Seasonal Profile of Glucose, Triglycerides and Urea in Two Peromyscus Species (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in a Mid-Latitude Temperate Coniferous Forest

Plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, and urea were evaluated as indicators of intermediary metabolism (IIM) in adult males of two free-living wild mouse species of the genus Peromyscus, inhabiting a mid-latitude temperate coniferous forest. While seasonal IIM profiles were generally similar regardless of body size, notable differences emerged during the periods of peak reproductive activity for each species. Environmental factors such as daylight hours and temperature could influence IIM seasonally. Spatiotemporal assessment of IIM offers a simple, reliable, and low-cost method for understanding of the individuals’ metabolic patterns of the species under study. This approach provides an additional tool for exploring the energy requirements of free-living wild species from an ecophysiological perspective and can complement diet studies.

Keywords: Peromyscus, Mice, Glucose, Triglycerides, Urea, Metabolism, Environmental Factors, Reproduction.