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House Mouse, Mus musculus
House mice originated in Asia but have since spread throughout the world. Along with brown rats, they are considered to be the most widespread terrestrial mammal other than humans.
Life span - Up to two years
Statistics - Body length: 6.5-10cm, Weight: 12-22g
Physical Description - House mice have brown-grey fur, with slightly lighter under-parts. They have large ears, a pointed snout and a long tail.
Distribution - Although they are thought to be native to Asia, house mice now have an almost worldwide distribution.
Habitat - They are typically found in areas near to human habitation and open fields.
Diet - They feed on practically everything, but prefer to eat cereals and insects.
Behaviour - House mice are nocturnal. Wild populations are poor competitors with other rodents, and are often displaced by other species when away from human habituation.
They are typically aggressive to each other, and fighting is common, although females have an aggression inhibiting hormone in their urine to prevent attack from other mice.
House mice build tunnel systems which may be a short tunnel with just one chamber or a complex network with several exits and chambers. Some of these chambers may contain bedding material.
Reproduction - Females produce about 5-10 litters per year, consisting of 4-8 young. The young are independent after 3 weeks.
Conservation status - House mice are common. They are considered to be a major pest as they spoil a large amount of stored food and are a carrier of several diseases.
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