The best-known strain of mouse is the white lab mouse. This is attributable to breeding and different conditions in the wild. Typical mice are classified in the genus Mus, but the term mouse is not confined to members of Mus and can also apply to species from other genera such as the deer mouse ( Peromyscus).ĭomestic mice sold as pets often differ substantially in size from the common house mouse.
The common terms rat and mouse are not taxonomically specific. Generally, when a muroid rodent is discovered, its common name includes the term mouse if it is smaller, or rat if it is larger. Mice are typically distinguished from rats by their size. They are known to invade homes for food and shelter. In some places, certain kinds of field mice are locally common. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse ( Mus musculus). Characteristically, mice are known to have a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail, and a high breeding rate. House mouse ( Mus musculus) Phase specific vocalizations of male mice at the initial encounter during the courtship sequence poneĪ mouse ( pl.: mice) is a small rodent. For other uses, see Mice (disambiguation).
