What is the name of a mouse with a stripe on its back? - briefly
The rodent is commonly called the striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio). It is a small African species distinguished by a dark dorsal stripe.
What is the name of a mouse with a stripe on its back? - in detail
The rodent most commonly identified by a single dark stripe running longitudinally along its back is the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius). It belongs to the family Muridae and is sometimes referred to as the “agricultural mouse” in Eurasian literature.
Physically, the animal measures 8–11 cm in head‑body length, with a tail of comparable length. The dorsal pelage is brown‑gray, contrasted by a distinct black‑brown stripe that extends from the nape to the base of the tail. Ventral fur is pale gray‑white. The stripe is a key diagnostic feature that separates the species from other sympatric Apodemus mice, which generally lack a continuous dorsal line.
Distribution includes eastern Europe, Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. The mouse inhabits cultivated fields, grasslands, forest edges, and riparian zones, preferring areas with dense herbaceous cover that facilitate foraging and nesting.
Ecology and behavior:
- Nocturnal activity; forages on seeds, insects, and plant material.
- Constructs shallow burrows or utilizes existing rodent nests.
- Breeding season extends from April to October; litter size ranges from 4 to 8 pups.
- Females reach sexual maturity at 6 weeks; multiple litters per year are typical.
- Predators include owls, foxes, and small carnivorous mammals.
Conservation status is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Populations remain stable due to adaptability to agricultural landscapes, although localized declines have been recorded where intensive pesticide use reduces food availability.
Taxonomic notes: Apodemus agrarius is closely related to Apodemus sylvaticus (the wood mouse) but can be reliably separated by the dorsal stripe and slightly larger hind foot dimensions. Molecular analyses confirm its placement within the Apodemus genus, supporting the morphological distinction.
Overall, the striped field mouse is the principal rodent species recognized for a continuous back stripe, with well‑documented morphology, broad Eurasian range, and ecological flexibility.