Determining field characters to distinguish the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) from the deer mouse (P. maniculatus) in Delaware County, Indiana through salivary amylase and PCR genetic analysis : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

The white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and deer mouse (P. maniculatus) are difficult to distinguish in the field due to a large amount of within-species variation and considerable overlap in morphology between species. Coloration is very similar and body measures vary geographically, so in order to distinguish the two species in our area a model needs to be developed. Being able to accurately distinguish to species in the field could be important for many future ecological studies in our region. In order to develop this model, mice of the two species will be captured on several Ball State field properties using baited Sherman live traps in transects. When mice are captured they will be measured, have a cheek swab taken, and then the mice will be marked and released. The cheek swab will be taken back to the lab to run electrophoresis of salivary amylase in order to unambiguously identify the animal to species. Discriminant function analysis will then be used to see what measure, or combination of measures can best identify the species in the field. This model will then be tested on newly captured mice.