 Populations from the Atlantic coastal plain of Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia ("O. n. nuttalli") are somewhat brighter (more reddish yellow); populations from the Piedont and mountainous areas to the west ("O. n. aureolis") are somewhat more brownish; populations from Texas, northern Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois ("O. n. lisae" and "O. n. flammeus") have more yellowish overtones; populations from the Florida peninsula ("O. n. floridanus") are rich yellowish-brown.Because of their attractive golden colour, golden mice have often been used in books, such as "Poppy".Golden mice are granivorous and eat mostly seeds.