What animal is a field mouse? - briefly
A field mouse is a small rodent of the genus Apodemus that inhabits grasslands and cultivated fields. It has a brownish coat, a pointed snout, and feeds mainly on seeds and insects.
What animal is a field mouse? - in detail
The field mouse belongs to the family Muridae, subfamily Murinae, and is most commonly identified as Apodemus sylvaticus in Europe and Peromyscus spp. in North America. It is a small rodent, typically 6–10 cm in body length, with a tail of comparable length, and weighs 10–25 g. Its coat ranges from brown to gray, providing camouflage among grasses and leaf litter.
Key biological traits include:
- Diet: Omnivorous; consumes seeds, insects, berries, and occasional fungi.
- Reproduction: Breeds from spring to autumn; litters contain 3–7 offspring, with a gestation period of about 21 days.
- Habitat: Prefers open fields, meadows, forest edges, and agricultural lands; constructs shallow burrows or nests in dense vegetation.
- Behavior: Primarily nocturnal; exhibits rapid running and agile climbing; relies on keen hearing and whisker sensitivity for predator detection.
- Lifespan: Average 1–2 years in the wild; mortality high due to predation and environmental stresses.
Ecologically, the species acts as a primary seed disperser and a prey item for birds of prey, foxes, and snakes, influencing trophic dynamics. Its population density can fluctuate with seasonal food availability and habitat disturbance, making it a useful indicator of ecosystem health.