How does a Japanese mouse look? - briefly
Typical Japanese house mouse is a small rodent about 6–10 cm in body length, covered with soft gray‑brown fur, pinkish ears and a tail nearly equal to its body length. It displays a dark stripe along the spine and a pointed snout, characteristic of the subspecies «Mus musculus molossinus».
How does a Japanese mouse look? - in detail
The Japanese mouse, commonly identified as the Japanese house mouse (Mus musculus molossinus) or the Japanese field mouse (Apodemus argenteus), exhibits distinct morphological characteristics that differentiate it from other regional rodent populations.
Body size ranges from 70 mm to 95 mm in head‑body length, with a tail proportionally longer, measuring 80 mm to 110 mm. Weight typically falls between 15 g and 30 g, reflecting a lean build adapted to varied habitats.
Fur coloration presents a dorsal surface of medium to dark brown, often with a subtle grayish sheen, while the ventral side displays a lighter, creamy hue. Seasonal molting may produce a paler coat in winter months. The pelage is dense, with guard hairs interspersed among finer underfur, providing insulation against temperature fluctuations.
Key cranial and facial features include:
- Rounded ears, proportionally large relative to head size, with thin, translucent pinnae.
- Dark, prominent eyes set laterally, granting a wide field of vision.
- A pointed snout with a well‑developed vibrissal array, aiding tactile navigation.
Limbs are slender yet muscular. Hind feet possess elongated digits and a well‑developed plantar pad, facilitating agile locomotion and climbing. The tail is naked, hairless, and exhibits a uniform coloration matching the dorsal fur, serving as a balance organ.
Reproductive anatomy aligns with typical murine structure: males possess a prominent scrotal sac positioned posterior to the hind limbs, while females have a bifurcated vaginal opening, allowing efficient breeding cycles.
Dental formula follows the standard murine pattern: incisors 1/1, canines 0/0, premolars 0/0, molars 3/3, resulting in a total of sixteen teeth specialized for gnawing and grinding.
These anatomical details collectively define the appearance of the rodent species native to Japan, providing a comprehensive reference for identification and comparative studies.