When are mice active? - briefly
Mice are chiefly nocturnal, with most locomotor and foraging activity occurring during the night, especially at dusk and dawn. Their peak periods of movement typically fall within the dark phase of a 24‑hour cycle.
When are mice active? - in detail
Mice exhibit a predominantly nocturnal activity pattern, initiating movement shortly after dusk and maintaining heightened activity throughout the night. Their circadian rhythm is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which synchronizes physiological processes with the light‑dark cycle.
Key characteristics of mouse activity:
- Peak locomotion occurs during the first half of the dark phase, typically between 20:00 and 02:00 local time.
- Reduced locomotor activity is observed during daylight hours; however, brief bouts of foraging or exploratory behavior may appear in the early morning twilight.
- Environmental factors such as temperature, food availability, and predator presence modulate the intensity and duration of nocturnal activity.
- Laboratory strains, maintained under controlled lighting (12 h light/12 h dark), display consistent activity onset approximately 1–2 hours after lights off.
- Wild populations adjust activity windows in response to seasonal photoperiod changes, extending nocturnal periods during longer summer nights.
Physiological correlates include elevated corticosterone levels during active phases, increased metabolic rate, and heightened olfactory sensitivity, all supporting efficient foraging and social interaction. Disruption of the light‑dark schedule, for example through constant illumination, leads to arrhythmic behavior and diminished performance in cognitive tasks.