What are the mice that live underground called? - briefly
These rodents are commonly referred to as burrowing mice, a group of subterranean species such as the Eurasian vole and the Australian hopping mouse.
What are the mice that live underground called? - in detail
Underground‑dwelling mice are generally referred to as burrowing mice or subterranean mice. These rodents belong to several taxonomic groups, each adapted to a life spent primarily beneath the soil surface.
The primary adaptations that distinguish them from surface species include reduced eyesight, elongated incisors for digging, reinforced skulls, and a highly developed tactile sense. Their metabolic rates are lower, allowing survival in the stable, low‑oxygen environments of burrows. Specialized fur patterns reduce friction while moving through tunnels.
Representative species illustrate the diversity of this niche:
- Funnel‑eared mouse (Calomyscus spp.) – small, nocturnal, inhabits arid regions of the Middle East; possesses large, funnel‑shaped ears that aid in detecting vibrations.
- Australian burrowing mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis) – constructs extensive tunnel systems in desert sand; exhibits a compact body and powerful forelimbs.
- Blind mole‑rat (Spalax spp.) – virtually eyeless, lives in Eastern Europe and the Middle East; relies on seismic cues for navigation and prey detection.
- Naked mole‑rat (Heterocephalus glaber) – although not a true mouse, often grouped with subterranean rodents; displays eusocial behavior and extreme tolerance to hypoxia.
Ecologically, these animals aerate soil, promote seed dispersal, and serve as prey for owls, snakes, and carnivorous mammals. Their burrows also provide refuge for invertebrates and influence nutrient cycling.
In research, burrowing mice are valuable models for studying hypoxia tolerance, skeletal muscle adaptation, and social organization, offering insights applicable to biomedical science.