First knowledge of the bite force in granivorous striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) from the Western Carpathians

Abstract In this study, we present the first data on the bite force of the striped field mouse ( Apodemus agrarius ) from the Western Carpathians (Slovakia). Results were obtained using two formulas: one based on the incisor strength index (Zi) as well as from body mass. The material of A. agrarius individuals evaluated in this study consisted of 331 individuals of both sexes (males, females) and three age categories (juveniles, subadults, adults). The results of the measurements showed that the mean values of the bite force were different depending on sex and age. Our results confirmed that with age, all parameters increased in both sexes, but male-female differences were non-significant for all ages, respectively. Moreover, the analysis showed that males had non-significantly higher values of bite force than females in general.