What is a red mouse called? - briefly
A mouse with a reddish coat is typically called a red‑colored mouse or simply a red mouse; it is not a separate species with a unique scientific name. The term describes the animal’s pigmentation rather than a distinct taxonomic classification.
What is a red mouse called? - in detail
The designation for a mouse exhibiting a reddish coat varies according to context.
In laboratory settings the standard house mouse ( Mus musculus ) includes a color variant known as “red” or “rufous.” Breeders label this strain “red mouse” or “red‑fur mouse.” The phenotype results from a mutation in the Mc1r gene, which increases melanin production toward the reddish‑brown spectrum. Commercial suppliers list the animal under names such as “C57BL/6J red” or “BALB/c‑red,” indicating the genetic background combined with the coat color.
In pet trade terminology the same animal is often called a “red‑colored mouse” or simply a “red mouse.” Pet‑store catalogs may use the term “red Mickey” for a domesticated mouse with a uniform rust hue, distinguishing it from albino, black, or agouti varieties.
In wildlife literature the closest natural species bearing a reddish pelage is the “red‑backed mouse” ( Apodemus sylvaticus ), found in European forests. Although not a true house mouse, field guides refer to it as the “red‑backed field mouse” because the dorsal fur shows a reddish‑brown stripe.
When describing color in scientific papers, authors employ the term “rufous‑furred Mus musculus” to avoid ambiguity. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature does not assign a separate species name to the coat color alone; therefore, the red phenotype remains a morph of an existing species rather than a distinct taxon.
Summary of common labels:
- Laboratory: red mouse, red‑fur mouse, C57BL/6J red, BALB/c‑red
- Pet trade: red‑colored mouse, red Mickey
- Wild species: red‑backed mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus)
- Scientific description: rufous‑furred Mus musculus
Each label reflects the setting in which the animal is referenced, but all refer to a mouse with a predominantly reddish coat.