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Field vole, Meadow mouse, Common vole

Description, Biology, Life Cycle, Damage, Common Names, Images

[R]Biology
- It attacks principally cereals, artichoke, witloof chicory, lettuce and chicory.
- The populations follow an annual cycle over which a infestation cycle may be superimposed. The cycle is mimimal after winter, rising rapidly in May-June and maximal in September-October. A precocious start to reproduction in spring and a relatively high population level by the end of winter indicate high infestation potential.
- Infestation cycle in 4 phases: low density (2 to 3 years; 0.
to 10 ind/ha); growth (1 to 2 years); high density (1 to 4 years; 1200 ind/ha); decline (1 to 2 years).
- Lifespan: 6 months.
- Elevated reproduction rate: 3 to 6 annual litters of 4 to 5 youngsters per female.
- Habitat (*) : in holes, forming burrows (diameter: 3.5 cm) with many large openings connected to the surface by outflows where droppings are deposited (*) .
- It feeds on herbaceous plants or seeds found on the surface.

[R]Damage
On the aerial parts of cereals, lucerne fields, seed crops, meadows.
In orchards, the base of trunks is gnawed.
Potential vector of human or animal diseases.

[R] Images

1. Microtus arvalis (Pallas) (ACTA)
   Adult and diagram of hole in ground Above : recognition criteria of an active gallery entrance;.
   Below : arrangement of trails and gallery entrances.
   
2. Microtus arvalis (Pallas) (Maurin/ ACTA)
   Gallery entrance
3. Microtus arvalis (Pallas) (BASF)
   Damage
4. Microtus arvalis (Pallas) (BASF)
   Damage