Harvest mouse  (Micromys minutus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The diminutive harvest mouse is the smallest rodent in Europe, weighing up to just 6g (4). It is easily identified, with its blunt nose (3), short, rounded hairy ears and golden-brown fur (4). Juveniles are grey brown in colour (4). This species is the only British animal to posses a prehensile tail, which is used as a fifth limb; this characteristic is a sure-fire way of identifying a harvest mouse (4).

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