meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius americanus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Not confirmed.

 

CHARACTERISTICS: This is a long-tailed yellowish mouse with a total
length is 187-255 mm and a weight of 14-28 grams. The coat is generally
coarse with a broad dorsal band of brown to yellowish brown darkened with
brownish black. The underparts are white separated from the sides by a
yellow band. The tail is distinctly bicolor, dark brown above and yellowish
white below. The breeding season is from May-September with the average
number of offspring being 5.7 with 2-3 litters per year. Nest and den sites
are generally composed of grass and leaves located in hollow logs, trees, or
some other protecting object. The hibernating nest is generally composed
of grass and located 0.5 meters underground. It enters hibernaculum
(usually 1-3 ft. below ground) in early October, emerging from April-May.
It hibernates as long or longer than most mammals. They are primarily
nocturnal and a solitary species. This species lives 1-2 years in the wild.

 

DISTRIBUTION: This species occurs throughout Virginia is sometimes
found in thin woods, alder thickets, clearings, and in weedy thickets along
streams. They use old field grasslands and moist meadow habitats. They
are most common in moist grassy areas and in timothy fields.

 

FOODS: Feeding consists of the mouse cutting down a stem or climbing to
the top and cutting off the head and carrying it to the ground to feed. Seeds
of touch-me-not and wood sorrel are among the staple foods. Beetles
and cutworms equal up to 50% of the diet in the spring with seeds
20% in the field.

 

 

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