Species in zoology and animal husbandry often have specific terms for males, females, and their young. This specialized language allows breeders, scientists, and pet enthusiasts to communicate with precision. Although the house mouse (Mus musculus) is a familiar rodent, the proper terms for its sexes and groups are not widely known. This article clarifies the specific nomenclature used for mice.
Terminology for Adult Mice
The specific name for a male mouse is a buck, a term shared with several other common animals. A female mouse is known as a doe. This terminology is consistently applied in laboratory settings, the pet trade, and among breeders to clearly denote the sex of the animal. The terms “buck” and “doe” are part of a traditional nomenclature system adopted for many small mammals. Their use helps distinguish adult mice from juveniles and is essential for precise record-keeping in breeding programs.
Names for Young and Groups
A young or baby mouse is typically referred to as a pup. The term pinky is also frequently used, especially in the context of the pet food industry. The name “pinky” is descriptive, referring to the pink, hairless, and blind appearance of a newborn mouse. Pups are born in a highly undeveloped, or altricial, state.
A collective group of mice is known as a mischief. This collective noun playfully reflects the nature of mice in a domestic environment. A group may also be referred to as a nest or a colony, particularly in scientific or pest control contexts. The term “nest” is often used when discussing a family group, usually consisting of a female and her pups.
Related Rodent Terminology
The specialized terminology for mice is shared among several closely related species. For instance, the terms for adult mice, buck and doe, are exactly the same terms used for adult male and female rats (Rattus norvegicus). Similarly, young rats are also called pups, demonstrating a shared nomenclature across the Murinae subfamily of rodents.
This commonality extends beyond immediate relatives, as a male rabbit is also called a buck and a female a doe. In contrast, guinea pigs use different terminology. A male guinea pig is called a boar and a female a sow, though their young are also called pups. This demonstrates that specialized terms are widespread in zoology, but the specific words used can vary.