The striped field mouse, or Apodemus agrarius, is a small rodent distributed across Eurasia. It is distinguished by a dark, prominent stripe running down its back, a feature that makes it easy to identify. This species is highly adaptable, inhabiting a wide range of environments from natural grasslands to human-modified landscapes.
Identifying the Striped Field Mouse
The defining feature of the striped field mouse is the sharp, blackish stripe that extends from between its ears to the base of the tail. The fur on its back is a grayish-brown, sometimes with a rusty or yellowish tint, which contrasts with its paler, whitish-gray underside. The mouse has a body length that can reach up to 126 mm, with a tail that is noticeably shorter than its body, measuring up to 90 mm.
Compared to the common house mouse, the striped field mouse is more robust and has relatively smaller eyes and ears. An adult can weigh up to 50 grams, giving it a sturdier build.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
The striped field mouse has a vast geographic range divided into two main sections. One part stretches from Central and Eastern Europe eastward to Lake Baikal in Siberia. The other covers parts of the Russian Far East, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Taiwan.
This species flourishes in open settings such as grasslands, meadows, the edges of woodlands, and marshy areas. It is also successful in landscapes altered by humans, including agricultural fields, pastures, and gardens. While it primarily lives outdoors, it may seek shelter in barns, storehouses, or rural homes during winter months to escape harsh weather.
Diet and Foraging Habits
The striped field mouse is an omnivore with a flexible diet that adapts to seasonal availability. Its primary food sources consist of seeds and grains. It also consumes other plant materials like roots and berries, as well as various insects and their larvae.
Foraging activity is highest during twilight hours in the summer, though the mouse may become more active during the day in winter. A notable behavior is its tendency to hoard food. It gathers seeds and stores them in underground burrows, creating caches to sustain itself through colder months when fresh food is scarce.
Relationship with Humans
The striped field mouse is often viewed as an agricultural pest across its range. Its preference for seeds and grains leads it to raid cultivated fields, which can result in damage to crops and economic losses for farmers.
This rodent is also a known carrier of several zoonotic diseases. In its Asian range, it is a primary carrier of the Hantaan virus, which causes a severe illness in humans. Despite its role as a pest and disease vector, the striped field mouse is not considered endangered; its widespread population has led the IUCN to classify it as a species of Least Concern.