American harvest mouse
Quick Summary
The term "harvest mouse" refers to two distinct groups of small rodents: the American harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys) and the Old World harvest mouse (Micromys).
American harvest mice are found from southern Canada to South America. They inhabit diverse environments, including prairies, forests, and cultivated fields. These nocturnal mice build nests from vegetation, either on the ground or elevated in plants. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. They are part of the mouse family Muridae and their ancestry dates back to the Pliocene Epoch.1
The Old World harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) is found across Europe and Asia. It is one of the smallest rodents, with soft, brownish-yellow fur. This agile climber prefers tall vegetation and constructs nests suspended in plants or in ground burrows. Its diet includes seeds, vegetation, and insects. Modern farming practices may be impacting its populations.1
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