Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae
About
Peromyscus is a genus of rodents. They are commonly referred to as deer mice or deermice, not to be confused with the chevrotain or "mouse deer". They are New World mice only distantly related to the common house and laboratory mouse, Mus musculus. From this distant relative, Peromyscus species are distinguished by relatively larger eyes, and also often two-tone coloring, with darker colors over the dorsum (back), and white abdominal and limb hair-coloring. In reference to the coloring, the word Peromyscus comes from Greek words meaning "booted mouse". They are also accomplished jumpers and runners by comparison to house mice, and their common name of "deer mouse" is in reference to both this agility as well as their two-toned coloring.
Fun Fact
In the lab their maximum life span is 96 months, and mean life expectancy is 45.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Forests and grasslands
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
1-3 years
Threats
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Wildfire