Lemniscomys rosalia
A commonly encountered rodent thanks to its diurnal nature, the Single-striped Grass Mouse is found in a wide range of habitats, from dry scrub to savanna and even the edge of cultivated farmlands wherever good grass cover is available. Grass and seeds make up the bulk of its diet, with other green plant material and a wide range of invertebrates making up the remainder.
Single-striped Grass Mice dig their own burrows at the base of grass tussocks or bushes, from which a network of paths radiate under dense vegetation leading to their favourite foraging grounds. Home burrows may be inhabited by solitary individuals, pairs or family groups. Females give birth to litters of 2-11 babies (usually 4 or 5) during spring and summer after a 4 week gestation. The young are weaned within 3 weeks of birth. In the wild they seldom live longer than a year. Adults grow to a total length of up to 30cm, of which the tail makes up roughly half, and weigh around 60g.
The Single-striped Grass Mouse is considered of least concern and has two centres of distribution: a north-eastern in Kenya and Tanzania, and a southern from Zambia and Malawi to South Africa’s northern provinces (Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu-Natal).
DeWetsWild 
Single stripe grass mouse seen near Barberton.
I can imagine that they’d thrive in as lush an environment!
Lovely little creatures. I will be more observant of the number of stripes from now on, on the rare occasions I spot these little guys.
We’re always excited (in a positive way) when we get to see one of our indigenous rodents; they so seldomly show themselves despite probably being quite numerous in our wild places.
Yes, I also love to see them on the rare occasions that I do.
They are so cute! We have mouse called the grasshopper mouse. It’s carnivorous and howls at the moon (!)
Your grasshopper mouse sounds like a very interesting animal!
So many different types of mouses!
Indeed Robert – the rodents and bats are probably the two most diverse mammal families
Super cute!
That they are. Welcome here!
It’s funny how we adore the big cats and elephants and the like but lose sight of the importance of creatures like this one. He is kind of cute but I’d still prefer that he stay outdoors Dries!
That is so true, Tina, and I don’t think we know nearly enough about just how important the smaller creatures are to keeping the whole system in balance. I also agree that I wouldn’t want to share my home with a family of them, cute as they may be; but I’d gladly share the garden!
What a cute little fellow! I love that unique long stripe down his back.
We agree that they’re really endearing little critters!
I mostly see the three-striped variety – must look out for this one.
They do look very similar and can easily be confused for one another if you don’t get more than a quick glance!
sooo cute
Definitely Gavin, and so energetic too!
Adorable, Dries.
Many people shudder at the thought of rodents, Tracy – I am glad you didn’t!
But not all rodents are created equally, Dries.
That’s very true – I adore our indigenous rodents but detest those exotic invading house mice and house rats!
Well, isn’t he just the cutest little thing!
Oh absolutely, Lois!