Socio-genetic structure of mound-building mice, Mus spicilegus, in autumn and early spring

Abstract

Mus spicilegus has become a popular biological model species in the last decade because of the evolutionary interest of its behavioural particularities (the building of mounds, bi-parental care and monogamous mating system). The genetic structure of M. spicilegus populations should reflect those life-history traits. Although many studies have reported on mound-building mouse populations in the field or in a semi-natural enclosure, only one used hyper variable genetic markers to assess parentage and social structure. In the present study conducted in Hungary, we analysed individuals from seven highly populous mounds in autumn with the set of loci used in a previous study. Our results confirmed that mounds are inhabited by juveniles from several parental units, but revealed population differences. In a capture-recapture field session in spring, we assessed genetic relationships between individuals after dispersal from the mounds, the other key moment of the life cycle of this species. The results indicate that the social structure at this moment reflects a transition phase between the large over-wintering groups and the monogamous pairs described later in the year. Social bounds forged during the long winter cohabitation may have lasting effects on social and genetic structure of this species. This scenario is discussed in respect of the available literature on this species as well as other species.

Comparison of Urinary Scents of Two Related Mouse Species, Mus spicilegus and Mus domesticus

“…Unlike M. domesticus, M. spicilegus are monogamous (Patris and Baudoin, 1998;Dobson and Baudoin, 2002;Baudoin et al, 2005;Gouat and Féron, 2005) and build co-operatively colonial mounds for overwintering (Orsini et al, 1983;Garza et al, 1997;Poteaux et al, 2008). Moreover, M. spicilegus males display intense paternal care (Patris and Baudoin, 2000;Féron and Gouat, 2007).…”

Behavior of Mound-Building Mouse,Mus SpicilegusDuring Autumn-Winter Period in Captivity

“…4). The nests were built up by mice until the end of September and the beginning of October, a period that is consisted with observations done in the wild (13,15,17). Seeds in the cages were covered with earth, as far as that was possible.…”

“…In order to spend the winter, these mounds built represent an accumulation of seeds covered with earth. The mounds serve as food reservoirs during the winter period, especially for the young, immature individuals born in the autumn (13). According to (2), mound building appears to be kin based, and the evolution of mound building and communal nesting in this species would then be partly due to kin selection.…”

“…According to (2), mound building appears to be kin based, and the evolution of mound building and communal nesting in this species would then be partly due to kin selection. In spring, mound-building mice about 6 months old leave the mound and begin to reproduce (3,6,10,13,15,17).…”

Composition and seasonal changes of mesostigmatic mites (Acari) and fleas fauna (Siphonaptera) in the nests of Mus spicilegus (Mammalia: Rodentia)

“…For instance, in autumn, it begins to construct large mounds, which can be built from plant material and covered with soil. In these mounds the animals spend winter and leave them in early spring (Pisareva 1948;Mikeš 1971;Muntyanu 1990;Sokolov et al 1990; Unterholzner & Willenig 2000;Gouat et al 2003;Poteaux et al 2008). This behaviour is genetically determined (Orsini et al 1983) and besides the use of molecular methods, it is commonly considered to be the most conclusive method for the identification of the mound-building mouse species.…”