Family ZAPODIDAE 187 



subspecies in Illinois is probably Mus musculus domesticus 

 Rutty. 



ZAPUS HUDSONIUS (Zimmermann) 

 Meadow Jumping Mouse 



Description. — The meadow jumping mouse, fig. 102, has 

 large hind feet and a tail that is considerably longer than the 

 body. It has no cheek pouches. The fur of this animal is dark 

 olive-brown on top of the back, finely streaked with dark brown 

 hairs on the sides, and white on the under parts. 



Length measurements: head and body about 3 inches (about 

 77 mm.) ; tail ^]4-S]4 inches (108-135 mm.) ; over-all 7l4-8l/4 

 inches (185-212 mm.); hind foot l-lj4 inches (25-31 mm.); 

 ear from notch about ]i inch (11.0-15.5 mm.). 



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Fig. 102. — Meadow jumping mouse. 



The skull is about 22 mm. (% inch) long and has a large 

 infraorbital foramen. There are four cheek teeth on each side 

 of the upper jaw. The upper incisors are grooved. Dental for- 

 mula: I 1/1, C 0/0, Pm 1/0, M 3/3. 



Life History. — The meadow jumping mouse may be found at 

 night on a grassy or vine-covered bank of a stream or pond, 

 usually where there are a few trees. It seldom runs but travels 

 rapidly by making a series of jumps, each nearly a yard In length. 

 If pursued, it may take refuge among roots and debris or it may 

 dive into water without hesitation. It swims well and dives fre- 

 quently to avoid capture, but in water it tires rather quickly. 



This mouse makes its home in a globular nest of grass, other 

 herbs, or moss. The female gives birth to young between May 

 and August. This mouse feeds most extensively on grass seeds, 

 berries, nuts, and insects. The stored fat in the body prepares 



