Which mouse species is brown with a black stripe? - briefly
The striped field mouse, scientifically named «Apodemus agrarius», has a brown coat marked by a prominent black dorsal stripe. It is common in grasslands and cultivated areas throughout Eurasia.
Which mouse species is brown with a black stripe? - in detail
The rodent displaying a brown pelage intersected by a prominent black stripe along the back is the striped mouse, scientifically known as Rhabdomys pumilio.
Taxonomic placement
- Order Rodentia, family Muridae, subfamily Murinae.
- Genus Rhabdomys, species pumilio.
Physical characteristics
- Dorsal coloration: reddish‑brown to dark brown, with a single, sharply defined black stripe extending from the head through the spine to the base of the tail.
- Ventral side: lighter, creamy‑white fur.
- Head‑body length: 70–100 mm; tail length roughly equal to body length.
- Weight: 20–45 g.
- Distinctive features: large, rounded ears; dark eyes; robust incisors adapted for gnawing.
Geographic distribution and habitat
- Southern Africa: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and parts of Angola.
- Environments: savanna grasslands, open woodland, agricultural fields, and peri‑urban gardens.
- Preference for areas with abundant ground cover and seed resources.
Behavior and ecology
- Primarily diurnal; active during daylight hours.
- Social structure: lives in small colonies or family groups, exhibiting cooperative foraging and shared burrow systems.
- Diet: omnivorous; consumes seeds, grains, insects, and occasional plant material.
- Foraging strategy: opportunistic, with a tendency to cache surplus seeds.
Reproduction
- Breeding season peaks in the wet months but can occur year‑round in favorable conditions.
- Litter size: 3–7 offspring after a gestation period of approximately 21 days.
- Young are weaned at 3–4 weeks and attain sexual maturity within 2–3 months.
Conservation status
- Classified by the IUCN as “Least Concern” due to wide distribution and adaptability to modified habitats.
- Local threats include habitat fragmentation and pesticide exposure, but populations remain stable overall.
Ecological role