What is the name of a mouse with a red stripe on its back? - briefly
The species is commonly referred to as the red‑backed mouse. This name describes the distinctive red stripe running along its dorsal surface.
What is the name of a mouse with a red stripe on its back? - in detail
The animal identified by a pronounced red stripe running along its dorsal surface is the striped mouse, scientifically known as Rhabdomys pumilio. It belongs to the family Muridae and is native to southern Africa, where it occupies grasslands, savannas, and cultivated fields.
Morphologically, the species displays a dark brown to black coat interrupted by a vivid, reddish‑brown stripe that extends from the head, over the shoulders, to the base of the tail. The stripe is a consistent feature in both sexes and persists throughout the animal’s life. Body length ranges from 80 to 110 mm, with a tail of comparable length; weight averages 20–30 g.
Ecologically, the striped mouse is primarily nocturnal and omnivorous. Its diet includes seeds, insects, and small arthropods, allowing it to exploit seasonal resource fluctuations. The species exhibits communal nesting behavior, often sharing burrows with up to ten individuals, which enhances thermoregulation and predator avoidance.
Reproductive cycles are opportunistic, with females capable of producing several litters per year under favorable conditions. Litter size typically comprises three to six altricial pups, which attain independence after approximately three weeks.
Conservation status, assessed by the IUCN, lists Rhabdomys pumilio as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and adaptability to altered habitats, including agricultural landscapes. Nonetheless, localized threats such as habitat fragmentation and pesticide exposure can affect population densities.
In summary, the mouse characterized by a red dorsal stripe is the striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio), a small, adaptable rodent distinguished by its striking coloration, social nesting habits, and broad ecological tolerance.