The oldfield mouse, oldfield deermouse or beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus) is a nocturnal species of rodent in the family Cricetidae that primarily eats seeds. It lives in holes throughout the Southeastern United States in beaches and sandy fields. Predators to these mice include birds and mammals. In 2016, these mice were in the least concern category on the IUCN Red List with certain subspecies classified as extinct, critically endangered, endangered or near threatened.

Distribution and habitat

The oldfield mouse occurs only in the southeastern United States, ranging from Florida to Tennessee. They primarily live in beaches and sandy fields.

Description

The mouse has fawn-colored upperparts and grey to white underparts through most of its range, but on white sandy beaches, the mouse is light or even white. Inland populations are darker and smaller with shorter tails that are dusky above and white below. General body and tail color may vary slightly depending upon geographical location.

Behavior

The mouse is primarily nocturnal.

Diet

P. polionotus is omnivorous and the principal diet is seasonal seeds of wild grasses and forbs, but blackberries, acorns, and wild peas may be consumed.

Shelter

These mice dig holes in earth to create homes. Spiders, snakes, and other animals may move into a burrow.

Reproduction

Survival

Birds and mammals prey upon the oldfield mouse. Various types of parasites can effect oldfield mice, with nematodes being the main ones. One mouse survived in captivity for 5.5 years.

Conservation

In 2010, the beach mouse was in the least concern category on the IUCN Red List. For the beach mouse's subspecies, out of sixteen known, one is extinct, one was listed critically endangered, four endangered and two near threatened. Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the following beach mice are protected as endangered or threatened subspecies: The pallid beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus decoloratus) is presumed extinct. The Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus) is listed as critically imperiled by NatureServe.