Illinois Department of Public Health Practice Exam

Deer mice are characterized by a two-toned body and tail, typically featuring a white belly. This distinctive coloration allows them to be easily identified in their natural habitats. The upper parts are usually brown, aiding in camouflage in the forested environments where they are commonly found, while their lighter undersides help them blend into the ground when viewed from above. This color pattern is an adaptation that serves both as a protective mechanism against predators and as a way to regulate their body heat in varying environments.

The characteristic of having a white belly contrasted with a darker dorsal surface is a key identifier for deer mice, differentiating them from other mouse species that may have different coloring patterns. This aspect of their appearance, along with their ecological behaviors, plays an important role in how they interact with their environment.