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Bank vole
Scientific name: Myodes glareolus
The bank vole is reddish-brown above and cream-coloured below. It has small eyes and ears that are usually hidden under its fur, and its tail is usually half the length of its body. It is found across mainland UK and has been introduced to Ireland.
Taxonomy chart
Animalia - Chordata - Mammalia - Rodentia - Cricetidae - Arvicolinae - Myodes - M. glareolus
Conservation status: UK Red List
GB: Least Concern
England: Least Concern
Scotland: Least Concern
Wales: Least Concern
Global: Least Concern
Species information
Habitat: Urban & gardens, deciduous woodland, grassland, mixed woodland, heathland, arable land.
Description: Red/brown fur above with cream/grey fur below. Rounded snout and small eyes and ears (ears usually not visible, hidden under fur). Tail black above and white below, and tail length 50% of head and body length
Size: Head and body length 9-11cm, tail length 3-7cm.
Weight: 20-40g.
Lifespan: The average life span of a bank vole is 6-18 Months
Origin and distribution
Found across mainland UK and in the south of Ireland.
Diet
Mostly plant material, including green leaves, seeds, fruits and small amounts of fungi, roots, flowers and moss.
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