What does a forest field mouse eat? - briefly
Forest field mice consume a diet of seeds, nuts, insects, berries, fungi and other small plant parts.
What does a forest field mouse eat? - in detail
The forest‑dwelling field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) obtains nutrition primarily from plant material, supplemented by animal prey when available.
Seeds and nuts constitute the bulk of the diet. Typical items include acorns, beech mast, hazelnuts, and assorted grass seeds. These resources provide high carbohydrate content and essential fats.
Insects and other arthropods supplement protein intake. Common prey are beetles, moth larvae, spiders, and springtails, especially during the breeding season when protein demand rises.
Fruits and berries are consumed opportunistically. Species such as blackberry, raspberry, and rowan provide sugars and vitamins.
A seasonal shift occurs:
- Spring: young shoots, buds, and emerging insects dominate.
- Summer: increased fruit and seed availability; insects remain important.
- Autumn: emphasis on nuts and stored seeds; occasional consumption of fallen fruit.
- Winter: reliance on cached seeds, bark flakes, and limited arthropod scavenging.
Occasional ingestion of fungi, lichens, and decaying wood adds micronutrients and aids digestion.
Foraging is primarily nocturnal; individuals travel short distances from nests, employing keen olfactory cues to locate high‑energy items. Cache behavior ensures food security during periods of scarcity.
Overall, the diet reflects adaptability to fluctuating forest resources, balancing macronutrients to support growth, reproduction, and thermoregulation.