Strategies in open field behaviour of Mus spicilegus and Mus musculus musculus

The behaviour of Mus spicilegus and Mus musculus musculus was studied in a 15-minute open field test. A total of 12 behavioural events were recognized for both species. The dynamics and patterns of association of these behavioural events were analyzed. Significant sex-specific and species-specific differences were found in the dynamics of exploratory activity and also in some events of emotionality. Male and female M. spicilegus and M. nz. musculus showed different patterns of behaviour in the experiment. Males demonstrated lower emotionality and appeared to explore the environment more actively than females. M. m. musculus showed higher exploratory activity than M. spicilegus.