What does a mouse eat in a meadow? - briefly
A meadow mouse feeds on seeds, grasses, and small insects such as aphids. It also ingests tender plant shoots and occasional fungal spores.
What does a mouse eat in a meadow? - in detail
Mice inhabiting grassland ecosystems rely on a varied diet that reflects the seasonal availability of plant and animal matter. Their primary intake consists of seeds from grasses, wildflowers, and forbs, which provide carbohydrates and essential oils. When seed production peaks in late spring and early summer, mice harvest and store large quantities in underground chambers for later use.
In addition to seeds, meadow mice consume:
- Fresh green shoots and young leaves of grasses such as ryegrass and fescue, supplying protein and fiber.
- Flower petals and stamens of species like dandelion, clover, and yarrow, offering micronutrients and antioxidants.
- Small arthropods—aphids, beetle larvae, and springtails—captured opportunistically, contributing nitrogen and lipids.
- Fungal spores and fruiting bodies of mosses and low‑lying mushrooms, which add vitamins and minerals.
- Detritus and decaying organic matter, providing supplementary nutrients during periods of scarcity.
Seasonal shifts alter the proportion of each component. During autumn, fallen seeds and ripe berries become dominant, while winter forces reliance on stored provisions and occasional consumption of bark or root tips. Water intake is obtained from dew on vegetation, moist soil, and occasional puddles.
Overall, the meadow mouse exhibits opportunistic foraging behavior, adjusting its intake to maximize energy efficiency and meet nutritional requirements throughout the year.