4 3/4"– 8 3/4" cm in length, with a tail a little shorter than half the length of the body.
60–180 g in weight.
Distinguishable from the house mouse and the rat by its compact, plump body shape and its relatively large, wide head and short tail.
Lifecycle
3–8 young per litter; 3–6 (field vole: 10–15) litters per year.
Gestation period (all species) of about 3 weeks.
8 weeks from birth to sexual maturity.
Habits
Inhabits cool, damp ground, ditches, edges of streams, embankments, extensively used meadows, grassy areas with young trees; gardens, orchards, vineyards.
Eats roots, causes damage by burrowing.
Good swimmer and diver; active both day and night.