What is a mouse with a mole‑like nose called? - briefly
The animal is called «shrew‑mouse».
What is a mouse with a mole‑like nose called? - in detail
The creature characterized by a short, tapered snout resembling that of a mole is commonly identified as a «shrew‑mouse» or, in some regions, a «mole mouse». These vernacular names refer to several small rodents within the family Cricetidae that display a mole‑like rostrum.
Morphological traits include:
- Compact body length of 5–10 cm, weight 10–30 g.
- Broad, flattened skull with a pronounced, pointed nasal region.
- Reduced eyes and ears, adaptations for a subterranean lifestyle.
- Dense, soft pelage, often brown or gray, providing camouflage in soil and leaf litter.
Taxonomic classification varies among species but generally follows:
- Order Rodentia
- Family Cricetidae
- Subfamily Neotominae (e.g., genus Reithrodontomys) or Arvicolinae (e.g., genus Microtus)
Ecological role:
- Primarily insectivorous, supplementing diet with seeds and plant material.
- Active in burrows and shallow tunnels, contributing to soil aeration.
- Prey for a range of predators, including owls, foxes, and snakes.
Geographic distribution:
- North America: species such as the western shrew‑mouse inhabit grasslands and woodland edges.
- Eurasia: mole‑like mice of the genus Microtus occupy tundra, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Reproductive behavior:
- Breeding peaks in spring and summer, producing litters of 3–7 offspring after a gestation of approximately 21 days.
- Juveniles reach independence within four weeks, achieving sexual maturity by three months.
Overall, the term «shrew‑mouse» accurately describes small rodents whose nasal morphology mirrors that of true moles, reflecting convergent evolution toward a burrowing niche.