What Are the Genera of Mice Called?

Understanding Mouse Taxonomy

The Linnaean Classification System

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order

Mice belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, and order Rodentia. These levels place them among vertebrate mammals that possess a single pair of continuously growing incisors.

Kingdom: Animalia – multicellular organisms with eukaryotic cells, heterotrophic nutrition, and lack of cell walls.
Phylum: Chordata – animals possessing a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and post‑anal tail at some developmental stage.
Class: Mammalia – warm‑blooded vertebrates with hair, three‑middle‑ear bones, and mammary glands for lactation.
Order: Rodentia – mammals characterized by a single pair of ever‑growing incisors in each jaw, adapted for gnawing.

Within this framework, the genera that comprise typical mice, such as Mus, Apodemus, and Peromyscus, inherit the same hierarchical classification.

Family: Muridae

The family Muridae encompasses the largest group of rodents, including all true mice, rats, and related species. Members share characteristic dentition, a robust skull, and a high reproductive rate, distinguishing them from other rodent families.

Within Muridae, the taxa commonly identified as mice belong to several genera. The most frequently referenced genera are:

Mus – true mice, such as the house mouse (Mus musculus).
Apodemus – field mice found across Europe and Asia.
Peromyscus – deer mice native to North America.
Rattus – includes species often called rats but also encompasses mouse-like forms.
Micromys – Eurasian harvest mouse, noted for its small size.
Praomys – African soft-furred mice.
Lemniscomys – African striped mice.

Additional genera occasionally classified among mouse-like rodents include Nannomys, Pseudomys, and Leggadina, each representing regional diversity within Muridae. These genera collectively define the taxonomic scope of mice in the family.

Major Genera of True Mice (Subfamily Murinae)

Genus «Mus»

Common House Mouse («Mus musculus»)

The common house mouse, scientifically designated Mus musculus, belongs to the genus Mus. This genus groups together the true mice, distinguished from other rodent groups by specific dental and skeletal features. Mus species share a high degree of genetic similarity, enabling extensive use of M. musculus as a model organism in biomedical research.

Key taxonomic details for the house mouse include:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Mus
Species: M. musculus

Geographically, M. musculus inhabits temperate regions worldwide, thriving in human-made structures such as homes, farms, and laboratories. Its adaptability derives from omnivorous diet, rapid reproductive cycle, and capacity to exploit diverse microhabitats.

Morphologically, the species exhibits a pointed snout, large rounded ears, and a tail roughly equal in length to the body. Fur coloration ranges from light brown to gray, providing camouflage in varied environments.

Ecologically, M. musculus interacts with numerous parasites, pathogens, and predators, influencing pest management strategies and disease transmission studies. Its genome, fully sequenced and annotated, offers a reference framework for comparative genomics across the Mus genus and other murine taxa.

Other Species within «Mus»

The genus Mus encompasses a range of small rodents that share a common ancestry yet differ in morphology, habitat, and geographic distribution. While the house mouse (Mus musculus) dominates research and domestic settings, several other species illustrate the genus’s diversity.

Mus spretus – Western European field mouse, characterized by a darker dorsal pelage and preference for rocky outcrops.
Mus domesticus – Subspecies of the house mouse, widespread in human‑altered environments across Eurasia.
Mus macedonicus – Balkan mouse, inhabits grasslands and displays a larger body size than M. musculus.
Mus spicilegus – Steppe mouse, builds complex communal nests and occupies steppe regions of Eastern Europe.
Mus caroli – Southeast Asian mouse, found in forested lowlands of Thailand and Vietnam, noted for its shorter tail.
Mus pahari – South‑Asian mouse, occupies mountainous forests of India and Nepal, distinguished by a gray‑brown coat.
Mus cervicolor – African striped mouse, native to sub‑Saharan savannas, exhibits a distinctive dorsal stripe.
Mus minutoides – African pygmy mouse, one of the smallest Mus species, inhabits dry shrublands of Southern Africa.
Mus triton – Ethiopian mouse, restricted to high‑altitude plateaus, with a robust skull morphology.
Mus famulus – Central African mouse, recorded in tropical rainforests, known for its elongated hind feet.
Mus boodhoo – Sri Lankan mouse, limited to coastal forests, shows a reddish‑brown dorsal coloration.

These species collectively illustrate the taxonomic breadth within Mus, each adapted to specific ecological niches while retaining the core genetic framework that defines the genus. Their distribution spans Europe, Asia, and Africa, underscoring the genus’s evolutionary success across diverse environments.

Genus «Apodemus»

Wood Mouse («Apodemus sylvaticus»)

The wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) belongs to the genus Apodemus, one of the principal mouse genera alongside Mus, Peromyscus, Rattus and several smaller groups. Apodemus is classified within the family Muridae, subfamily Murinae, and is distinguished by its preference for woodland and hedgerow habitats across Europe and parts of North Africa.

Adults measure 7–10 cm in body length, with a tail of comparable length. Fur is reddish‑brown on the back, paler on the sides, and white underneath. Distinctive features include large, dark eyes, prominent whiskers, and a sharply defined dorsal stripe in some individuals.

Key ecological attributes:

Habitat: deciduous and mixed forests, shrublands, agricultural margins.
Diet: seeds, nuts, insects, occasional fruit; opportunistic omnivore.
Activity: nocturnal, ground‑dwelling, capable of brief arboreal forays.
Reproduction: breeding season from March to October; litters of 4–6 young after a 21‑day gestation.
Distribution: widespread throughout the British Isles, continental Europe, and the Mediterranean basin; introduced populations exist in New Zealand.

The species plays a significant role in seed dispersal and serves as prey for a variety of raptors, foxes and mustelids, influencing energy flow within temperate ecosystems. Its adaptability to human‑altered landscapes makes it a common subject in ecological monitoring and population studies.

Striped Field Mouse («Apodemus agrarius»)

The striped field mouse, Apodemus agrarius, belongs to the genus Apodemus, one of the principal mouse genera recognized in mammalogy. Apodemus groups together several Old World field and wood mice distinguished by their relatively large ears, elongated snouts, and a tendency to inhabit grassy or agricultural landscapes.

Key taxonomic points:

Family: Muridae
Subfamily: Murinae
Genus: Apodemus
Species: A. agrarius

Geographic range extends across Eurasia, from Western Europe through Siberia to the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Populations thrive in temperate zones, occupying fields, riverbanks, and forest edges. The species exhibits a characteristic dorsal stripe, from which its common name derives, and a coloration pattern of brownish‑gray dorsal fur with a lighter ventral side.

Ecological role includes seed dispersal and serving as prey for a variety of predators, such as raptors, foxes, and mustelids. Reproductive cycle features multiple litters per year, with gestation lasting approximately three weeks and litter sizes ranging from three to seven offspring.

Morphological traits:

Head‑body length: 85–110 mm
Tail length: 70–100 mm
Weight: 15–30 g
Distinct longitudinal stripe on the back
Well‑developed auditory bullae

The classification of Apodemus agrarius under the genus Apodemus illustrates the broader pattern of mouse genera, where morphological and genetic criteria separate Apodemus from other genera such as Mus, Rattus, and Peromyscus. This taxonomic placement informs comparative studies of rodent evolution, disease ecology, and habitat adaptation.

Genus «Peromyscus»

Deer Mouse («Peromyscus maniculatus»)

The deer mouse, scientific name Peromyscus maniculatus, belongs to the genus Peromyscus, one of the principal mouse genera recognized in mammalian taxonomy. This genus is classified within the family Cricetidae, subfamily Neotominae, and is distinguished from the genus Mus (the true mice) by morphological and genetic traits.

Peromyscus maniculatus exhibits a grayish-brown dorsal pelage, a white ventral side, and a characteristic tail that is longer than the body and sparsely haired. Adult body length ranges from 70 to 100 mm, with a weight of 10–30 g. The species possesses a well‑developed auditory bullae and a versatile dentition suited for omnivorous feeding.

Habitat and distribution:

Broad North American range extending from Alaska and Canada through the United States to northern Mexico.
Occupies diverse environments, including forests, grasslands, alpine tundra, and human‑altered areas such as farms and suburban yards.
Demonstrates high ecological plasticity, allowing survival in both moist and arid conditions.

Behavioral and ecological notes:

Primarily nocturnal; forages on seeds, insects, and plant material.
Breeding season peaks in spring and summer; females produce multiple litters per year, each containing 3–7 young.
Serves as a reservoir for several zoonotic pathogens, notably hantavirus, which has implications for public health monitoring.

The genus Peromyscus includes over 50 species, with the deer mouse being the most widely studied due to its extensive distribution and role in ecological and biomedical research. Its genetic similarity to other Peromyscus species makes it a model organism for studies of adaptation, disease transmission, and evolutionary biology.

White-footed Mouse («Peromyscus leucopus»)

The white‑footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, belongs to the genus Peromyscus, a taxonomic group commonly referred to as deermice. Peromyscus is distinct from the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and the house mouse (Mus spp.), which represent the genus Mus. Other recognized mouse genera include Apodemus (field mice of Eurasia), Rattus (though traditionally called rats, some species are mouse‑sized), Micromys (the Eurasian harvest mouse), and Chaetodipus (desert pocket mice).

Peromyscus species share several morphological traits: elongated hind feet, a bicolored tail, and a tendency toward nocturnal activity. P. leucopus displays a gray‑brown dorsal coat, a white ventral surface, and characteristic white fur on the soles of its feet, which gives the species its common name.

Geographically, the white‑footed mouse inhabits eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It occupies forest edges, shrublands, and suburban gardens, demonstrating adaptability to fragmented habitats.

Ecologically, P. leucopus functions as a seed disperser and a prey item for numerous predators, including owls, snakes, and carnivorous mammals. Its diet consists of seeds, fruits, insects, and occasional fungi, reflecting omnivorous feeding habits.

From a taxonomic perspective, the genus Peromyscus falls within the family Cricetidae, subfamily Neotominae. Molecular analyses place Peromyscus alongside other neotomine rodents, confirming its separate evolutionary lineage from Mus and Apodemus.

Key points summarizing the classification of mouse genera:

Mus: laboratory and house mice, worldwide distribution.
Peromyscus: deermice, North American focus, includes P. leucopus.
Apodemus: field mice, Eurasian range.
Micromys: harvest mice, Eurasian habitats.
Chaetodipus: pocket mice, desert environments.

Understanding the placement of the white‑footed mouse within Peromyscus clarifies its relationship to other mouse genera and highlights its specific ecological and geographical attributes.

Other Notable Genera of True Mice

Genus «Rattus» (Rats) and their Distinction

The genus Rattus belongs to the family Muridae and comprises the true rats, distinct from the genus Mus that contains the typical mice. Rattus species are larger, possess a blunt snout, and exhibit a more robust skull structure. Their tail length generally equals or exceeds body length, whereas mice display proportionally shorter tails.

Geographically, Rattus species occupy a wide range of habitats across continents, often thriving in urban environments. Their adaptability contributes to their role as vectors for numerous zoonotic pathogens, a characteristic not shared by most Mus species.

Key species within Rattus include:

Rattus norvegicus – the brown rat, prevalent in temperate zones and commonly used in laboratory research.
Rattus rattus – the black rat, associated with tropical and subtropical regions, historically linked to the spread of plague.
Rattus argentiventer – the ricefield rat, found in Southeast Asian agricultural landscapes.
Rattus exulans – the Polynesian rat, the most widely dispersed rat species on remote islands.

Morphological identifiers that separate Rattus from Mus:

Larger body mass (typically 150–500 g for Rattus versus 10–30 g for Mus).
Presence of a pronounced auditory bullae.
Dental formula of 1.0.0.3/1.0.0.3, with incisors that are continuously growing and display a distinct orange enamel band.

These taxonomic and anatomical differences clarify the classification of rats within Rattus and underscore their separation from mouse genera.

Lesser-Known Genera Examples

Mice belong to several genera beyond the well‑known Mus and Peromyscus. These lesser‑known taxa illustrate the diversity of the Muridae family and provide insight into ecological specialization.

Apodemus: includes the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) and the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), species adapted to temperate grasslands and forest edges.
Rattus: while often associated with rats, some members such as the Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) display mouse‑like size and behavior.
Acomys: known as spiny mice, these rodents possess coarse guard hairs and inhabit arid regions of Africa and the Middle East.
Reithrodontomys: the harvest mice, characterized by grooved incisors, occupy North American wetlands and meadows.
Onychomys: termed grasshopper mice, these predatory species prey on insects and small vertebrates in North American deserts.
Pseudomys: Australian native mice, including the ash-grey mouse (Pseudomys albocinereus), inhabit diverse habitats from woodlands to arid scrub.
Calomys: South American vesper mice, such as the large vesper mouse (Calomys callosus), thrive in grasslands and scrub.

These genera demonstrate morphological and ecological variation that extends far beyond the common laboratory mouse, underscoring the taxonomic breadth within murine rodents.

Distinguishing True Mice from Other Rodents

Voles and Lemmings (Subfamily Arvicolinae)

Voles and lemmings belong to the subfamily Arvicolinae, a distinct group within the rodent family Cricetidae. Members of this subfamily are characterized by compact bodies, short tails, and high reproductive rates, traits that differentiate them from true mice (genus Mus).

The subfamily comprises several genera, each representing a specific lineage of voles, lemmings, or muskrats. The most widely recognized genera include:

Microtus – true voles, widespread across the Northern Hemisphere.
Clethrionomys (synonym Myodes) – red-backed voles, primarily Eurasian.
Lemmus – true lemmings, Arctic and sub‑Arctic habitats.
Dicrostonyx – collared lemmings, tundra environments.
Mictomys – prairie voles, North American grasslands.
Neodon – Himalayan voles, high‑altitude regions.
Ondatra – muskrats, semi‑aquatic niches in North America and Eurasia.

These genera share morphological adaptations such as continuously growing incisors and a dental formula of 1.0.0.3/1.0.0.3, which support gnawing on tough vegetation. Genetic analyses confirm that Arvicolinae forms a monophyletic clade distinct from the genus Mus and related murine rodents.

Understanding the classification of voles and lemmings clarifies the broader taxonomy of mouse‑like rodents, highlighting the diversity of genera that fall under the common name “mice” in informal contexts.

Shrews (Order Eulipotyphla)

Shrews belong to the order Eulipotyphla, a group of insectivorous mammals distinct from rodents. They possess a high metabolic rate, sharp teeth adapted for carnivory, and lack the continuously growing incisors characteristic of true mice.

Key genera within the family Soricidae include:

Sorex – the most speciose genus, comprising the common shrew and numerous Eurasian species.
Blarina – North‑American short‑tailed shrews, noted for their venomous saliva.
Crocidura – the white‑toothed shrews, distributed across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Neomys – water shrews, semi‑aquatic mammals found in European streams.
Suncus – includes the Asian house shrew, a species with a broad commensal range.

Morphologically, shrews are characterized by a pointed snout, small eyes, and a body length typically under 15 cm. Their diet consists mainly of insects, worms, and small vertebrates, with some species capable of delivering toxic bites. Habitat preferences range from forest leaf litter to wetland margins, reflecting the ecological diversity across the listed genera.

Dormice (Family Gliridae)

Dormice belong to the family Gliridae, a distinct lineage of small rodents often grouped with mice due to superficial similarity but separated by anatomical and behavioral traits. Members of Gliridae are characterized by a long, bushy tail, a well‑developed auditory bulla, and a propensity for arboreal habitats. They exhibit seasonal hibernation and a diet that shifts from insects to fruits and nuts.

The family comprises several genera, each representing a specific evolutionary branch:

Glirulus – the Japanese dwarf dormouse, the smallest extant glirid.
Eliomys – includes the garden dormouse and related species, known for a relatively large size and omnivorous diet.
Muscardinus – represented solely by the common dormouse, widespread across Europe.
Myomimus – the mouse‑like dormice, distinguished by elongated snouts.
Micromys – the Eurasian harvest mouse, occasionally classified within Gliridae by older literature.
Dryomys – the forest dormice, adapted to cooler, high‑altitude woodlands.
Selevinia – the solitary Selevinia, a monotypic genus restricted to western Iran.
Chaetocauda – the long‑tailed dormouse, endemic to the Himalayas.

These genera collectively illustrate the diversity of Gliridae, ranging from diminutive, specialized forms to larger, more generalized species. Their taxonomic placement clarifies the broader classification of mouse‑like rodents, distinguishing true dormice from other murine groups.

The Importance of Genus Classification

Scientific Research and Identification

Scientific research on mouse taxonomy relies on systematic collection, morphological comparison, and molecular analysis to delineate distinct genera. Specimens are preserved in museum repositories, enabling repeated examination of skeletal, dental, and pelage characteristics that differentiate taxonomic groups.

Molecular techniques, particularly mitochondrial DNA sequencing and whole‑genome analysis, provide high‑resolution data for phylogenetic reconstruction. These methods reveal evolutionary relationships that are not apparent from morphology alone, allowing researchers to confirm or revise genus boundaries.

Current consensus recognizes several principal mouse genera:

Mus – includes the common house mouse and related species.
Peromyscus – encompasses North American deer mice.
Apodemus – contains Eurasian field mice.
Rattus – traditionally a rat genus, but several species historically classified as mice fall within it.
Micromys – the harvest mouse, distinguished by its small size and tail morphology.

Identification protocols combine key morphological markers with DNA barcoding results. Field researchers collect tissue samples for rapid genetic screening, while taxonomists verify classifications against type specimens and published phylogenies. This integrated approach maintains consistency across studies and supports accurate reporting of mouse biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts

The taxonomic groups that encompass true mice—such as Mus, Apodemus, Peromyscus, and related genera—support seed dispersal, soil aeration, and prey availability across temperate and tropical habitats. Their ecological functions create cascading effects that influence plant regeneration and predator populations.

Key conservation actions include:

Protection of native habitats through reserves, corridors, and sustainable land‑use policies.
Implementation of captive‑breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species, notably island endemics.
Regulation of invasive predators and competitors, employing trapping, exclusion fencing, and targeted removal.
Legal designation of threatened mouse species under national and international statutes, enabling enforcement against habitat destruction.
Community‑based monitoring that records population trends, disease incidence, and habitat quality using standardized protocols.
Allocation of research funding to genetic diversity studies, informing management decisions and adaptive strategies.

Successful examples demonstrate measurable outcomes. In the Pacific islands, eradication of introduced cats and rats led to a 40 % increase in native mouse populations within five years. In North American prairie reserves, reintroduction of Peromyscus maniculatus restored seed‑predation dynamics, enhancing plant community resilience. Captive‑breeding initiatives in European zoological institutions have produced viable offspring for several Apodemus species, facilitating reestablishment in fragmented forest patches.

Ongoing challenges involve climate‑driven habitat shifts, limited funding for small‑mammal programs, and insufficient public awareness of mouse conservation value. Integrating climate‑model projections with habitat‑restoration plans, expanding grant mechanisms, and promoting educational outreach are essential steps to secure the future of these genera.

Pest Control Strategies

Effective management of rodent populations requires strategies tailored to the specific genera commonly encountered in residential, agricultural, and commercial settings. The most prevalent genera include Mus (house mice), Apodemus (field mice), Peromyscus (deer mice), and Rattus (though not a mouse genus, it often shares habitats). Each genus exhibits distinct habits that influence control measures.

Exclusion – Seal entry points larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, concrete, or metal flashing. Install door sweeps and repair roof fissures to prevent intrusion by both house and field mice.
Sanitation – Remove food sources by storing grain, pet food, and waste in sealed containers. Eliminate standing water and clutter that provide shelter for deer mice.
Mechanical trapping – Deploy snap traps or electronic devices along walls and near nesting sites. Position traps perpendicular to travel routes; check and reset daily to maintain efficacy.
Chemical baiting – Use anticoagulant or bromethalin baits in tamper‑resistant stations. Place stations in concealed locations inaccessible to non‑target species. Rotate active ingredients to mitigate resistance.
Biological control – Encourage natural predators such as barn owls, hawks, and domestic cats. Install nesting boxes for owls in agricultural fields where deer mice are frequent.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Combine exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and baiting in a coordinated program. Conduct regular monitoring to assess population trends and adjust tactics accordingly.

Implementation of these measures, aligned with the behavioral characteristics of each mouse genus, reduces infestation levels while minimizing environmental impact. Continuous evaluation ensures long‑term effectiveness and prevents resurgence.