Zapus

Wiesenhüpfmaus Zapus hudsonius

The Real Hüpfmäuse ( Zapus ) are also called Feldhüpfmäuse. They live in North America and prefer wetter habitats. They are nocturnal and can climb and swim very well. Exclusively on their hind legs they bounce only if they are on the run, otherwise they go on all fours. When they jump, they reach jump distances of over 2 m. Their nests they build in the summer or in the grass at the foot of trees. They consist of grass and leaves. In winter, the nests are built on hills or earthen walls, or they dig a burrow. The diet consists of seeds, fruits and small animals. For the long winter sleep, the Feldhüpfmäuse create a fat depot at the root of the tail. Two to three times the female gives birth after a gestation period of about 18 days, 4-5 cubs are born.

Species

• Wiesenhüpfmaus ( Zapus hudsonius )
• Western Hüpfmaus ( Zapus princeps)
• Pacific Hüpfmaus ( Zapus trinotatus )

The Wiesenhüpfmaus ( Zapus hudsonius ) is the most widespread. It reaches a head -body length of 7-8 cm and a tail length of 10-15 cm.