A mouse with large ears – what is the name of the domestic species? - briefly
The domestic species commonly identified as a mouse with notably large ears is the house mouse, scientifically named Mus musculus domesticus.
A mouse with large ears – what is the name of the domestic species? - in detail
The common pet mouse belongs to the species Mus musculus domesticus, a subspecies of the house mouse. It is the only rodent routinely kept as a companion animal and is recognized worldwide for its relatively large, upright ears, which aid in sound localization and thermoregulation.
Morphology
- Body length: 6–10 cm; tail length: 5–9 cm.
- Weight: 15–30 g, varying with sex and strain.
- Ears: 1.5–2 cm, proportionally larger than those of wild conspecifics, covered with fine hair and a thin membrane.
- Coat: wide range of colors and patterns due to selective breeding; fur density similar to wild forms.
Taxonomic classification
Kingdom Animalia → Phylum Chordata → Class Mammalia → Order Rodentia → Family Muridae → Genus Mus → Species M. musculus → Subspecies M. m. domesticus.
Domestication history
First bred in Europe during the 19th century for laboratory use; later adapted for hobbyist breeding. Selective pressure emphasized docility, coat variety, and ear size, resulting in the modern fancy mouse.
Behavioral traits
- Social: thrives in groups of 3–5 individuals.
- Activity: nocturnal, with peak movement during the first hours of darkness.
- Communication: high‑frequency vocalizations and tactile signals transmitted via whiskers and ears.
Care considerations
- Housing: cage size minimum 30 × 20 × 20 cm per pair; solid flooring preferred to prevent foot injuries.
- Enrichment: tunnels, chew toys, and nesting material reduce stress and encourage natural foraging.
- Nutrition: commercial mouse pellets supplemented with fresh vegetables; water provided ad libitum.
- Health monitoring: regular checks for dermatitis, respiratory infections, and ectoparasites; ear hygiene essential due to large surface area.
Breeding potential
Females reach sexual maturity at 5–6 weeks; gestation lasts 19–21 days; litter size averages 5–8 pups. Genetic lines have been established for coat color, ear size, and temperament, facilitating targeted selection by breeders.
In summary, the domestic mouse with pronounced ears is Mus musculus domesticus, a subspecies of the house mouse that has been refined for companionship and research through centuries of selective breeding.