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House mouse
Scientific name: Mus musculus
The tiny, grey-brown house mouse is one of our most successful mammals. It thrives around buildings but is less likely to be found in our houses these days due to better construction.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: 10cmTail: 10cm
Weight: 20g
Average lifespan: 1 year
Conservation status
Common.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
As its name suggests, the house mouse thrives wherever there are people, particularly in farm buildings, warehouses, sheds and garages, although it is no longer a common resident of our homes. It eats grains, seeds, roots, fungi and insects. House mice construct a series of tunnels to live in. Females can have up to 10 litters a year of four to eight young.How to identify
The house mouse is grey-brown, with large ears, a pointed snout and long, scaly tail. The similar wood mouse is browner and has larger ears and eyes relative to its size.Distribution
Widespread.Habitats
Did you know?
The house mouse is the ancestor of the domestic mouse, which has been bred as a pet and a laboratory subject.
Bertie Gregory/2020VISION