About Myodes rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846)
Coloration
The grey red-backed vole, Myodes rufocanus, has a reddish back and grey sides.
Body and Tail Length
Its head and body measure 4.5 to 5.25 inches (114 to 133 mm) long, and its tail is 1 to 1.75 inches (25 to 44 mm) long.
Species Distinguishing Features
It can be told apart from the bank vole by its larger size and distinct reddish back, and from the northern red-backed vole by its larger size, longer legs, and relatively longer tail.
Dental Characteristics
The molar teeth of adult grey red-backed voles are rooted in the jaws.
Native Distribution
This vole is native to northern Europe and Asia.
Extent of Range
Its range stretches east from Norway, Sweden, and Finland through northern Russia to the Kamchatka Peninsula, and includes the Ural Mountains, the Altai Mountains, northern Korea, Sakhalin Island, Japan, northern Mongolia, and China.
Altitudinal Range
In Scandinavia, it occurs from sea level up to 1,170 m (3,839 ft), while in the Khangai Mountains of Mongolia it reaches altitudes as high as 2,700 m (8,858 ft).
Primary Habitat
Its typical habitat is dense undergrowth or rocky areas in coniferous or birch forests, often located near rivers.
Secondary Habitat
It can also be found in forest clear cut areas, rough grassland, subarctic shrubby heathland, and dry peat bogs.
