house mouse (Mus musculus musculus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Not confirmed.

 

CHARACTERISTICS: This species has a total length from 154-175 mm,
and the weight is 13-30 grams. The color of the back is yellow-brown to
gray-brown, and the belly is paler to white. The ears are naked, and the
tail is not sharply bicolored, nearly naked. This species is capable of breed-
ing throughout the year, and several litters of 3-10 young are born per
year. The nest is a loose structure of rags, papers and grass. This species
is colonial, and displays social dominance. It is nocturnal. They will consume
anything organic although they prefer grain. They can be known by their
spindle shaped droppings. This species is exotic introduced. Predators
include owls, hawks, fox, coyotes, weasels, raccoons and cats. They are
often used as a laboratory animal. They are a greater health hazard than
the Norway rat since they are able to gain access to humans and their food
storage areas.

 

DISTRIBUTION: This species is widespread along roadways but reaches
high densities near granaries and barns. In the winter they inhabit barns
or other buildings and in the summer they build their nests closer to food
sources in the fields.

 

FOODS: This species will eat anything, and prefers cereal grains and
vegetables.

 

 

Back to Inventory of Mammal Families and Species