What is the name of a mouse with a black stripe on its back? - briefly
The rodent is the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), which bears a distinct dark stripe along its back.
What is the name of a mouse with a black stripe on its back? - in detail
The mouse distinguished by a dark longitudinal stripe along its back is the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius). It belongs to the family Muridae and is one of the most widespread murid rodents in Eurasia.
The species inhabits a variety of open and semi‑open habitats, including grasslands, agricultural fields, riverbanks and forest edges. Its range extends from eastern Europe across Siberia to the Korean Peninsula and northern Japan. The animal prefers moist soils where it can construct shallow burrows or use existing crevices.
Key morphological features:
- Dorsal pelage: brown‑gray with a conspicuous black or dark brown stripe running from the nape to the rump.
- Ventral side: pale gray‑white.
- Body length: 8–10 cm; tail length roughly equal to the body.
- Ears: relatively large, rounded, covered with fine hair.
- Feet: equipped with sharp claws for digging and climbing.
Behavioral traits:
- Primarily nocturnal; active at dusk and during the night.
- Omnivorous diet: seeds, grains, insects, and occasional plant material.
- Breeding season: spring to early autumn; litters of 4–7 young after a gestation of about 21 days.
- Social structure: solitary or found in small family groups; individuals defend overlapping territories.
Ecological role:
- Acts as a seed disperser and predator of invertebrates, influencing plant community dynamics.
- Serves as prey for a range of raptors, foxes, weasels and domestic cats, linking lower trophic levels to higher ones.
Conservation status:
- Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its broad distribution and adaptability to human‑altered landscapes.
- Local population declines may occur where intensive agriculture eliminates suitable cover or where pesticide use reduces food availability.
Overall, the striped field mouse is the rodent species most commonly associated with a black dorsal stripe, recognized for its adaptability, distinct coloration, and ecological significance across its extensive range.