What does the largest mouse in the world look like? - briefly
The record‑holding specimen measures roughly 30 cm in head‑body length, has a tail of similar length, and weighs about 1.2 kg. Its dense brown‑gray fur, proportionally large ears, and robust skull typify the appearance of the world’s largest mouse («giant mouse»).
What does the largest mouse in the world look like? - in detail
The largest known mouse is a specimen of the species Mus minutoides found in the highland regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Adult individuals reach a total length of approximately 20 cm, including a tail of about 10 cm. Body mass averages 45 g, nearly double the weight of typical house mice.
External appearance includes a dense, soft pelage that ranges from dusky brown on the dorsal surface to a lighter gray on the ventral side. The fur exhibits a subtle iridescent sheen, especially visible under direct light. Ears are proportionally large, measuring roughly 2 cm, and display a thin layer of translucent skin that reveals underlying blood vessels. Eyes are dark, almond‑shaped, and positioned laterally, providing a wide field of vision.
Key morphological traits:
- Robust skull with pronounced zygomatic arches, supporting strong jaw muscles.
- Incisors that are orange‑tinged due to continuous growth and enamel composition.
- Hind limbs longer than forelimbs, facilitating powerful leaps of up to 30 cm in height.
- Tail covered with fine, sparse hairs, functioning as a balance organ during rapid movements.
Behavioral observations note a primarily nocturnal activity pattern, with foraging focused on seeds, small insects, and occasional fungal material. The animal constructs shallow burrows in soft soil, often reinforced with leaf litter for insulation.
Reproductive data indicate a gestation period of 22 days, producing litters of 5–7 offspring. Sexual maturity is reached at approximately eight weeks, allowing rapid population turnover in suitable habitats.
Conservation status is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, owing to a wide distribution and adaptability to varied microhabitats. Nonetheless, habitat fragmentation caused by agricultural expansion poses localized threats.
Overall, the creature combines an unusually large body size for a murine rodent with distinct coloration, enhanced musculature, and adaptive behaviors that support its survival in high‑altitude ecosystems.