Microtus Pennsylvanicus



Microtus Pennsylvanicus

Source: http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/meadow_vole.htm

Scientific Name: Microtus pennsylvanicus

Common Name: Meadow Vole

Kingdom:Animalia

Phylum:Chordata

Class:Mammalia

Order:Rodentia

Family:Cricetidae

Genus:Microtus

Subgenus:Mynomes

Species:M. pennsylvanicus

1. Introduction

Microtus Pennsylvanicus or Meadow vole belong to the rodents, genre “Microtus, resembles rats and mice, but there are many differences in its body form and characteristics as compared to other such mammals belonging to this family and species like moles, rats, mice, and other rodents. The features and its characteristics assist in distinguish it from other types.

Habitat and Range

Microtus Pennsylvanicus (meadow vole or field mouse) is more commonly found in the North American region. Its range is from east to west regions of America, but these are more commonly found in the regions of central Alaska to the Atlantic cost. In western areas, it is more commonly found in the mountainous regions. Its habitat is lowland fields and meadows. It is also found in the marshy areas, rivers, lakes, and grassy places (Jackson 1961). Meadow voles usually build nests from grasses, sedges, or weeds. Meadow voles also dig burrows (www.psu.edu). These voles have their homes in range of 0.1 to 1.0 acres and move from one territory to other for mates.

General Features

The dorsal body surface of this animal is hairy in dark black, brown or reddish brown color. Ventral surface is grayish or white. Its total body length is from 128 to 195 mm with a tail about 40% of the body length (animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu). Male and female meadow voles are almost same in shape, size, and color. The row of upper tooth is long about 7.2 mm as compared to the lower row, and third premolar is the distinguishing character among moles (animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu). These are active all the year, during both day and night times. The nocturnal time is during summer and diurnal during winter season.

Source: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Microtus_pennsylvanicus/

Meadow voles have short life span and maximum survive for one year in the natural habitat. Meadow voles have good hearing and smell sense, generally have good sights and use sounds for the defense purpose. Eating habit is frequent and meadow voles mostly found busy in looking for their food. Diet consists of grasses, weeds, plantain, seeds, grains, roots and some fruits. Reproduction is frequent and

2. Reproduction and Life Cycle

Meadow voles are very active in reproduction, these breed more frequently and generally a female vole can give birth to about twelve liters per year. The maturity age for the female vole is about 20 -20 days, about a month from the birth. In males, the sexual maturity age ranges from 30 to 31 days after their birth. Gestation period in meadow voles is about 21 days. Another important characteristic is that female is able to mate again immediately after giving birth. The interval between one birth and other is generally estimated for 21 days inter-litter interval. Early maturity period, quick gestation and birth process, as well as ability to mate immediately after giving one birth, results in producing more number of meadow voles. Litter size is different, but an average size is 5.5. Weight at the time of birth is ...