Observations on the life cycle and variation of the long-tailed field mouse Apodemus sylvaticus on the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1965
Authors:Rood, JP
Journal:Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London
Volume:147
Date Published:1965
ISBN Number:1469-7998
Keywords:Apodemus sylvaticus
Abstract:

The life cycle and variation of the long-tailed field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticm L.) on the Scilly Isles and Cornwall was studied by an analysis of samples collected at regular intervals from January 1961 to August 1962. Observations on population structure, reproduction and moult suggest that the life cycle of this species is similar on Scilly and Cornwall. Skull and body measurements revealed distinct differences between the samples from St Mary's, Tresco and Cornwall. Both the St Mary's and Tresco mice are larger than the Cornish form. St Mary's mice are larger than those from Tresco and have distinctly longer palatal foramina and pectoral stripes. Summary From January 1961 to August 1962, 350 specimens of Apodemus sylvaticus L. were collected on St Mary's, Tresco and Cornwall.The life cycle was similar in each of the three localities studied. Juveniles were first present in the April and May samples, and survivors from the previous year were rare by August. Evidence from pregnant or lactating females and from juveniles suggested a breeding season commencing in February-March and terminating by mid-October. Testes of both first and second year animals were found to regress after August.Analysis of skull measurements revealed highly significant differences in mean lengths of the upper molar tooth row in the three samples, St Mary's mice being largest, Tresco mice intermediate, and Cornish mice smallest. This trend was also apparent from comparisons of occipito-nasal length.St Mary's mice were found to have distinctly longer pectoral stripes and palatal foramina than Tresco animals. These two characters tended to be intermediate in mice from Cornwall.

URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1965.tb01879.x
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