Blue-gray mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue-grey mouse |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudomys
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| Species: |
glaucus
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The Blue-grey mouse (scientific name: Pseudomys glaucus) was a small Australian rodent. It is now believed to be extinct, meaning there are no more of these mice left alive anywhere in the world. Scientists only know about this mouse from a few examples, called specimens, found in Eastern Australia. The last one was seen in 1956.
What Was Its Scientific Name?
A scientist named Oldfield Thomas first described the Blue-grey mouse in 1910. He gave it the scientific name Pseudomys glaucus. This name helps scientists around the world know exactly which animal they are talking about.
Only three of these mice have ever been found and studied. Two were found in Queensland, a state in northeastern Australia. The third mouse was found further south, in Cryon, New South Wales.
What Did the Blue-grey Mouse Look Like?
The Blue-grey mouse was a type of Pseudomys, which are Australian rodents. They looked a bit like the common house mouse you might know.
This mouse had a strong, sturdy body. Its fur was very fine and thick. The fur on its belly was white. The fur on its back and sides was a pale blue-grey color, which is how it got its name!
The known specimens were about 95 millimeters (about 3.7 inches) long from head to body. Their tails were a little longer, around 100 millimeters (about 3.9 inches), and had white hairs. These small mice weighed between 25 and 30 grams (about 0.9 to 1 ounce).
