meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus pennsylvanicus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Not confirmed.

 

CHARACTERISTICS: This is a relatively large sized vole with a long tail
that weighs 25-50 grams and has a total length of 160-190 mm. The upper
parts are bright yellowish chestnut, darkest along the middle of the back.
The underparts are grayish white and the feet are grayish brown. The tail
is dusky above, paler below. They are distinguished from Microtus penn-
sylvanicus nigrans by its lighter more yellowish coloration. They breed
from at least March through November and have several litters per year
of 3-5 young per litter. Population levels are cyclic with highs at 3-4 year
intervals. They are active throughout the day. This species uses 2-inch
wide runways they construct and maintain by clipping the vegetation that
grows there. They use the runways for feeding as well as travel. The young
are born in 8-inch dome-shaped summer nests which are built of grasses
and placed on the surface in dense clumps of grass. During the autumn,
they dig burrows and build underground nests which several may use joint-
ly during the winter months. They are preyed upon by foxes, weasels,
snakes, owls and hawks. They have a short life span in the wild, with a
maximum age of 11-12 months.

 

DISTRIBUTION: This subspecies of meadow vole is common throughout
the state except in the very eastern part of the state. This species likes
sedge meadows, marshes in summer, grassy upland, cropland, orchards in
the winter. They are largely confined to non-forested areas.

 

FOODS: They consume the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds of grasses
and many forbs. White clover, red clover, alfalfa, and dandelion are an
important part of the diet. They rarely take some animal foods.

 

 

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