What is the largest mouse called? - briefly
The largest mouse species is the «Giant African pouched rat» (Cricetomys gambianus). Adults can attain body lengths of about 30 cm and weigh up to 1.4 kg.
What is the largest mouse called? - in detail
The term most often applied to the biggest known mouse is the extinct Caribbean genus «Megalomys». Fossil evidence shows individuals of «Megalomys desmarestii» reached total lengths of roughly 30 cm and weights exceeding 300 g, far larger than any modern murid. The genus inhabited islands such as Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Vincent before disappearing in the early Holocene.
Among living species, the record holder is the “giant deer mouse”, scientifically designated «Peromyscus nasutus». Typical measurements are:
- Head‑body length: 10 – 12 cm
- Tail length: 8 – 10 cm
- Maximum weight: 45 – 55 g
Habitat ranges across arid and semi‑arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The animal displays nocturnal activity, omnivorous diet, and remarkable adaptability to human‑altered landscapes.
Key distinguishing features of the largest extant mouse include:
- Robust skull with enlarged auditory bullae
- Longer hind limbs relative to body size, facilitating powerful jumps
- Dense, soft fur providing insulation in high‑elevation environments
The extinct «Megalomys» species and the modern «Peromyscus nasutus» together illustrate the extreme size variation possible within the mouse subfamily Murinae, from diminutive field mice of a few grams to island giants weighing several hundred grams.