Arvicolinae

Arvicolinae is a subfamily of rodents that belongs to the family Cricetidae. This subfamily includes several species commonly known as voles, lemmings, and muskrats. Arvicolinae is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with species found in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Taxonomy

Arvicolinae is a subfamily within the family Cricetidae, which also includes other subfamilies such as Neotominae and Sigmodontinae. The subfamily Arvicolinae is further divided into several tribes, including Arvicolini, Lemmini, and Myodini.

Description

Arvicolinae species vary in size and appearance, but they generally have stout bodies, short legs, and small ears. They are well-adapted to their habitats, with specialized features for burrowing and swimming. Some species, like the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), have waterproof fur and webbed hind feet, enabling them to thrive in aquatic environments.

Behavior

Arvicolinae species are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials such as grasses, roots, and seeds. They are known for their high reproductive rates, with some species capable of producing multiple litters in a single year. Many Arvicolinae species are also known for their cyclic population fluctuations, with periods of rapid increase followed by sudden declines.

Species

The subfamily Arvicolinae includes numerous species, some of which are:

• Microtus - Commonly known as voles, this genus includes species like the field vole (Microtus agrestis) and the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus).
• Lemmus - Lemmings are small rodents found in the Arctic regions. The most well-known species is the Norway lemming (Lemmus lemmus).
• Ondatra - The muskrat is a large semi-aquatic rodent found in North America. It is known for its ability to construct complex burrows in wetland habitats.

Conservation

Some Arvicolinae species face conservation challenges due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The destruction of wetlands, in particular, poses a threat to species like the muskrat, which rely on these habitats for survival. Efforts are being made to protect and restore the habitats of Arvicolinae species, as they play important roles in their ecosystems.

See also

• Cricetidae
• Rodentia
• Vole
• Lemming
• Muskrat