White footed mouse
| White footed mouse | ||||||||||||
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White footed mouse ( Peromyscus leucopus ) |
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| Peromyscus leucopus | ||||||||||||
| ( Rafinesque , 1818) |
The (actual) white-footed mouse ( Peromyscus leucopus ) is a species of New World mice that lives in North and Central America . The term white-footed mice is also applied to the entire genus Peromyscus .
features
The white-footed mouse reaches a total length of 15 to 21 centimeters, of which 7 to 10 centimeters are accounted for by the tail. The weight varies between 15 and 25 grams. Their fur is light brown to reddish brown in color on the upper side, the belly, like the feet, is white. The ears are relatively large, the tail is hairy.
distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the white-footed mouse extends from southern Canada (from southern Alberta to Nova Scotia ) over large parts of the central and eastern USA and along the Mexican east coast to the Yucatán peninsula . They inhabit a wide variety of habitats, but are most common in warm, dry forests and scrublands.
Way of life
White footed mice are nocturnal loners. During the day they rest in self-made nests that they create in warm and dry places, for example in tree hollows or in abandoned bird nests. They are territorial, but the territories can overlap.
These rodents are omnivores, the composition of the food varies according to habitat and season. Their diet includes seeds, berries, nuts, insects, grains and mushrooms. They do not hibernate , but instead set up storage facilities in autumn.
Reproduction
In the north of the distribution area, reproduction occurs in the months of March to October, in the south it can take place all year round. The female can have several litters a year. After a gestation period of around 22 to 28 days, the female gives birth to two to nine (five on average) young. These open the eyes at 12 days and weaned at three to four weeks. Sexual maturity occurs at around 44 days.
Whitefoot mice and humans
The white-footed mouse is widespread, in some regions, such as the forests of the eastern United States, it is one of the most common mammals.
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
Web links
- Information on Animal Diversity Web
- Peromyscus leucopus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006 Posted by: J. Baillie, 1996. Retrieved on 11 August, 2008.