Dormice are mouse-like mammals that belong to the family Gliridae (also called Myoxidae or Muscardinidae) under the order Rodentia, which constitutes all rodents. They have large eyes, rounded ears, and, unlike mice, a very bushy or hairy tail.
These animals are typically nocturnal, searching for food at night and sustaining themselves on an omnivorous diet of fruits, seeds, nuts, and insects. Those living in temperate regions hibernate for about six months a year.
They are believed to have originated around 48 to 41 million years ago in the Early Eocene Epoch. Currently, there are 30 extant species of dormice spread across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
These animals are small to medium in size, measuring between 2.4 and 7.5 in (6 and 19 cm) in body length and weigh around 0.53 to 6.35 oz (15 and 180 g).
The largest species, the edible dormouse, reaches a length of 7.5 in (19 cm) and weighs about 6.3 oz (180 gm). In contrast, one of the smallest species, the Japanese dormouse, measures just 2.4 in (6 cm) long and weighs only 1.4 oz (40 gm).
Their small to medium-sized bodies are complemented with large eyes and prominent, bushy tails. They have rounded ears that provide them with an excellent sense of hearing, while their limbs and digits are short.
Their bodies are covered by soft, dense, grayish-to-reddish fur, which, in some species (like the edible dormouse), is marked by a dark stripe along the back. Some species, like the forest dormouse, also have facial markings.
Uniquely enough, among all rodents, dormice are the only group that lacks the cecum, a part of the gut that helps digest plant matter easily.
The dental formula of dormice is 1.0.0–1.3/1.0.0–1.3 = 16-20, which is similar to squirrels if premolars are present.
The name dormouse derives from the Middle English term dormous, which, in turn, comes from the Old Norse dár (meaning benumbed) and Middle English mous (meaning mouse). Sometimes, it is believed that these animals may have derived their name from an Anglo-Norman derivative of the word dormir (which translates to sleeping), though currently, no basis for such an etymology exists.
The scientific name of the family, Gliridae, has its roots in the Latin word glīs, which hints at its weasel or mouse-like appearance. Currently, there are 30 living species of dormice grouped under 3 subfamilies and 9 extant genera.
Dormice are spread across Asia, Europe, and Africa. In Eurasia, they extend from western Europe to eastern China, as well as southern Japan.
They occupy a variety of habitats, ranging from tropical and deciduous forests to deserts and rocky plateaus. Additionally, dormice also live in orchards and scattered clusters of trees and shrubs.
They are omnivorous and feed on plant parts, like fruits, flowers, and nuts, as well as insects, spiders, bird eggs, and nestlings. In fact, if needed, they even feed on other dormice (cannibalism).
These rodents live in small family groups (with variable home ranges) and are primarily nocturnal. However, some species, like the hazel dormouse, remain active even during the day.
They have an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years.
Dormice usually breed only once annually, though they may occasionally breed twice. After a gestation period of about 22 to 24 days, the females give birth to an average of four young.
The young are born hairless and altricial, meaning they are underdeveloped and entirely dependent on their mother for care and nursing. Their eyes open around 18 days after birth, and they reach sexual maturity after completing their first hibernation.
These animals are preyed upon by owls, weasels, badgers, grey squirrels, and cats.
In ancient Rome, the edible dormouse was a prized delicacy enjoyed both as a savory appetizer and a dessert. Even today, it remains a traditional dish in Slovenia, Croatia, and the islands of Hvar and Brač.
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