Old World Mouse Collection

Common dormouse, sketch C016 / 5883
Common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius). Plate from a collection of pencil sketches and watercolour drawings of British mammals circa 1890-1910 by Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Megalomys luciae, saint lucia giant rice rat (holotype). Catalogue number NHM 1853.12.16.2

Long-tailed field mouse, artwork C016 / 5884
Long-tailed field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). Plate from a collection of pencil sketches and watercolour drawings of British mammals circa 1890-1910 by Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Megazostrodon mammal, fossil bones C016 / 5440
Megazostrodon mammal, fossil bones. This specimen shows the bones of the hind limb and foot. It dates from the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, and is from Lesotho, in southern Africa

Caloprymnus campestris, Desert rat-kangaroo
The Desert-rat kangaroo (Caloprymnus campestris) is an extinct marsupial that lived in Australia. Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London. Photographed by Harry Taylor, 2010

Megalomys desmarestii, antillean giant rice rat. Catalogue number NHM 1855.12.24.201

Oligoryzomys victus, St. Vincent pygmy rice rat (holotype). Catalogue reference NHM 1897.12.26.1)

Sceloglaux albifacies, laughing owl
This owl, native only to New Zealand, became extinct in c. 1914, probably due to deforestation and the disappearance of its favourite prey the Kiori rat. Artist unknown

Rattus rattus, black rat
Detail of plate from a collection of pencil sketches and watercolour drawings of British mammals c. 1890-1910 by Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Micromys minutus, Eurasian harvest mouse
Harvest mice. Plate from a collection of pencil sketches and watercolour drawings of British mammals c. 1890-1910 by Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Mus musculus, house mouse
Plate from a collection of pencil sketches and watercolour drawings of British mammals c. 1890-1910 by Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Mesembriomys gouldii, black-footed tree-rat (Gray 1843). BMNH 1842.5.26.18 skull with abnormal incisors collected by Gilbert, holotype

Oryzomys ratticeps, rice rat
From Brazil and Paraguay. Specimen held at The Natural History Museum, London

Mus darwinii, Darwins mouse
Plate 23 Illustration by John Gould (1804-1881) from The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, Vol. 1 Part 2 Mammalia, 1838-1839, by Charles Darwin

Suncus murinus caerulescens, Indian grey musk-shrew
Young Musk Rats. Annotated watercolour drawing by Oliva Fanny Tonge (1858-1949), from one of 16 sketchbooks presented to the Natural History Museum in 1952

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"Unveiling the Enigmatic Old World Mouse: A Journey Through Time and Species" Step into the world of ancient rodents as we explore the fascinating diversity of the old world mouse. From the charming Common dormouse to the elusive Long-tailed field mouse, these creatures have left their mark in history. In our quest for knowledge, we stumble upon sketch C016 / 5883 - a remarkable depiction of a Megazostrodon mammal. Its fossil bones (C016 / 5440) offer us glimpses into an era long gone, reminding us of our shared ancestry with these tiny beings. But let's not forget about their modern counterparts. Meet Megalomys desmarestii, the antillean giant rice rat, and its cousin Megalomys luciae - both captivating species that once roamed Saint Lucia. The holotype specimen stands as a testament to their existence and serves as a window into their unique adaptations. Meanwhile, Oligoryzomys victus takes center stage as St. Vincent's pygmy rice rat - a diminutive creature with immense significance in its ecosystem. These small but mighty rodents play vital roles in maintaining balance within their habitats. As we delve deeper into this captivating realm, it becomes clear that each species has its own story to tell. The repeated mention of Megalomys desmarestii and Megalomys luciae highlights just how important they were in shaping Caribbean ecosystems. Join us on this journey through time and space as we unravel the mysteries surrounding these extraordinary creatures known collectively as old world mice. Let's celebrate their resilience, adaptability, and undeniable charm that continue to captivate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.