Harvest Mouse
Footprint Images
Description
Britain's smallest rodent, the Harvest Mouse yellow-brown furry upper parts and whiter underbelly, small ears and a blunt nose, with a long tail.
Footprint Description
Forefoot has 4 digital pads, with distinct claws. 3 separate interdigital pads.Hind foot has 5 digital pads, 4 circular interdigital pads. Hand outlines common where tracks are visible in soft ground.
Distribution
In Britain the Harvest Mouse may be found in parts of Wales and from Yorkshire southwards in England.
Footprint Size
Hind foot - 1.3x1cm, fore foot 0.8x0.8cm. Stride around 4cm.
Habitat
Originally often found in the area of cornfields, the advent of large reaping machines has meant that Harvest Mice are now generally found in the vicinity of undisturbed grass, hedgerows, reedbeds and allotments.
Diet
Behaviour
Taxonomy
Images of Tracks & Signs
Male
Primary Image
Reproduction
The Harvest Mouse builds it's nest off the ground, using grass and reeds for support. The nest measures approx 64mm across and has chewed grass leaves lining the bottom. Three litters may be born each year with up to 8 young in each litter. A new nest is built for each litter.
Scientific Name
Micromys minutus
Female
Height
Predators
Tracks & Signs Description
Juvenile
Length
Body length: 6-7.5cm
Weight
The Harvest Mouse weighs less than a 2p coin.
Speed
Droppings Images
Life Span
Approx. 18 months.
Also Known As
Droppings Description
Droppings tiny (0.2cm long) and rarely found away from the nest.Dark in colour when fresh.