Grey red-backed vole
Graurötelmaus ( Myodes rufocanus )
The Graurötelmaus ( Myodes rufocanus ) is a species of voles of the genus Rötelmäuse.
Description
The Graurötelmaus has a characteristic drawing with a reddish-brown back, gray blue side stripes and cheeks and a light gray belly. It counts with a body length from 90 to 135 millimeters to the relatively large voles. The tail is 25 to 45 millimeters long and occupies about 25 % of the total length a. The weight of the mouse is between 20 and 50 grams.
Dissemination
This species lives in Scandinavia north of 65 ° latitude and in the Russian taiga.
Way of life
The Graurötelmaus is an adept climbers and swimmers. In the soil she digs reluctant but rather uses the existing holes. In contrast, she digs in winter long transition systems in the snow on the ground. The spherical nest is just above the ground and lined with grass, twigs, birch bark and stems.
The summer nests are usually under roots or stones and sometimes in trees. The Graurötelmaus preferred mountainous terrain but can also occur near the coast in the far north. It is mainly a dawn active animal, but in the summer you can see them sometimes in the middle of the day.
The diet consists mainly of leaves and herbs. You still eats berries and in the winter bark and twigs. The Swedish zoologist Kai Curry - Lindahl indicates that they can also take animal food.
Reproduction
Each female has a territory and mates with several males. The mating season is from May to September. Per litter are brought pups (up to 6 usually 5 ) from 2 to 10. Each year, 3 to 4 litters are possible.