gray-bellied pygmy mouse

The gray-bellied pygmy mouse (Mus triton) is a species of rodent found in sub-Saharan Africa. This mouse is part of the genus Mus, which includes various species commonly referred to as mice.1

General characteristics of mice include a slender body, prominent ears, and a tail that can be as long as their body or shorter. The gray-bellied pygmy mouse, specifically, is small, weighing between 3 to 12 grams and measuring 6 to 8 cm in body length, with a tail of 3 to 6 cm. Their fur is typically gray to brown on the upperparts and white underneath.1

These mice are primarily nocturnal and inhabit grasslands, heath, and wet scrub areas. While some mice burrow, the gray-bellied pygmy mouse appears to use pathways created by larger rodents rather than digging its own burrows. Their diet consists of plant parts, insects, and worms. Breeding occurs during the wet seasons, with litters typically containing two to eight young.1