What does a sand mouse eat? - briefly
The sand mouse’s diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and other small arthropods, with occasional intake of grasses and leaf material. It derives most of its water from food and seldom drinks directly.
What does a sand mouse eat? - in detail
The sand mouse inhabits arid and semi‑arid habitats where food availability fluctuates sharply between seasons. Its diet reflects this variability, combining plant matter with animal protein to meet nutritional demands.
- Seeds and grains – dominant component; includes grass seeds, millet, and small cereal kernels collected from the soil surface.
- Green vegetation – tender shoots, leaves, and succulent stems of desert grasses and forbs, especially during the brief rainy period.
- Arthropods – beetles, ants, termites, and occasional spider fragments provide essential protein and lipids.
- Fungi and lichens – sporadic intake of mycelial material and lichen thalli supplements mineral intake.
During the wet season, the proportion of fresh vegetation rises, while the dry season sees an increased reliance on stored seeds and insect prey. Moisture requirements are largely satisfied by the water content of consumed seeds and succulent plants, reducing the need for free water. Nocturnal foraging minimizes exposure to predators and extreme temperatures; individuals often transport food back to burrows for temporary storage.