The silky mouse (Pseudomys apodemoides) is a small, nocturnal rodent native to the western and northwestern regions of Victoria, Australia.

Known for its complex burrows, the Silky Mouse favors floristically rich mallee-heath environments, especially areas near Banksia ornata, due to consistent soil moisture and food availability.

From the Early Pliocene, rodents of the Hydromyini tribe migrated from New Guinea to Australia through multiple colonization events,[7] facilitated by geological changes and land connections.

[7] Pseudomys apodemoides, recognized as part of the Victorian fauna since 1963, exemplifies the adaptation of these rodents to diverse ecological niches within Australia, highlighting their evolutionary success in this unique region.

P. apodemoides prefers floristically rich mallee-heath environments, which provide cover from predators, moderate temperatures, and increased environmental moisture, creating microhabitats for insect species that are part of its diet.

[5] Banksia ornata significantly impacts its habitat by intercepting a large portion of rainfall with its dense foliage, creating an irregular pattern of soil moisture.

Despite some evaporation, much of the intercepted rain reaches the soil, resulting in a more consistent moisture level compared to other vegetation types.

[10] This preference for B. ornata not only ensures a more consistent moisture level but also supports the availability of food sources, making it an ideal burrow site for P. apodemoides.

Major threats include habitat destruction from human activities and damage to regional flora due to fires.