Microtus richardsoni (water vole)
Specimen Images | FW5681 |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Cricetidae |
| Genus | Microtus |
| Species | Microtus richardsoni |
| Common | water vole |
| Diet | granivorous, tubers, corms |
| Habitat | Alpine and subalpine riparian areas, always near water. |
| Description | North America’s largest vole. Tail ~ 50% length of body and head. Has “conspicuous” flank glands (may not be visible on specimens) |
| Skull Characteristics | Incisors protrude greatly beyond nasals when skull is viewed from above(compare to Microtus montanus). Microtus have 4 loops of sharply angled enamel on the lingual side of the 3rd upper molar (M3). |
| Notes | Links to more species information:
Smithsonian Animal Diversity Web |