174 



Order RODENTIA 



Fig. 96. — Meadow vole. 



runways of this mouse may be discovered. The first runway 

 that is found may lead to a network of other runs. Along these 

 runs, voles cut off the grass; they may feed on it immediately, 

 or store it for future use in chambers below ground. Side runs 

 lead to new sources of grasses, weeds, tuberous roots, or the 

 bark of trees. 



Underground tunnels, nearly as intricate and complex as those 

 aboveground, serve as refuges and breeding places for the 

 meadow vole. The nest of this vole is a globular mass, chiefly 

 of dry grass, about 5 inches in diameter. It is usually in a 

 chamber about 4 inches underground but it may be in a mass 

 of herbage aboveground. 



The meadow vole can breed throughout the year. Seventeen 

 litters were produced by one captive female in a year. Probably 

 in nature, a mature female rarely produces more than six or 

 eight litters a year, and in some years perhaps only one or two. 

 A litter may consist of as many as eight young. The young are 



