What do mice look like? - briefly
Mice are small rodents about 2–4 inches long, featuring a pointed snout, large rounded ears, and a hairless tail roughly equal to their body length. Their fur varies from gray to brown, usually with a lighter underside.
What do mice look like? - in detail
Mice are small rodents characterized by a compact, elongated body typically measuring 6–10 cm in head‑body length. Their weight ranges from 10 to 30 g, varying with species and age. The fur covering the dorsal surface is usually soft and dense, most commonly gray‑brown, but laboratory strains may appear white or albino. Ventral fur is lighter, often pale gray or creamy.
The head is proportionally large, with a pointed snout and prominent, forward‑facing eyes that provide a wide field of vision. Eyes are relatively large for the skull, facilitating low‑light activity. Mice possess long, mobile whiskers (vibrissae) extending from the muzzle and above the eyes, serving as tactile sensors.
Ears are sizable, thin‑skinned, and lack external cartilage, allowing rapid heat dissipation. They are positioned high on the skull and can rotate independently to capture sounds from multiple directions.
The tail is naked, hairless, and typically longer than the body, measuring 7–12 cm. Its surface is covered with fine scales and a highly vascularized skin that aids thermoregulation. The tail can be curled, straight, or slightly tapered at the tip, depending on the individual.
Limbs are short and sturdy. Forepaws contain five digits with sharp, curved claws suited for climbing and digging. Hind paws have five digits as well, with broader pads that provide traction during rapid sprints. Mice can achieve speeds up to 13 km/h over short distances.
Sexual dimorphism is minimal; males and females share similar size and coloration, though males may exhibit slightly larger testes and a more pronounced scent gland near the perianal region.
Variations among species include:
- House mouse (Mus musculus): Gray dorsal fur, pink or dark ears, long tail with a slight dorsal line.
- Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus): Brown to reddish dorsal coat, white underparts, tail with a faint dorsal stripe.
- Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): Brownish‑gray fur, longer whiskers, tail with a uniform color.
These physical traits enable mice to navigate confined spaces, forage efficiently, and evade predators.