What types of mice are there? - briefly
Common laboratory strains include C57BL/6, BALB/c, and DBA/2; wild species encompass the house mouse (Mus musculus), field mouse (Apodemus), deer mouse (Peromyscus), and several other genera.
What types of mice are there? - in detail
Mice can be grouped by taxonomy, habitat, and purpose of use. The most common categories include wild species, domesticated pets, and laboratory strains, each with distinct characteristics.
- House mouse (Mus musculus) – ubiquitous in human dwellings, body length 6–10 cm, gray‑brown coat, high reproductive rate, omnivorous diet, strong adaptation to indoor environments.
- Field mouse (genus Apodemus) – includes the wood mouse (A. sylvaticus) and the yellow‑bent tail mouse (A. flavicollis). These rodents inhabit grasslands and forests, display larger ears and longer tails than house mice, and favor seeds and insects.
- Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) – native to North America, gray‑brown dorsal fur with a white underbelly, tail longer than body, primarily nocturnal, known for agility in rocky and arid regions.
- Harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) – the smallest European mouse, body length 4–5 cm, tail longer than head‑body, builds spherical nests among grasses, diet consists mainly of seeds and small insects.
- African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides) – diminutive species found in sub‑Saharan savannas, body length 3–4 cm, dark coat, high metabolic rate, often used in ecological studies of arid environments.
- Spiny mouse (Acomys spp.) – characterized by stiff, bristle‑like hairs on the back, native to Middle Eastern deserts, capable of tail autotomy, exhibits social structures similar to small mammals.
- Pet mouse varieties – include the fancy mouse (derived from Mus musculus domesticus) bred for coat colors, ear shapes, and tail length; commonly kept for companionship, require enrichment and a balanced diet.
- Laboratory mouse strains – inbred lines such as C57BL/6, BALB/c, and DBA/2 provide genetic uniformity for biomedical research; each strain displays specific immunological, metabolic, and behavioral profiles that influence experimental outcomes.
Wild species are primarily distinguished by habitat preference (urban, agricultural, forest, desert) and morphological adaptations (tail length, ear size, fur texture). Domesticated forms emphasize phenotypic variation selected by breeders. Laboratory strains focus on genetic consistency, with detailed genotype and phenotype documentation supporting reproducibility in scientific studies.