What is a male mouse called? - briefly
A male mouse is referred to as a buck. The term is used in both scientific and common contexts to distinguish the sex.
What is a male mouse called? - in detail
The adult male of the species Mus musculus is commonly referred to as a buck. In some laboratory contexts the term tom is also used, mirroring terminology for other rodents such as rats. Both words identify the sex of the animal for breeding records, genetic studies, and behavioral observations.
Male mice reach sexual maturity at approximately six to eight weeks of age. At this stage they develop larger testes, a more pronounced scent gland, and exhibit territorial marking behavior. These physiological changes distinguish them from females, which are called does or sows in similar contexts.
When documenting colonies, researchers typically record:
- Sex designation (buck or tom for males, doe for females)
- Age in weeks
- Body weight
- Reproductive status (intact, neutered, or castrated)
The distinction is essential for experiments involving hormone regulation, mating schemes, and phenotypic analysis. In commercial breeding, the term buck appears on pedigree certificates and health reports to ensure accurate lineage tracking.