Mus platythrix (original) (raw)

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(Redirected from Stone-loving mouse)

Species of rodent

Mus platythrix
Mouse picking stones
Conservation status
Least ConcernLeast Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Mus
Subgenus: Pyromys
Species: M. platythrix
Binomial name
Mus platythrixBennett, 1832

Mus platythrix, the flat-haired mouse or Indian brown spiny mouse, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae. It is found only in India, where it is widely distributed throughout South India and central India.

The 'kall-eli (Tamil: கல் எலி, lit. "stone rat"), a local name in southern India, has been noted for arranging pebbles around its burrow entrances. This behavior may help deter predators and stabilize the burrow's microclimate, with some chambers lined with stones that appear to serve as bedding.

  1. ^ Molur, S. (2016). "Mus platythrix". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T13978A22406681. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T13978A22406681.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.