The Crete spiny mouse (Acomys minous)
The Crete spiny mouse (Acomys minous) is a species of rodent in the mouse family. They are endemic to Crete.
Anatomy
The Crete spiny mouse, like other members of the genus Acomys, is much larger and heavier than the house mouse. Like other members of the spiny mouse genus, it has large ears and eyes, a scaly tail and protruding, needle-like hair on its back. Torso length is 90 to 130 mm, tail length is 90 to 120 mm, hind legs are 18 to 20 mm long, and ears are 16 to 20 mm in size. Weight of animals - from 30 to 86 g. Wool on the upper part of the body - grey, on the sides - grey-reddish, on the abdomen - white.
Areal
The Crete spiny mouse is endemic to the island of Crete. The animals live in arid, rocky mountainous areas with steppe vegetation, distributed at altitudes from sea level and up to about 1000 metres. During the winter season, the animals often settle also in residential and farm buildings. Due to the fact that no fossil remains of the Crete spiny mouse have been found on Crete, it must be assumed that its ancestors were introduced by humans to the island in the relatively recent past.
Behavioural traits
The Crete spiny mouse is active at dusk and night. The Crete spiny mouse is an excellent rock climber, and when running it throws its tail on its back. The Crete spiny mouse lives in small groups, in which the female is the leader. They are omnivorous, but their diet is based on plant food, mainly grain (seeds).
