, several methods of pest control have been pursued, but many have been abandoned in searching for the ideal solution.

[17] Evidence suggests that a close relationship has existed between pocket gophers and chewing lice for significant periods of time.

[18] It has been posited that this relationship is due to the fact that both of these creatures habits make them quite well suited for parallel evolution.