Voles are small, mouselike rodents found across the Northern Hemisphere. They have a stout body, blunt nose, small eyes and ears, and a tail that is typically shorter than their body length. Often mistaken for mice, voles are distinct in their physical characteristics and behavior, primarily feeding on plants and creating extensive burrow systems. Over 155 species of voles exist globally, inhabiting diverse environments such as grasslands, forests, and alpine meadows.
Average Vole Size
Vole size varies by species. A typical adult vole’s body length, excluding the tail, can be from 8 to 23 centimeters (3 to 9 inches). Their weight falls within a range of a few ounces. The common vole (Microtus arvalis) has an average body length of about 11.3 centimeters (4.47 inches) and weighs around 27.5 grams (0.97 ounces). Meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), a widespread North American species, measure 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) in length, including their short tail, and average about 44 grams (1.55 ounces) in weight.
Species-Specific Sizes
Vole size varies among species. The woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum) of the eastern United States is one of the smallest, with a body length up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) and weighing less than 35 grams (1 ounce). Its tail is short, less than 3 centimeters (1 inch).
Larger species include the European water vole (Arvicola amphibius), one of the biggest native Eurasian voles. It can reach a body length of up to 22 centimeters (9 inches) and weigh up to 250 grams (9 ounces). The North American water vole (Microtus richardsoni) is the largest North American species, with individuals measuring 20–27 centimeters (7.9–10.6 inches) in total length, including a 6–10 centimeter (2.4–3.9 inch) tail, and weighing 125–178 grams (4.4–6.3 ounces).
Factors Influencing Vole Dimensions
Several factors influence vole size, causing variations within and between species. Diet quality is important, as protein availability can limit population growth and impact individual size. Voles require a consistent intake of food, consuming up to their own body weight daily to maintain their high metabolism.
Habitat quality affects vole dimensions, with populations in areas offering abundant food resources exhibiting better growth. Geographic location leads to size differences, as environmental conditions and resource availability vary across regions.
Age and sex also determine size. Males in some species, such as water voles, are larger than females, and adult voles have larger home ranges and body sizes than juveniles. Genetic predispositions also contribute to an individual vole’s size, as genetic factors influence traits within a species.