Mice: description and photos of wild and ornamental representatives of the mouse family, types and breeds of these animals. Mouse - description, species, where it lives, what it eats, photo Rodent of the mouse family

For some, the small gray animal causes disgust, for others it causes tenderness. But whether a person wants it or not, the mouse is his constant companion. So why not get to know this animal better? How long do mice live? How do they triple their homes? What do they eat and how do they reproduce? How to choose a pet and provide it with comfortable conditions?

• Class: Mammals;
• Order: Rodents;
• Suborder: Mouse-like;
• Family: Mice;
• Subfamily: Mouse.

Mouse - description and external characteristics

These small rodents are distributed throughout the entire earth, excluding the extreme northern and high-mountain regions. The closest relatives of mice are jerboas, mole rats, hamsters and dormice. And more distantly related are rats, chinchillas, porcupines, beavers, Guinea pigs. In total, the Mouse subfamily includes 121 genera and more than 300 species.

The mouse is a small animal with an elongated and pointed muzzle, large round ears and bulging beady eyes. A long, hairless or slightly furred tail is a distinctive feature of the animal. The limbs, which are not the same in length, are adapted for digging and moving along vertical and horizontal surfaces. The body length of a rodent can vary from 3 to 20 cm, weight - from 15 to 50 g.

Mice have a special bite. On the lower and upper jaws the animal has 2 chisel-shaped teeth, which are continuously growing. Rodents are forced to constantly grind them down, which is why their incisors are very sharp.

Animals from the Mouse family are different good eyesight and can distinguish between red and yellow shades. The usual body temperature of these rodents ranges from 37.5 to 39⁰C. The maximum lifespan of mice is 4 years.

How mice behave in their natural environment

In order for rodents to maintain a constant body temperature, they need to be active in winter and summer, day and night. Gluttony and fussiness for mice are characteristic traits that help them survive and leave offspring.

In the fall, animals begin collecting provisions in a burrow or on the surface of the ground, where the “warehouse” is camouflaged with earth. And if in the off-season rodents are awake at night and sleep during the day, then in winter they remain active around the clock. In spring and autumn, when there is no shortage of food and no temperature fluctuations, mice actively reproduce.

Mice live large families, since together it is easier for them to defend themselves, get food, build homes, and raise offspring. In a mouse pack there is a leader who maintains order in the group. Female mice are peaceful. But young males do not always put up with their subordinate position. Stomping with its hind legs and aggressive tail strikes indicate the animal’s intention to conquer the “throne.” Inter-family clashes can lead to the disintegration of the pack.

Mice spend most of their time in burrows, raising offspring, escaping danger, storing food, or resting after eating it. The maximum depth of the burrow is 70 cm, and the total length of the passages can reach 20 m. Some species of mice build nests in thickets of tall grasses (little mouse) or live in tree roots and old stumps (forest mouse).

Minks can be temporary or permanent, and the latter can be summer or winter. Temporary housing for animals is simply planned. The permanent mouse hole has a spacious nesting chamber and several entrances. In summer burrows where rodents give birth, bedding is created from fluff, blades of grass, shavings and feathers. And in winter, a pantry is set up for food supplies.

What does a mouse eat in the wild?

In summer and autumn, when the time comes for the harvest to ripen, mice begin to actively prepare food reserves for winter. The main food of the animals is grain crops, as well as seeds of various plants. Field mice love wheat, barley, oats, and buckwheat.

Rodents living in forests feed on cedar and hazel nuts, maple and beech seeds, acorns, and small insects. And animals living near bodies of water prefer to eat leaves, roots and stems of plants, berries, grasshoppers, caterpillars, larvae, spiders and other invertebrates. House mice living near people willingly adapt to the human diet and eat bread, meat, dairy products, and sweets.

Animals living in the wild drink very little. The mouse body independently produces water by breaking down food. Additional sources of moisture are fleshy plant leaves, fruits, and vegetables.

Enemies of mice

The mouse is a key link in the food chain of many ecosystems. Many wild animals depend on the existence of this small rodent. For mice living in the forest, the main enemies are foxes, martens, arctic foxes, ferrets, stoats, weasels, lynxes and even wolves. Predators easily tear apart burrows and can eat up to 30 small animals a day.

Mice are the main food for snakes and large lizards. Reptiles such as boas, pythons, vipers, and radiant snakes swallow their prey whole. During the hunt, the snake freezes, and then suddenly attacks the victim, biting it with poisonous teeth, and then waits for the animal to become motionless.

There is also danger lurking for mice from above. Among birds there are predators that differ in the power of their beaks, visual acuity and hearing. These are owls, buzzards, hawks, eagles, owls, kites. They hunt during the day or night, making swift attacks from the air.

The lifespan of rodents directly depends on the conditions environment. The average is 2-3 years. The greatest influence on the lifespan of animals is exerted by factors such as climate, nutrition, infectious diseases and attacks by wild animals.

Both frost and drought can be detrimental to mice. hot weather. Too sharp temperature fluctuations destroy numerous rodent colonies. Often the weather is related to the opportunity to eat well. An inadequate diet significantly shortens the life of a mouse.

Many species of mice that live away from people live a little less or more than a year. And an animal tamed by man, receiving balanced diet and care, can live up to 6 years.

Reproduction in mice

The mouse is a polygamous animal. In nature, one male fertilizes from 2 to 12 females. Over 12 months, mice have from 3 to 8 litters. The female reaches sexual maturity 10 weeks after birth. At this time, she begins to go into heat, which lasts 5 days and is expressed in special behavior.

If after coating the female fails to become pregnant, a new estrus occurs within a week. If fertilization is successful, the female animal is expected to give birth in 17-24 days. There are from 3 to 9 cubs in one litter. Female mice give birth at night. Babies, when born, are unable to move, hear or see. They have no hair, and the size ranges from 2 to 3 cm. The little mice develop rapidly:

• 3 days - fluff appears on the body;
• 5 days - the cubs begin to hear;
• Day 7 - the animal’s body weight doubles;
• Day 14 - palpebral fissures appear;
• Day 19 - the mice begin to eat on their own;
• 25 days - the length of the body reaches 500 mm (the tail is 15-20 mm shorter) and the mouse is already sexually mature.

Decorative mice develop a little slower. It is recommended to mate them no more than 2-3 times a year. Repeated births exhaust the female, and each subsequent offspring becomes weaker.

Types of wild mice

Shrew or shrew mouse (Myosorex)

Animals from the shrew family are divided into only 14 species. This long-nosed mouse is small in size (6-10 cm). Only the born cubs weigh less than 1 g. The animal’s nose, curved at the end, is called the proboscis. The animal's coat is shiny, thick, and silky; There are gray, ocher, reddish shades.

A mouse with a long cute nose navigates in space thanks to its sense of smell. It is an omnivore, but prefers to eat insects, as well as some vertebrates (frogs, baby rodents, small reptiles). Without food, this animal can live no more than 10 hours.

Shrews live in large concentrations in South America, Africa, Australia. This small mouse with a long nose feels great near bodies of water, wet forests and low-growing thickets.

Japanese mouse (Sylvaemus mystacinus)

A mouse with large round ears and a long nose. It is also called Asia Minor. Inhabits the islands of Japan, southwestern Georgia, and the Kuril Islands of Russia. Prefers mountainous uplands, mixed forests, with dense shrubby undergrowth.

Japanese mice do not dig holes, inhabiting voids in trees and buildings, accumulations of stones and dense bushes. The length of the body and tail are almost equal (up to 13 cm). They breed only during the 6 warm months of the year, during which time they produce 2-3 litters of 3-6 cubs.

Wood mouse (Sylvaemus sylvaticus)

A distinctive feature of the animal is a yellow round spot on the chest. The length of the rodent is 12 cm, the tail is 7-10 cm. These mice can occupy abandoned holes, rotten stumps, voids under stones and other natural shelters. The wood mouse is especially common in Siberia, Western Asia, Altai, and in the deciduous forests of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. It feeds on cereals, seeds, nuts, and insects.

Gerbil mouse (Gerbillidae)

In the Mouse gerbil family, gerbils are classified into a separate subfamily, numbering more than 100 species of animals. The natural habitat of these animals is the arid steppes of Eastern Europe, African and Asian deserts and semi-deserts. They are active in daytime; In winter they do not hibernate, but their lifestyle becomes more sluggish.

Externally, the gerbil mouse looks more like a rat. The length of the animal can reach 20 cm and weight 250 g. The color of the animal is brownish-sandy on the back and lighter on the chest. The well-furred long tail disappears into dangerous situations, a new one does not grow. The gerbil mouse can walk on its hind legs and jump over long distances (up to 4 m). It feeds on grains of wheat, barley, corn, millet, as well as fruits and nuts.

Little mouse (Micromys minutus)

The name of the genus is associated with the miniature size of the animal. The maximum length of the animal's body is 7 cm, and the tail - 5 cm. The animal prefers to live in the steppe and forest-steppe, in grain fields, and in floodplain meadows. Among the grass you can find spherical houses of this rodent, made of dry stems and leaves.

The baby mouse is distinguished by its fiery red coloration of its skin, which appears after the first molt. It feeds on invertebrates, green leaves, and grains. The little mouse is peaceful, quickly adapts to a new environment, and therefore can be tamed by people.

White mouse (Mus musculus)

It is also called the house mouse or house mouse because the animal has adapted to live near humans. In living quarters, sheds, and storerooms, these rodents hide complex, multi-channel burrows, where they live in large colonies. Not far from their burrows, they make storage areas for food: seeds, nuts, crackers, pieces of vegetables.

The white mouse is not a large animal, its length reaches 8-11 cm. The long tail is covered with sparse hair, and scaly rings are clearly visible on it. The color of the animal’s skin depends on the species, but the fur on the back is darker than on the belly. The house mouse lives on all continents, in all climate zones and is a faithful companion to humans.

Grass mouse (Arvicanthis)

The length of the body of an individual, including the tail, can exceed 30 cm. The gray or brown fur consists of elongated soft hairs and stiff bristles, as well as hard spiked hairs in some species. Their rhythm of life is similar to that of humans - they are awake during the day and sleep at night.

The homeland of grass mice is Southeast Africa. These rodents love moisture and live mainly in river floodplains and in humid tropical plantations. They can both dig holes and occupy other people's homes.

Field mouse (Apodemus agrarius)

The field mouse is not like other rodents of the Mouse family. The animal has a clear, contrasting color stripe on its skin, which runs along the entire spine, from the muzzle to the base of the tail. The size of the animal varies from 8 to 12 cm without a tail. The color, depending on the species, can vary from light gray to dark brown and black. The field mouse builds its home on its own or uses suitable structures.

The field mouse inhabits the territories of Western and Northern Europe, as well as part of Asia: China, Sakhalin, Taiwan. The animal loves meadows and fields, in deciduous thickets, but is also found in the city. The field mouse feeds on invertebrate insects, cereals, plant stems and fruits.

House mouse: choosing a pet

Decorative mice are friendly, non-aggressive, clean, quickly get used to their owners, and are very easy to care for. When choosing an animal, you should pay attention to the habits and appearance of the rodent. An animal in good health looks like this:

• the fur does not stick out, there are no bald patches;
• teeth white, straight;
• the animal has moist and shiny eyes;
• the animal does not have mucous discharge from the nostrils and eyes;
• The mouse is actively moving and feeding.

We must not forget how many years mice live. The maximum lifespan of these animals is 3-4 years, so it is better to choose a pet under the age of 12 months. You need to pay attention to the sex of the rodent, since several males will not get along in one home.

Males are slightly larger than females, their body resembles an elongated pear. A 30-day-old male mouse has formed testicles under its tail. And in the female, from the 3rd day after birth, 5 pairs of rudimentary nipples are clearly visible.

The house mouse is a collective animal, so it is better to purchase several individuals. If further breeding of animals is planned, then males and females must be kept separately until mating.

Thanks to modern selection, ornamental mice have hundreds of species, among which there are singing, “waltzing”, and animals with unusual coat colors (white albino mice, pure black mice, ashy and cream-colored animals).

Some types of mice are especially popular:

• The Japanese dwarf mouse is very tiny, up to 5 cm long. The white skin is decorated with black and brown spots. Friendly, clean and energetic. Leads night look life. There are 5-7 mice in a litter.
• The spiny mouse or akomis is a large decorative mouse with many needles located along the entire back. The color is reddish-brown or blackish-red. The neck is framed by a voluminous fat hump. The nose is elongated, the eyes are bulging, the ears are large and oval in shape. The mouse is very active and quickly gets used to people.
• Decorative African striped mouse - has an interesting coloring: light and dark stripes alternate along the body. The animal does not emit an unpleasant odor. It climbs well on vertical surfaces. The striped mouse is a very shy animal. In case of danger, it can pretend to be dead or jump to a height of up to 2.5 m. The body length rarely exceeds 10 cm.

Care and maintenance of mice at home

The house where decorative mice live can be a cage, an aquarium, or a transparent plastic box. For a small number of animals, a dwelling measuring 25*45*22 cm is sufficient. The bottom of the terrarium is covered with sawdust from fruit trees or hygienic filling made from corn, paper, straw. Decorative rodents need to change their bedding at least once a week, but preferably every 3 days. The top of the terrarium is covered with a lid with holes for oxygen.

Several shelters are equipped inside the house, preferably at different heights. All types of mice are very active and run up to 40 km a day in their natural environment, so the terrarium should have a running wheel. You can supply water to rodents through a hanging drinking bowl or pour it into a small saucer.

A decorative mouse is an animal that easily gets cold and overheats. It is better to place the animal’s house away from the window, protect the cage from drafts and bright sunlight. The ideal temperature for these rodents is 20-22⁰С.

What do decorative mice eat?

All animals from the Mouse family are prone to obesity, so you need to know what the ornamental mouse eats. The basis of the animal’s diet is cereals: barley, wheat, corn, sorghum. The grain should not be ground. Usually house mice are very small and eat up to 1 tsp per day. stern.

The animals' favorite treats are sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, caraway seeds, Walnut, peanuts and hazelnuts. Vegetables and fruits are necessary in the animal's diet. It is better if the vegetables are green: cauliflower, lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, parsley. And the fruits are not very sweet and juicy: apple, banana, quince, pear, plum. Occasionally you can give bread and egg whites.

What mice don’t eat: citrus fruits, smoked meats, meat, food for cats and dogs.

Species of wild rodents have long been considered enemies of humans. The field mouse damages grain crops. The house mouse contaminates food with feces and urine, and damages books, clothing, and home furnishings. Many types of mice carry infectious diseases: salmonellosis, hepatitis, encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, false tuberculosis and others.

But mice also bring significant benefits to people. Cosmetologists and doctors have been using mice for centuries to conduct all kinds of experiments. This is due to the extraordinary fertility of rodents and the similarity of the human and mouse genomes.

Zoologists raise special food mice for pythons, agamas, boas, geckos, snakes, ferrets, owls and cats. Sometimes decorative rodents are used for such purposes and sold to pet stores.

In ancient Greece, the white mouse was considered a sacred animal. Colonies of thousands of animals lived in the temples. They were heroes of legends and myths. Thought that white mouse helps oracles see the future, and the active reproduction of animals promised well-being and good harvest. The black mouse was considered a product of dirt and was subject to extermination.

In Japan they believed that a white mouse brings happiness. Seeing a place where a colony of rodents lives is a good sign, and a dead mouse meant grief. The Chinese considered this animal a symbol of wisdom and honesty. But among the ancient Persians and Egyptians, on the contrary, both the white and black mice were endowed with destructive, evil powers. They associated rodent invasions with the machinations of the terrible god Ahriman.

Cats appeared in the human home due to the dominance of harmful rodents. Even 6 thousand years ago, people began to feed wild cats, and they, in turn, began to protect their food supplies. But even now mice remain a favorite pastime for domestic cats. This long-standing enmity is the basis of many fairy tales, songs, cartoons, and proverbs. In the Internet era, special videos for cats have appeared. A mouse on the screen becomes a reason for a domestic cat to remember its hunting instincts.

• Mice don't like cheese at all. Rather, animals will prefer whole grains or seeds. Favorite treat for these small rodents - smoked lard. It is often used as bait in a mousetrap.
• Just one year is how long a male marsupial mouse lives. Nature gave these animals only 2 weeks to reproduce. After mating, which lasts 10-13 hours, the male dies to give life to his babies.
• Smell is of great importance in communication between mice. With the help of “odorous” marks (from feces, urine, secretions from glands), rodents delimit territory, orient themselves in space, and transmit information to each other. Each mouse family has its own unique smell, which indicates the genetic affiliation of the animal.
• The cheerful, bug-eyed mouse, the restless little one, is the constant heroine of the modern multimedia world. Fun tablet and phone games offer to catch the mouse on the screen; For a domestic cat this can become a real drug, and for its owner it can be a reason to laugh heartily.

Mice are the smallest rodents on the planet, bringing both benefit and harm to people. They spoil crop supplies and are carriers of dangerous infections. But the use of mice in scientific research, helps save human lives.

Diverse in appearance and lifestyle, mice are often easy prey for predatory reptiles, birds and mammals. Because of this, animals rarely live long lives. Their small size, calm temperament and funny behavior make these rodents suitable for keeping as pets. Animals that are lucky enough to become human pets live much longer than their wild relatives.

CLASS MAMMALS

SUBCLASS PLACENTAL MAMMALS

ORDER RODENTS

THE MOUSE FAMILY

MOUSE SUBFAMILY

TABLE FOR DETERMINING THE GENERUS OF THE MICE SUBFAMILY

1(6) The length of the hind legs is less than 25 mm. Condylobasal length of the skull is less than 30 mm. The length of adult animals is up to 150 mm.

2(3) On the inner (back) side of the upper incisors there is a small ledge into which the ends of the lower jaw incisors rest (Fig. 74, a). The parietal bones have pointed narrow processes directed forward on the anterior outer corners (Fig. 75, a).

House mice

Rice. 74. Incisors of house (a) and forest (b) mice:
1 - ledge on the back surface of the upper incisors

3(2) There is no shoulder on the inner (back) side of the upper incisors (Fig. 74, b). Parietal bones without pointed processes on the anterior outer corners (Fig. 75, b).

Rice. 75. Skulls of house (a) and forest (6) mice:
1 - processes of the parietal bones

4(5) The body length of adults is not more than 70 mm. The length of the hind legs is less than 16 mm. Condylobasal length of the skull is up to 20 mm. The distance from the anterior surface of the incisors to the posterior wall of the last molars of the upper jaw is less than the distance from the last molar to the occipital condyle. The pads on the soles of the feet are extended along the sole.

Baby mice

5(4) The body length of adult animals is more than 70 mm. The length of the hind legs is more than 16 mm. Condylobasal length of the skull is over 20 mm. The distance between the anterior surface of the incisors and the posterior wall of the last molars of the upper jaw exceeds the distance from the last molar to the occipital condyle. The pads of the feet of the hind legs are rounded.

Forest and field mice

6(1) Larger sizes: the length of the hind legs of adults is more than 25 mm. Condylobasal length of the skull is more than 30 mm. The length of adult and sub-adult animals usually exceeds 150 mm.

7(8) Tail length exceeds 2/3 of body length. The distance between the outer sides of the upper jaw incisors at their base is approximately equal to the width of the nasal opening of the skull (Fig. 76, a). The chewing surface of the molars has tubercles or (in worn teeth) curved three-lobed enamel loops (Fig. 70, a).

Rats

Rice. 76. Skulls of the pasyuk rat (a) and the plate-toothed rat (b) (front view)

8(7) Tail length less than 2/3 of body length. The distance between the outer sides of the upper jaw incisors at their base significantly exceeds the width of the nasal opening of the skull (Fig. 76, b). The chewing surface of molars in adult individuals bears oval enamel loops elongated in the transverse direction (there are 3 on the front tooth, 2 on the second and third) (Fig. 70, b).

Lamellar-toothed rats

GENUS HOUSE MICE

There is only one species in the fauna of the USSR.

House mouse

(Almost the entire territory of the USSR, except the North. In the north of the range it lives only in human buildings, and in the south of the country it also lives in fields, steppes and other lands. Gives a number of litters of 3-8 cubs per year. The food is varied. Barn and field pest.)

KIND OF LITTLE MOUSE

The only kind.

Little mouse

(Almost the entire European part of the USSR, except for the North, Southern Siberia, Northern Kazakhstan, Southern Yakutia, Amur region, Primorye. More often found in fields, hayfields, vegetable gardens, and in reeds near lakes. In summer it lives in spherical nests suspended on the stems of grasses and cereals. In winter, it takes refuge in stacks and sweeps. Breeds several times a year; There are 4-8 young in the litter. Feeds on seeds and green parts herbaceous plants. In some places it damages crops.)

GENUS FOREST AND FIELD MICE

There are 5 species in the fauna of the USSR.

TABLE FOR IDENTIFYING SPECIES OF THE GENUS OF FOREST AND FIELD MICE

1(2) A black stripe stretches along the ridge on the back. The external tubercle in the first loop of the second molar of the upper jaw is absent (Fig. 77, a).

(The European part of the USSR, except Crimea and the northern regions, Northern and Eastern Kazakhstan, Northern Kyrgyzstan, the southern parts of Western and Central Siberia, east to Lake Baikal, the Amur region and Primorye. Settles in arable lands, meadows, forest edges, in bushes, along ravines, in floodplains of rivers, in vegetable gardens. Lives in burrows. Lives all year round; in winter accumulates near villages in stacks and sweeps. Gives up to 3 litters of 3-9 cubs per year. Eats green parts and seeds of herbaceous plants and insects. Damages crops and garden crops.)

Rice. 77. Molars of the upper jaw of various mice:
a - second molar of the upper jaw of a field mouse; b - second molar of the upper jaw of an East Asian mouse; c - the first molar of the upper jaw of a wood mouse; d - the first molar of the upper jaw of a mountain mouse; 1 - anterior outer tubercle of the second molar

2(1) There is no longitudinal black stripe on the back. The first loop of the second molar of the upper jaw forms both an external and an internal tubercle (Fig. 77, b).

3(4) The color of the back is grayish-brown without any admixture of brown or reddish shades. The outer side of the first molar of the upper jaw with 4 tubercles (Fig. 77, d).

Mountain mouse

(Western Transcaucasia. Lives on mountain slopes in forests and bushes. Lifestyle is poorly studied.)

4(3) The color of the back is light brown or grayish-brown (in juveniles), usually with a reddish tint. The outer side of the first molar of the upper jaw with 3 tubercles (Fig. 77, c).

5(8) Body length up to 11 cm. Length of hind legs less than 22 mm. The condylobasal length of the skull usually does not exceed 22 mm.

Wood mouse

(Almost the entire European part of the USSR, except the North, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, except desert sands, the southern part Western Siberia. Inhabits forests, thickets of bushes, fields, vegetable gardens, orchards, villages, floodplains, and mountain slopes. Lives in minks. Does not hibernate. During the year, females give birth to 2-4 litters of 3-8 young. It feeds on acorns, nuts, seeds, grass, and insects. In some places it damages forest and garden plants and crops.)

6(5) Body length over 11 cm. Length of hind legs over 22 mm. The condylobasal length of the skull usually exceeds 22 mm.

7(8) There is a yellow spot on the chest between the paws. The edges of the interorbital space of the skull are rounded.

Yellow-throated mouse

(Western, central and southern regions of the European part of the USSR, the Caucasus. Lives in mixed and deciduous forests, bushes, along ravines, in the steppe, gardens. Settles in burrows and hollows. There are 2-3 litters of 4-8 cubs per year. In hibernation does not flow in. Food is like that of a wood mouse.)

8(7) On the chest macular spot No. The edges of the interorbital space of the skull bear a ridge-like edge.

East Asian mouse

(Primorye, Amur region, southern Yakutia, Transbaikalia, Baikal region, Sayan Mountains, Tuva Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Altai. It lives along the edges of forests, in bushes, along ravines, in fields. Its lifestyle is similar to a forest mouse.)

RAT KIND

There are 3 species in the fauna of the USSR.

TABLE FOR IDENTIFYING RATS GENUS SPECIES

1(2) The tail is shorter than the body. There are no more than 200 rings of skin scales on the tail. The ear, bent forward, does not reach the eye. There are small swimming membranes between the toes of the hind legs. The lateral ridges of the parietal bones are almost straight, parallel to each other or slightly diverging posteriorly (Fig. 78, c).

Gray rat, or pasyuk

(Inhabits almost the entire country, except the Far North, taiga regions of Siberia and the Far East, Central Asia and Southern Kazakhstan. Lives mainly in cities and villages, sometimes settling in floodplains. Breeds in buildings all year round, and in natural conditions only in the warm season. The food is very varied. Causes great harm through destruction and spoilage of food products. Carrier of plague, rabies and a number of other dangerous human diseases.)

2(1) Tail longer than body. The tail has more than 200 rings of skin scales. The ear, bent forward, reaches the eye. There is no swimming membrane between the toes of the hind legs. The lateral ridges of the parietal bones are curved outward (Fig. 78, a, b).

Rice. 78. Skulls of Central Asian (a), black (b) and gray (c) rats:
1 - lateral ridges of the parietal and frontal bones

3(4) The tail is one color or its upper side is only slightly darker than the lower. The anterior edge of the notch of the bony palate lies significantly behind the line connecting the posterior surfaces of the last molars of the upper jaw.

Rat black

(Sporadic in the European part of the USSR, Transcaucasia and the Far East. Lives in buildings and outside them - in floodplains and forests. Gives 2-3 litters per year, on average 6 cubs. Eats food in houses, and in gardens and orchards fruits and vegetables. Available in two varieties - black and brown.)

4(3) The tail is sharply two-colored: dark above, whitish below. The anterior edge of the notch of the bony palate lies approximately on the line connecting the posterior surfaces of the last molars of the upper jaw.

Central Asian rat

(Central Asia and Southern Kazakhstan. Lives both in human settlements and in the forest, in the mountains, along rivers. Reproduces 2-3 times a year. Spoils food, eats fruits and vegetables in gardens. In the forest feeds on nuts, seeds, berries , fruits, insects.)

GENUS PLATE-TOothed RATS

There is only one species in the USSR.

Lamellar-toothed rat, or short-toothed rat

(Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Settles along the banks of rivers and irrigation ditches, in irrigated meadows, in gardens and vegetable gardens, in villages. Lives in colonies in branched burrows. Gives a number of litters per year. Severely damages alfalfa, rice and vegetable plantings.)

Animals in numbers:

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MOUSE family
(Muridae)

// Mouse /
//Muridae/

FAMILY MOUSE (Muridae) The family unites animals that are very diverse in size, appearance and lifestyle. The sizes of mice range from small to large: body length 5-48 cm. The tail of most of them exceeds half the body. It is usually covered with ring-shaped horny scales, between which sparse short hair. Most species do not have cheek pouches. The chewing surfaces of the cheek teeth are usually tuberculate, and on the upper teeth the tubercles are located in 3 longitudinal rows, although row 1 (the outermost) is represented by only one tubercle. Most species have cheek teeth with roots.

Subfamily Climbing mice (Dendromurinac) Wood mice (Dendromus) are rodents the size of a house mouse: body length 6-10 cm, tail 7-12 cm. The tail is covered with scales without hair. When climbing, the animal wraps its tail around muddy branches or grass stems. On the forelimbs only 3 long fingers with sharp claws. A groove runs along the front surface of the upper incisor. Representatives of the genus of fat mice (Steatomys, 11 species) are small: body length 5-14 cm, short tail (3-7 cm), thick, covered with sparse hair. Fat mice are common in southern Africa from Sudan to the Cape Province of South Africa. They inhabit arid areas: sandy plains, savannas, dry forests and bushes, but avoid wet forests and swamps. They take refuge in burrows up to 1.5-2.0 m long, with a spacious nesting chamber located at a depth of 90-120 cm. They feed on seeds, plant bulbs and insects. They are active mainly in the dark half of the day. They live alone and in pairs. During the wet season, they accumulate large fat reserves and drag food supplies into their burrows. During the dry period (from April to October) they hibernate for up to 6 months. One litter can have 4-6 cubs. Subfamily Otomyinae Swamp rats (Otomys) are similar in appearance to large voles. Body length 12-22 cm, tail 5-17 cm, weight 100-200 g. Distributed in Africa from Sudan to the southern tip of the continent. They inhabit wet places - swamps, banks of reservoirs. Only a few species settle in dry places with sandy soil, in thickets of bushes and on forested mountain slopes. They live alone or in colonies. Most species build nests from plant materials on the soil surface. Sometimes they take refuge in holes they have dug. They are active at different times of the day, but mainly in the morning and evening twilight. They can swim and dive when in danger. They feed on leaves of various herbs, seeds, berries, roots, bark, and sometimes ants. They breed in different months of the year. They bring up to 5 broods per year, usually 3 cubs each. Newborns (weighing about 12 g) are born with open eyes, covered with fur and are immediately able to run. In 2 weeks they become fully grown. At 3 months of age they already reach sexual maturity. Subfamily Mouse (Murinae) Of the 400 species of the mouse family (united in 100 genera), about 300 species (more than 70 genera) belong to this main subfamily - mice. Mouse species are widespread in the greatest diversity of species in Africa and Tropical Asia, much smaller in temperate Australia and northern Eurasia. Synanthropic species - the house mouse and 2 species of rats - with the help of humans, settled almost all over the world, including South and North America, where there were no local mice. We provide information about only a small part of the species. Representatives of the genus of African mice (Thamnomys) are similar in appearance to gerbils. The genus includes 4 or 5 species. Grass mice (Arvicanthis) are one of the most numerous African rodents, 4 species of which are distributed over most of the continent, as well as in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. They are especially noticeable in East Africa, south to Malawi. The size of grass mice is large: body length 12-19 cm, tail 9-16 cm, weight 50-100 g. The color is grayish-brown, the underside is slightly lighter. The fur is long with individual prickly bristles, some species with real thin needles. They inhabit savannas, bush thickets, and light forests. They live in burrows, sometimes occupying empty termite mounds. They often form colonial settlements, making paths in the dense grass similar to the passages of voles. They feed on a variety of plant foods, often damage crops and grain reserves in barns, and can settle in human dwellings. Active day and night. In captivity, the animal lives up to 7-8 years. Brook rats (Pelorays) are similar in appearance to grass mice, but their incisors are complaining. Coloring in various shades Brown, the fur is hard, partly bristly. Some species (9 species are known in total) have a narrow longitudinal “strap” on their back. Body length is 12-22 cm, the tail can be longer or shorter than the body. They usually live in damp places near rivers, streams, lakes and swamps, and can also be found along the edges of forests. Pied mice (Lemniscomys) live throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 6 externally similar species are known. Living in Ghana and surrounding countries West Africa L. striatus is a characteristic representative of the group. The body length of motley mice is 10-14 cm, the tail is 10-16 cm. Intermittent light stripes stretch across the back and sides. They live in tall grass savannah and along the edges of forests, rising into the mountains to a height of 2100 m. They often settle in other people's burrows, although they are capable of making their own. One litter usually contains 2-5 cubs, although pregnant females have even been caught with 12 embryos. Breeding is possible all year round, although some species stop breeding during dry seasons. Active mainly during the day. They feed mainly on plant foods, mainly fruits, roots, and soft seeds. Sometimes they eat insects. Wire-haired mice (Lophuromys) are one of the most widespread representatives of the family across vast areas of Africa, from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania to Cameroon, Ghana, Gabon and Angola. There are 10 known species of these animals. Their body length is from 10 to 14.5 cm, the tail is usually shorter (5.0-11.5 cm). There are 2 types of color: dark, brown or olive, or variegated, when individual whitish, yellowish or orangish streaks are located on a dark background. In some species, the base of the fur is orange or dull orange. This trait is unique to African mammals. Wire-haired mice live in a variety of places: in forests, thickets of grass and shrubs, swamps, fields, and reed thickets. They rise into the mountains to the upper border of the forest (up to 4 thousand m). Active at any time of the day. Nests are made in burrows or ground shelters: under logs, dead wood, in dense vegetation. They feed largely on insects and other invertebrate animals, as well as toads and small lizards. From plant foods they prefer juicy root vegetables and fruits. Representatives of the genus of soft-haired mice (Millardia, 3 species) are similar in size to Elliott's mouse: body length 10-16 cm, tail 8-16 cm. The color of their soft fur is similar to a gray rat. Distributed on the island of Sri Lanka, in India north to Punjab, in Pakistan and Burma. They inhabit swampy areas, fields and mountain slopes. They live in groups (probably family) of 2-6 individuals. They take refuge in voids under stones, in burrows of other rodents, or dig simple short holes themselves. They feed on marsh plants, as well as grains of field crops. The female brings 6-8 cubs in a litter. In some years, there was a significant increase in the number of soft-haired mice. Until now, field mice, together with wood mice, were classified in the genus Apodemus. But all wood mice are a relatively homogeneous group, with species difficult to distinguish, so they should be separated from the lobar mice into a special genus of wood mice (Sylvimus). The genus of Australian field mice (Gyomys, 8 species) inhabits the entire Australian continent, with the exception of the humid north. Body length 13 cm, tail 6-14 cm. These mice come in a variety of shades: olive, sandy, ash; the underparts are light, often white. Australian mice live in tall grass and eucalyptus forests (in the latter, G. fumeus is a common species). They also inhabit rocky areas of mountains and sandy plains. G. alcinereus, which settles in sand, digs deep (up to 1 m) burrow systems with several exits. They feed mainly on insects with the addition of seeds and green herbs. Reproduction is confined to the Australian spring. In November - December, 3-5 cubs are born. In Australia, there are 3 species of wire nest rats (Leporillus): L. conditor, L. jonesi and L. apicalis. Their body length is 14-20 cm. The tail is well pubescent, with a small tassel at the end. In Central, Eastern and Southern Australia, as well as in Tasmania, common rodents are representatives of the genus Pseudomys, which includes 10 species. Representatives of the genus of banana rats (Melomys, 12 species) are distributed in New Guinea and the adjacent islands, northern Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands. The body length of these rodents is 9-18 cm, the tail is long (11-18 cm). Most other species of true mice of the genus Mus are very similar in appearance to the brownie. The small mouse (M. minutoides), weighing only 6.5 g, is widespread in Uganda and adjacent countries. Externally, the genus of Australian mice (Leggadina, 7 species) is close to house mice. Australian mice are distributed mainly in the north and east of the continent. Their length is 5-10 cm, the tail is 5-9 cm. The color is brown, sometimes yellowish-brown, lighter below, almost white. Representatives of the genus of kangaroo mice (Notomys) in appearance resemble not so much a miniature kangaroo as a jerboa. These are large rodents for mice (length 9-18 cm, tail 12-26 cm), sandy, ash or brown in color on the back and white below. They have very large ears and eyes, a small tassel on their long tail, their hind legs are very elongated, and they are characterized by large and strong incisors. They usually run on all legs, but when stopping they rely only on their hind legs. There are 10 known species that live in most of Australia: deserts, steppes, bush thickets and light dry forests. They are active at dusk and at night, and spend the day in a nest, which is placed in burrows. Usually she digs a hole and arranges a nest before giving birth to 2-5 cubs. Marsupials from the genus Antechinomys are very similar to kangaroo mice and lead a similar lifestyle. Moreover, both “doubles” often occupy the same burrow system and literally live side by side. They feed on green grasses, seeds and berries. Australian aborigines readily catch kangaroo mice for their tasty meat. Representatives of the genus of rabbit rats (Cuminis) are large (body length 16-20 cm, tail -21 cm), blackish-brown or sandy rodents. The underparts are white or yellowish; the tail is covered with thick fur. There are 2 known species. The genus of mantbuls (Mesembriomys) lives in the light eucalyptus forests of Australia. The genus of beaver rats (Ilydromys) includes semi-aquatic rodents that do not inhabit Australia, New Guinea and the adjacent islands.

Family MOUSE- MURIDAE

Pasyuk (Rattus Norvegicus Berk.). The largest rat. The tail is slightly shorter than the body, the muzzle is elongated, and the ears are short. The color of the upper body ranges from light reddish to dark ocher-brown. The underparts are dirty gray with various shades. On the tail there are horny scales - rings. Range - the entire globe. In natural biotopes it inhabits uranium (floodplain) forests, bushes along rivers and other bodies of water. The Karako rat is common in the forests of the Far East.

Pasyuk is active throughout the year at all hours of the day, but especially at night and at dusk. Fertility is very high. Under favorable conditions they reproduce all year round. A litter averages eight babies, which are born blind and naked but grow quickly. A female has two to three litters per year. Sexual maturity occurs at the age of three months. Pasyuk feeds on a variety of foods. In forest biogeocenoses it prefers small animals. Causes enormous damage. Spoils food products, harms grain and melon crops, and harms fishing and hunting farms. Carrier of many pathogens infectious diseases- typhoid, plague, tularemia, encephalitis, etc. Pasyuk skins have a certain importance in the procurement of fur raw materials.

Rice. 46. ​​Wood mouse (photo by Tatarinov).

Harvest mouse (Apodemus agrarius Pall.). A small animal with a tail slightly shorter than its body. The color on top is red with an ocher or grayish-brown tint. There is a black-brown stripe along the spine, the belly is whitish-gray. Area - Western Europe, European part of the USSR, southern Siberia, eastern Kazakhstan, Far East. Forest dweller and forest-steppe zone. Biotope - floodplains of rivers and lakes, overgrown with shrubs, forest edges, overgrown wet logs, reed thickets. For the winter, part of the population migrates to haystacks, straw sweeps, and human buildings. During the year there are three to five litters, each containing three to nine young. Sexual maturity occurs after three to four months. Eats plant, food and insects. It damages crops and forest nurseries, especially in the Far East and Western Siberia, where the population of this rodent is high.

Wood mouse (Apodemus siylvaticus L.). The mouse is larger than the house mouse. The hind foot is elongated, the tail exceeds the length of the body. Head with a pointed muzzle, big ears and big eyes. The color of the back is reddish-ochre with various shades. The lower part of the body is dirty gray. On the chest between the forelimbs there is a buffy spot of various shapes (Fig. 46). Range - Europe (except for the northern outskirts), North Africa, Western and South Asia, the European part of the USSR, Crimea, the Caucasus, the Carpathians, Kazakhstan, South-Western Siberia, the mountains of Central Asia.

A characteristic inhabitant of different ages broadleaf forest. Found in mixed and coniferous plantations. Often settles in clearings, in thickets of bushes, in shelterbelts, in plantings along railway tracks and highways. In the mountains (Caucasus, Carpathians, Mountain Crimea) occurs above the border of tall forest. It settles in natural shelters, especially in hollows, sometimes located at high altitudes. In the Carpathians, Podolia and other places, this species inhabits hollows of linden and beech trees at a height of 5.2–6.6 M. The wood mouse burrow has a simple structure and is located under the roots of trees. It consists of a nesting chamber, one or two chambers for reserves and has two or three exits.

The wood mouse is active throughout the year, mainly at dusk and at night. A young female gives birth to cubs at the age of 80–90 days. There are three to eight blind and hairless young in the litter. They grow quickly. The average interval between two broods is 50–60 days (N.P. Naumov, 1940), and there are up to five broods per year. The population size of wood mice especially increases during the years of abundant harvest of the main forest-forming species, in the Carpathians - beech, in the central regions - acorns. This trophic relationship is expressed throughout the entire range of the wood mouse and related species of mouse-like rodents. The main food of this rodent is seeds of various tree species, then berries and insects, and finally green vegetative parts of plants. There is a change in feed throughout the year. In the spring, mice eat the remains of last year's seed harvest; in summer - berries and seeds of herbaceous plants, green food and insects; in autumn - seeds of tree species; in winter - reserves consisting of seeds of woody plants. Wood mice negatively affect reforestation processes and the cultivation of forest crops. During the years of mass reproduction, they and yellow-necked mice (Apodemus Flavicollis M e 1 h.) can almost completely destroy the seed crop of oak, beech, linden, and maple. Great harm mice inflict on forest and fruit nurseries, as well as forest strips. In some places they damage agricultural crops.

Forest Lemming (Myopus Schisticolor Li 11.). In appearance it resembles forest voles. The first toe of the forelimb has a large flat claw with a notch at the end. The tail is short, as long as the hind foot. The sole, except for the heel area, is bare. The color of the head, sides and abdomen is blackish-gray with an ashen tint. There is a reddish-brown spot on the upper side of the body. Range - from northern Scandinavia through the taiga zone to Pacific Ocean, northern European part of the USSR, Siberia, Far East. Inhabitant of lowland and mountain taiga, settles in wetlands with sphagnum cover. It is rare, but during the years of mass reproduction it becomes numerous and migrates. Burrows in moss or tree roots. The breeding season is from June to September, with females having two litters per season, each containing two to seven young. Lemmings feed on mosses and lichens.

Lesnaya, or bank vole (Clethrionomys Glareolus Schreb.). A characteristic representative of a group of voles. It is clearly different from mice in that external signs: tail short, equal to half the length of the body; hind foot small, no more than 20 Mm; The ears are small, almost do not protrude from the fur; the muzzle is blunt, the eyes are small. The color of the back is rusty or reddish-red with various shades. The abdomen is ash-gray. The tail is noticeably two-colored. Range - forest landscapes of almost all of Western Europe, the European part of the USSR, taiga of Western and Central Siberia, Transcaucasia.

The vole lives in various types of forests, from coniferous in the north to broad-leaved in the south. In autumn and winter it migrates to haystacks, straw sweeps, and residential buildings. Sometimes it makes a nest on the surface of the soil, but usually digs complex burrows with several exits and one or two chambers. Active at night and at dusk throughout the year. It reproduces three to four times a year. Each litter contains two to eight young. Sexual maturity occurs after two months, the duration of pregnancy is 18–20 days. In summer it eats grass, acorns, nuts, seeds of other tree species, and berries; in winter - bark, shoots of bushes and trees. Harmful to gardens and forest crops. Serves as food for pine marten, mink, forest ferret, ermine, fox and other forest predators. During the years of abundant harvest of seeds of the main forest-forming species, the number of forest voles increases abruptly, and then these animals literally flood the forests. In the Carpathians, this is observed during the beech nut harvest years.

Other species of forest voles are also found on the territory of the USSR: red { Clethrionomys Rutilus Pall.) - northern European part of the USSR, Siberia, northern Kazakhstan, Far East, Tien Shan ( Clethrionomys Frater Thomas) - southeast Central Asia, red-gray (Clethrionomys Rufocanus Sund.) - north of the European part of the USSR, Far East, Siberia. The biology of these species is similar to that of the bank vole.

Water vole, or water rat (Arvicola TerRestris L.). Large vole with thick soft fur. The color of the back is from brownish-gray to black. The underparts are grayish-slate with an ocher tint. Area - Western Europe, Asia Minor, Northern Mongolia, most of the territory of the USSR, with the exception of Central Asia, the Far North, eastern Siberia, and the Far East. Typical representative water-coastal theriofauna. In Western Siberia, the water rat is common in the forest zone. In the Carpathians, a small subspecies of this species ( A. T. Scherman Shaw.) inhabits the upper forest belt and adjacent areas of polonia.

Subterranean vole (Pitymys subterraneus De S e1. Long.). Small short-tailed vole. The color of the top is brownish-gray, the belly is gray with a silvery tint. The fur is soft and short. The tail is two-colored: gray-brown above, whitish below. Range - Europe, Western Asia; in the USSR - west and southwest of the European part north to Vologda region. In western Ukraine it is a characteristic representative of the fauna of beech forest and Carpathian crooked forest.

Burrows on the slopes of damp forest gullies overgrown with bushes and young growth, under the trunks of fallen trees, between roots, in stones among thickets of mountain pine (Carpathians). The passages are shallow and have a complex structure. Breeding from March to September. During this period, there are three to four litters of five to six cubs. Sexual maturity occurs after 2.5 months. The vole eats bulbs, rhizomes, vegetative organs of herbaceous plants, and seeds. Does not cause significant harm to forestry. Serves as food for valuable fur-bearing animals, birds of prey and owls

The bush vole lives in the Caucasus (Pitymys Majori Thomas.), numerous in the deciduous forest belt and subalpine zone. The biology of this species is similar to that of the underground vole.

The mouse family is the largest order of mammals. There are more than 300 species, 1500 varieties in the world. Among them there are herbivores and omnivores. Some breeds of mice were bred artificially as pets. except Antarctica. There are no rodents high in the mountains. There are about 13 of them in Russia. Representatives of different types of mice differ in size and color.

Mouse Skin

It's hard to find a person who doesn't know what a mouse is. Some representatives of the mouse species live in the neighborhood, annoying with their presence, causing damage to products, things, furniture, and interior items. Little mice often become cartoon characters for children. And some animal lovers keep them in a cage as a pet.

Mouse Description:

• elongated body;
• long thin tail different types makes up 70-120% of body length;
• small head with an elongated or blunt muzzle;
• barely noticeable or large round ears;
• small, sharp, beady eyes;
• small pink nose;
• the hind legs have an elongated foot, providing the animal with jumping ability, allowing it to rise up, leaning on its hind legs;
• the hand of the forelimbs is small.

Interesting!

A feature of any type of mouse is the presence of long teeth in the center of the upper and lower jaw. They grow throughout their lives, increasing by 2 mm every day. To prevent teeth from growing to unrealistic sizes, the animal constantly grinds down. A photo of a mouse with beautiful teeth is shown below.

Wool and color features

The mouse's body is covered with coarse fur. The length of the hairs differs in each type of mouse, but they always lie smoothly on the surface of the skin. There are no furry mice.

The color is very different. The wild mouse is found in gray, red, brown, ocher, and black colors. IN wild environment, but more often in laboratory conditions, the result is a white mouse with red eyes and an albino nose. The color of decorative mice is impressive in its variety - blue, yellow, orange, smoky, etc. The abdomen and sides are always lighter than the back, and even contain white hairs of fur.

On a note!

The main difference between a wild mouse and a wild mouse is the presence of a stripe of light and dark color on its back.

Some breeds have vertical stripes all over their back. Below is a mouse in the photo - you can remember or find out what the animal looks like.

Dimensions, parameters

The mouse-rodent belongs to the small representatives of the family. different species are similar to each other. The maximum body length for representatives of our area is 13 cm, excluding the tail. The average size torso – 9 cm.

Genetic abilities relative to weight – 50 g. The maximum value that a pet can achieve if provided with adequate nutrition and appropriate living conditions. In the wild, the average weight of a mouse is 20 g. Below is the mouse in the photo in relation to other animals.

Mouse Squad

Mammal. Cubs are viviparous. The female feeds the pups with milk for about a month. Each has 8 nipples. Pregnancy lasts about 25 days. After childbirth, the ability to conceive is restored after 9 days. There are from 1 to 12 cubs in a litter. The number of pregnancies per year is 3-5. There is a tendency for the rodent population to increase once every 7 years.

Mice are born blind, toothless, and naked. After a week, teeth begin to grow and fur appears. After 20 days, the incisors appear, and the young animals begin to provide for themselves. The young female is ready for fertilization after 3 months of her life.

Nutritional features of mice

Peering at damaged containers, furniture, household items, and walls of the room, one gets the impression that the mouse is omnivorous. It chews on everything it comes across on the go, even if it has no nutritional value. Such a brutal appetite is explained by several aspects of her life:

• The mouse is forced to constantly grind down its front teeth. Chews hard objects.
• The animal has an accelerated metabolism. Food is quickly digested, and due to high mobility, energy is instantly consumed. On average, a rodent should eat 5 g of food and drink 20 ml of water per day.
• The mouse has this peculiarity - it tastes everything new and unknown.

Regarding food preferences, the mouse is a predator. But he prefers plant foods. Replenishment of proteins is carried out by eating worms, insects, eggs, and chicks. The herbivorous creature eats helpless birds with great appetite and steals eggs from nests. Then he arranges a home for himself in this place.

A herbivorous mouse gnaws seeds, the green part of plants. If there is a lack of fluid, he eats berries, fruits, and vegetables. Prefers grains, cereals, seeds, flour.

On a note!

Having settled in a person’s home, . Sausage, cheese, meat, lard, chips, beer, cookies, candy. And also soap, napkins, books, toilet paper, newspapers, plastic bags, sacks, etc.

Features of life

The timid character of a rodent is not at all associated with a cowardly disposition. The small animal is forced to behave carefully, since it has plenty of enemies.

A mouse in the wild is trained in various skills - crawling, swimming, digging, and some species even fly. This existence allows rodents to overcome obstacles, adapt to new conditions, and get food everywhere.

The mouse makes its home in the ground, digging out complex labyrinths, in trees, in old hollows, bird nests, and under stones. Once in a person’s house, it settles down under the floor, in the attic, between the walls. Activates activity in the dark. Tries not to go too far from the nest or burrow.

Interesting!

Most species of mice live in packs. A whole hierarchy is built with a male leader and several dominant females. Each individual is assigned a territory where it can obtain food. The Sakis raise their offspring together, but after they “come of age” they are unanimously expelled from the family to live independently.

Mice hibernate in several places:

• in holes deep in the ground;
• haystacks in the field;
• in barns, warehouses, outbuildings, sheds, and a person’s home.

Rodents that remain in the field for the winter prepare food supplies. The hole has several chambers where the mouse carries everything that is valuable to it and will save it from starvation.

Natural enemies of mice are reptiles, wild animals, hedgehogs, large birds, dogs, cats. Since in our area the reptile is not as common as in warm countries, predators from this genus are snakes and some species of snakes.

In nature, a living mouse exists for only 1 year. Such short term associated with a large number of enemies, natural disasters. Genetically laid down for about 5 years. IN artificial conditions can live about 3 years. In the laboratory they lived until 7.

Types and varieties of mice

Mice various types differ in size, color and habitat. Knowing the characteristics of each species, you can easily distinguish between them.

Little mouse

The smallest rodent in the world. An adult animal fits comfortably in the palm of a child. The body length does not exceed 7 cm, the tail is almost the same. The rodent builds nests from twigs in the grass. The mouse climbs trees well; tenacious paws with sharp claws and a curled tail help it in this. Remains active even in winter and tolerates cold relatively well.

The body color is close to red; it is also called the yellow mouse. The fur on the belly, muzzle, and tips of the ears is almost white. The baby mouse causes damage to garden crops, trees, and crops. Distributed in Yakutia, England, and the Caucasus. The creature is a herbivore, but occasionally eats small bugs and worms.

Wood mouse

The names of mice are often related to their habitat. lives on the edge of the forest. The body length reaches 10 cm, weight 20 g. The tail is about 7 cm. It is characterized by a sharp muzzle, red, brown, even black color. The main difference is the size of the ears. The mouse with big ears became the prototype of the cartoon character Mickey Mouse. Round large ears are a feature of the wood mouse.

The mouse lives in holes or high in the trees. He climbs well and runs fast. It overwinters in a hole located at a depth of about 2 m. In winter, it comes out with the onset of a thaw. It is a harmless creature for humans until it approaches their gardens, orchards, and fields.

Gerbil

The rodent came to our region from the USA. It was brought for laboratory research and quickly spread as a pet. The gerbil does not have an unpleasant mouse odor. It looks like a cute, attractive creature. Has several varieties. The dwarf Mongolian mouse is common in our area. There are about 100 subspecies of gerbil in the world.

The belly is almost white, the back is brownish-red with black hairs. There is a bright black stripe in the center along the back. Small round ears, pink nose, blunt muzzle, larger eyes than other species. The mouse with a tassel on its tail has become one of the most beloved pets.

Steppe mouse

Externally similar to a gerbil. Lives in the fields in the wild. Damages agriculture. Body length is about 7 cm. Distinctive feature– a long tail that exceeds the body size by 1/3. A mouse with a long tail builds holes in the ground and makes significant reserves for the winter. Loves cereal fields, bushes near ponds and rivers. For prosperous living, as for the wood mouse, a thick grass cover and overgrown shrubs are required. In winter, it is more active than other relatives. Often . The same species may be called a vole.

House mouse

The most common rodent. It causes a disgusted attitude, a desire to slam it down, to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Gray mouse with the onset of cold weather it approaches human habitation. It even climbs into the apartments of multi-storey buildings on the upper floors. Its presence causes a lot of inconvenience, spoils food supplies, chews things, furniture, and interior items. As well as electrical wiring, wires in the car, foam walls.

Body length is about 6 cm. Small round ears, elongated muzzle, tail slightly less than the length of the body. The body color is gray with different shades. It is also called gray-humped. One type of brownie is the black mouse.

White mouse

Occurs in nature in any species of the genus. Due to weak genetic data, the hair fibers acquire uniform White color. The eyes turn red. Albino mice are more often found within the walls of the laboratory. It was also possible to develop a breed of white mice with normal black eyes but light fur. One of the most common breeds among all pets.

A huge variety of mouse representatives covers all points globe, the emergence of the genus goes back to the distant past. A unique animal that man destroys in every possible way, but the mouse remains to live.