Seeds of doubt: feeding preferences of white-footed deer mice (Peromyscusleucopus noveboracensis) and woodland deer mice (Peromyscusmaniculatus gracilis) on maple (genusAcer) seeds

Abstract

This study explores foraging choices made by seed predators (white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis (Fischer, 1829), and woodland deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis (LeConte, 1855)) presented with seeds of two dominant tree species (sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marsh., and red maple, Acer rubrum L.). I hypothesized that both species would prefer A. saccharum seeds, as they are larger and ostensibly contain more energy. Although P. l. noveboracensis consumed more seed than P. m. gracilis, there was also a species-specific difference in preference. Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis clearly preferred A. rubrum over A. saccharum, whereas preferences of P. l. noveboracensis were less specific. Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis, being a habitat generalist, may demonstrate higher plasticity in response to different food types. Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis may prefer A. rubrum because of differences in nutrition, handling costs, or germination schedules, although this was not explicitly tested. This species-specific difference in preference indicates the common assumption that Peromyscus species are ecologically similar should be made with caution.