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Apodemus agrarius
striped field mouse


By Nancy Shefferly

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Apodemus
Species: Apodemus agrarius

Geographic Range

Apodemus agrarius is found in Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Southern Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, Southeastern China and Taiwan.

Biogeographic Regions
palearctic (Native ); oriental (Native )

Habitat

Black-striped field mice are commonly found in grassy fields, cultivated areas, rice paddies, woodlands and forests.

Terrestrial Biomes
savanna or grassland ; forest

Physical Description

Average mass
21.5 g
(0.76 oz)
[External Source: AnAge]

Average basal metabolic rate
0.373 W
[External Source: AnAge]

The dorsum of these mice is yellow-brown with a prominant black, mid-dorsal stripe. The total length of these animals ranges from 94mm to 116mm, of which 19mm to 21mm are tail. Females have eight nipples.

Reproduction

Average number of offspring
5.7
[External Source: AnAge]

Average gestation period
22 days
[External Source: AnAge]

Average birth mass
1.9 g
(0.07 oz)
[External Source: AnAge]

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female

76 days
[External Source: AnAge]

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male

76 days
[External Source: AnAge]

Mice of this species are capable of breeding throughout the year. Females can produce up to six litters, each of up to six young, annually.

Lifespan/Longevity

Average lifespan
Status: captivity

4.0 years
[External Source: Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research]

Behavior

The black-striped field mouse is an agile leaper and swimmer. They dig burrows that they inhabit during the nighttime hours. Most individuals live their entire lives and die within 180 meters of their birthplace.

Food Habits

These mice are very adaptable in their dietary habits. They eat roots, grains, seeds, berries nuts and insects.

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

These mice frequently cause damage to crops or raid food stores. They are also potential carriers of hemorragic fever.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List [Link]
Lower Risk - Least Concern

For More Information

Find Apodemus agrarius information at

Contributors

Nancy Shefferly (author), Animal Diversity Web Staff.

References

Corbet, G.B. and J.E. Hill. 1992. Mammals of the Indomalayan Region. Oxford University Press.

Nowak, R.M. and J.L. Paradiso. 1983. Wlaker's Mammals of the World, Fourth edition. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, London.

To cite this page: Shefferly, N. 1999. "Apodemus agrarius" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed February 12, 2012 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Apodemus_agrarius.html

Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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