About Microtus agrestis (Linnaeus, 1761)
Microtus agrestis, commonly called the short-tailed field vole, is a small, dark brown rodent with a short tail. It can be told apart from its close relative the common vole (Microtus arvalis) by its darker, longer, shaggier fur and more densely furred ears. The head and body length of this species ranges from 8 to 13 centimetres (3.1 to 5.1 in), while the tail measures 3 to 4 centimetres (1.2 to 1.6 in). Adults weigh between 20 and 50 grams (0.71 to 1.76 oz). Its vocalizations include a faint, low squeak, plus a variety of chattering sounds. The short-tailed field vole has a Palearctic distribution. Its range covers most of Western Europe, extending east to Lake Baikal in Siberia and northwest China, and north to Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It is not present in Iceland, and its population becomes sparser further south toward the Mediterranean Sea. Though it was not found in Ireland before 2022, it was detected there that year. This vole occupies a wide range of habitats, including meadows, field borders, plantations, woodland verges, clearings, upland heaths, dunes, marshes, bogs, and river banks. It generally prefers wetter areas, and can be found at altitudes up to roughly 1,700 metres (5,600 ft).
