Field Vole

Scientific name: Microtus agrestis

Family: Cricetidae

Appearance: The Field Vole is similar in appearance to the Bank Vole (Myodes (Clethrionomys) glareolus) but is much greyer in colour without the warm, russet tones of the Bank Vole. The Field Vole also has a shorter tail, about half the length of its body, and shortish ears which are hairy on the inside and hidden in its long, shaggy fur.

Size: Head and body 9-11cm; tail 2-5 cm

Natural history: The Field Vole can be difficult to see in the wild as it inhabits areas of long grass and the damp margins of marshland. It is active all year round and throughout the day although activity may peak at dawn and dusk. Its diet is mainly made up of grass roots and shoots. The breeding season starts in March or April and runs through to September/October. A female may produce up to seven litters a year which range in size from 1 to 8 young. The juveniles are weaned after 2 to 3 three weeks. Like Bank Voles, Field Voles are a major food source for a wide range of predators, so although populations grow rapidly in spring and summer turnover is high.

Image by Fer boei, CC BY-SA 3.0