Microtus longicaudus
long-tailed vole

Long-tailed voles are found throughout the western United States and Canada up through southeastern Alaska. Different regions are home to different population densities. (National Wildlife Federation, 2003)

Long-tailed voles occupy a variety of habitats. Some examples of theses habitats include dry grassy areas, mountain slopes, forests, stream banks, sagebrush grasslands, mountain meadows, and riparian zones. Within all of these different types of landscape, long-tailed voles burrow and sometimes create runways underground. In Wyoming, the elevation at which this species can be found is 900 to 3300 meters. (National Wildlife Federation, 2003; Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center, 2002)

Long-tailed voles are small bodied with long, bicolored tails. Body mass ranges from 20 to 85 g and total length from 150 to 250 mm. The tail is about 30% of their total length. The fur color of these animals varies with its location on the body. The dorsal fur is usually grayish brown with black tips, while the ventral fur is usually light gray color. The skull has a wide braincase, large bullae, a long rostrum, and long incisive foramina. The cheektooth pattern of this type of vole looks prismatic. (National Wildlife Federation, 2003; Smolen and Keller, 1987)

Most long-tailed voles live for from 2 to 16 months. The average lifespan is about one year. Females usually live longer than males. (Colorado State University, 2003; Smolen and Keller, 1987)

These mammals are active all year long, which means that they do not hibernate. The species is reported to be primarily nocturnal. Unlike other species of voles, M. longicaudus is not known to construct elaborate runways. Long-tailed voles are able to live with other microtine species, but they are still very shy. (Colorado State University, 2003; Smolen and Keller, 1987)

Home Range

Their average home ranges are smaller than 0.25 acres. In Alaska, males were reported to have larger home ranges than females. (Colorado State University, 2003; Smolen and Keller, 1987)

Information about communication in this species is scant. However, most microtines are known to use some vocalizationsm and it is likely that M. longicaudud is similar in that repsect. The neonates of this species are known to make an ultrasonic cry when disturbed, alerting the mother to their distress. (Smolen and Keller, 1987)

Like many rodents, long-tailed voles are herbivores. They feast on green plants, tree roots and bark, flowers, underground fungi, fruits, and seeds. Sometimes they will eat insects. Foraging for these food items occurs on the ground and underneath shrubs. (Cahalane, 1947; National Wildlife Federation, 2003; Smolen and Keller, 1987)

That long-tailed voles are frequent victims of predation is not doubted. However, the quantity of long-tailed voles consumed by such predators is unknown-- paartly because of similarities between the skull morphology of this species and that of Microtus montanus, another popular prey item. When such remains are found, it is difficult to distinguish which species is present. (Smolen and Keller, 1987)

Long-tailed voles play an important role in local ecosystems. As short-lived, rapidly reproducing herbivores, they provide an important prey base for many carnivores. They are undoubtedly vital to local fod webs.

Long-tailed voles are a nuisance for many people. They burrow, which causes destruction to the orchards and forests above. Also, they eat many crops (such as grains, potatoes, alfalfa, etc.) and other plant material resulting in more damage. Similar to other wild rodents and larger wild mammals, these voles can carry disease organisms, which can be transmitted to humans through contact. It is advised to be cautious when handling these animals. (Pensacola and Inc., 2003)

It is unlikely that these animals provide any direct economic benefit to humans. However, because they are important prey animals, they do affect other species that humans find interesting an important. Many avian predators that people like to watch, such as falcons, hawks, and owls seem to rely on these animals for food.

Long-tailed voles are considered non-game mammals but are protected by many state governments. If one of these voles causes a major problem, it may be captured or killed. (Colorado State University, 2003)

The best way to prevent damage by long-tailed voles is to get rid of ground cover such as weeds and overgrown grasses. This limits their habitat. This method works because long-tailed voles will tend to avoid open areas. (Colorado State University, 2003)