What foods do wild mice in the genus Mus eat?

Wild mice in the genus Mus have diverse diets that vary by species and environment, though most consume a combination of plant materials and invertebrates.1

• Plant-based foods: Seeds are a primary component of the diet for many species. Other plant parts, such as bark, are also consumed.1
• Invertebrates: Insects—particularly adult beetles—and worms are common food sources.1
• Specialized feeding: Species in the subgenus Coelomys, which inhabit forest floors, likely rely heavily on invertebrates found by foraging through moist leaf litter and moss.1
• House mice (Mus musculus): When living outdoors, these mice consume seeds, grains, and insects. When living indoors, they are essentially omnivorous and will eat nearly anything digestible.12

In general, the diet of these rodents is adapted to their specific habitat, ranging from grasslands and forests to agricultural fields.1