What does a field mouse eat in a meadow? - briefly
A field mouse in a meadow primarily consumes grasses, seeds, insects, and occasional plant parts such as buds and leaves.
What does a field mouse eat in a meadow? - in detail
The meadow‑dwelling field mouse relies on a diverse array of food sources that reflect the seasonal productivity of grassland habitats.
Plant material dominates the diet. Seeds from grasses, wildflowers, and sedges provide high‑energy carbohydrates. Young shoots and tender leaves of grasses such as timothy, ryegrass, and fescue are consumed when they are most nutritious. Stems and husks are gnawed for fiber, especially during periods of seed scarcity.
Invertebrate prey supplements the primarily herbivorous intake. Beetles, especially carabids and weevils, are captured on the ground. Caterpillars of lepidopteran species, earthworms surfacing after rain, and spiders are taken opportunistically. Aphids and other soft‑bodied insects are harvested from plant surfaces, delivering essential proteins and lipids.
Seasonal shifts modify the menu. In spring and early summer, abundant green vegetation and germinating seeds dominate intake. Mid‑summer sees an increase in insect activity, prompting higher animal protein consumption. Autumn brings a surge of fallen seeds, berries, and small nuts, while winter forces reliance on cached seeds and any remaining arthropods.
Additional items, though less frequent, are incorporated when available. Small mushrooms, fallen fruits such as rose hips, and occasional carrion provide supplemental nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals absent from the primary diet.
Foraging occurs primarily at ground level during twilight and night hours. The mouse constructs shallow burrows and creates seed caches in concealed locations, ensuring food security through periods of scarcity. This flexible feeding strategy enables survival across the fluctuating conditions typical of meadow ecosystems.