What is the name of a mouse with a long nose? - briefly
«Long‑snouted mouse» is the term used for a mouse characterized by an unusually elongated nose.
What is the name of a mouse with a long nose? - in detail
The rodent distinguished by an exceptionally elongated rostrum is commonly referred to as the «long‑nosed mouse». Scientific classification varies among taxa that exhibit this trait.
- Peromyscus nasutus – known as the narrow‑snouted deer mouse, inhabits arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Morphology includes a pointed snout, gray‑brown dorsal fur, and a tail slightly longer than the head‑body length.
- Apodemus sylvaticus – the wood mouse, occasional populations display a pronounced nasal projection in high‑altitude habitats of Europe. Features comprise a slender body, large ears, and a dark brown back.
- Cricetulus longicaudatus – the long‑tailed dwarf hamster, sometimes called the long‑nosed dwarf mouse in Asian literature. Characterized by a narrow, tapering nose, short dense fur, and a tail exceeding body length.
Key anatomical characteristics across these species:
- Rostral length exceeding 15 % of skull height.
- Enhanced olfactory epithelium supporting a keen sense of smell.
- Dental formula adapted for granivorous and insectivorous diets.
Geographic distribution ranges from North American deserts to European woodlands and Central Asian steppes. Habitat preference includes dry scrub, grassland, and forest edge environments where elongated snouts aid in probing soil and leaf litter for food.
The term «long‑nosed mouse» therefore encompasses several distinct species sharing the morphological adaptation of a markedly extended nose, each occupying specific ecological niches worldwide.