| Size: |
House mouse adult's head+body length is 2.5-3.5 in (6.5-9 cm ); tail length is 2.75-4 in (7-10 cm ); weight is 0.5-1 ounce. |
| Color: |
Varied, but usually light brown to dusty gray on top, light gray or cream on belly. |
| Characteristics: |
Smooth fur; pointed muzzle, small eyes, large ears with some hair; short and broad feet; dark, scaly semi-naked tail. |
| Geographic Range: |
House mice are probably from central Asia, but now all over the world and throughout the U.S. |
| Food: |
House mice eat many kinds of food, but especially seeds. Main feedings are at dawn and dusk. They get moisture from their food, but will take water also, especially when eating protein. They prefer sweet liquids. |
| Biology: |
Mice are social. Related male and female house mice are compatible, but unrelated males are aggressive. Small sized territories, marked with urine, are maintained by a dominant male, with lower-ranking males and females. Mature house mice are aggressive towards strangers of either sex. They mature in 35 days, and live about 1 year, but can survive to 6 years. Pregnancy takes 18-21 days, with 5-8 young per litter, 8 litters per year, and 30-35 mice are weaned per year. A female can have a litter every 40-50 days, so more than 1 litter may be in the nest at a time. They see clearly only 6 inches ahead, and are color blind. They climb, run up rough walls and along pipes, ropes, and wires, jump 12 inches high and down from 8 feet, and sometimes swim. They can survive in 14 degrees F (-10 C). |
