Southern Red Backed Vole Myodes gapperi
Identification
This vole has a reddish stripe along its back and a gray belly. It prefers cool moist forests.
Location
Uncommon in Ohio
Size
1 to 2 ounces
Diet
It feeds on fungi seeds and insects.
Habitat
It occurs mainly in northern forests.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It is active year round and uses runways under leaf litter. It is active year round.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs from spring through autumn.
Population
The population is stable but localized.
History
It has historically been limited to northern regions.
Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.
Facts
It plays an important role in fungal spore dispersal.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Fungi seeds insects | Forests woodlands | Northeast Ohio