How does a mouse and a field mouse look? - briefly
A house mouse is small, gray‑brown, with a pointed snout, large ears, and a hairless, pinkish tail about the same length as its body. A field mouse is larger, lighter brown or reddish, has a longer, fur‑covered tail, and sports a more robust, rounded body with a slightly broader head.
How does a mouse and a field mouse look? - in detail
The common house mouse (Mus musculus) measures 6–10 cm from nose to base of the tail, with a tail length of 5–9 cm. Its fur is dense, short, and varies from gray‑brown to light brown, often with a lighter belly. Ears are proportionally large, round, and hairless, extending close to the eyes. The snout is pointed, and the whiskers are long, aiding tactile navigation. Hind feet are relatively large, supporting agile climbing and rapid sprinting.
The field mouse, typically the European wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), is slightly larger, reaching 9–12 cm in body length with a tail of similar length. Its dorsal coat is reddish‑brown, interspersed with darker speckles, while the ventral side remains whitish. The fur is softer and longer than that of the house mouse, providing insulation in outdoor habitats. Ears are medium‑sized, less prominent than in the house mouse, and covered with fine hair. The tail is slender, covered with sparse hair, and often darker at the tip.
Key distinguishing characteristics:
- Size: Field mouse is generally longer and heavier.
- Coloration: House mouse displays uniform gray‑brown tones; field mouse shows reddish‑brown dorsal speckles.
- Tail hair: House mouse tail is hairless; field mouse tail bears fine hairs.
- Ear hair: House mouse ears lack fur; field mouse ears possess a thin hair covering.
- Habitat adaptations: Field mouse fur is longer for colder, outdoor environments; house mouse fur is shorter for indoor, temperate conditions.
These morphological details enable reliable identification of each species in field studies and pest‑management contexts.