VOLE, Arcicola, a genus of rodent quadrupeds, of a group which some naturalists constitute into a family (arricolidce), but which is more generally regarded as a tribe or sub-family of muridte (q.v.). This group is characterized by a thicker and shorter form than that of the true rats and mice; an obtuse muzzle; ears of moderate size; a round and hairy tail, not so long as the body; the molar teeth with flat crowns, which present angular enameled plates. These characters exhibit an approach to the beaver family (cAstoricks). The lemmings (q.v.) belong to this group. The species are numerous, and widely distributed, being found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Some of them are completely terrestrial in their habits, others are aquatic. Many are popularly called rats and mice, as the species of the genus arvicola, which are found in Britain. In this genus the teeth are only ten in number; two incisors and three molars in each jaw. One of the most common British species is the FIELD VOLE A. agresta), also known as the MEADow MOUSE and SHORT-TAILED FIELD MOUSE. The *hole length of the head and body is scarcely more than 4 in., that of the tail rather more than an inch and a quarter. The field vole has a large head, a very obtuse muzzle, ears just appearing above the fur, the thumb of the fore-feet rudimentary, and without a claw. The upper parts are reddish brown, the under parts ash-color, the feet and tail dusky. It burrow's in the ground, or finds a retreat for itself in the excavations of some other animal, as of the mole. It chiefly inhabits low and damp situations, and dry seasons are very fatal to it. It produces from five to seven young at a birth. It is sometimes very injurious to plantations, by destroying the roots of trees and devouring their bark. Excessive numbers of this little animal were regarded in 1813 and 1814 as
threatening the destruction of the forest of Dean, and the new forest in Hampshire; and many trees were killed; but a remedy was found in digging pits into which the voles fell, and from which they could not escape. The same method has been successfully employed in some of the forests of continental Europe. This species of vole is found in most parts of Europe. and in many parts of Asia. It is common in the Himalaya.— Another very common British species is the WATER VOLE (A. amphibia), popularly known as the WATER RAT, a much larger animal, the head and body being about 8+ in. in length, and the tail 4 inches. The head is thick and short, the muzzle very obtuse, the eyes small, the ears scarcely seen beyond the fur; the last joint only of the thumb of the fore-feet conspicuous beyond the skin. The fur is thick and shining, of a rich reddish brown mixed with gray above, yellowish gray beneath. Although the feet are not webbed the water vole swims extremely well, and not only at the surface of the water, but often under it. It burrows in the banks of streams, ditches, and ponds. Its food appearA to consist chiefly of aquatic plants, although it objects to no kind of vegetable food, and has been known to store up potatoes in its burrow for winter. It has been supposed also to feed on worms, frogs, and small aquatic animals, and to be destructive to the spawn of fish ; but this is very doubtful. This species is widely diffused over the continent of Europe. There is a black variety of it, common in some parts both of England and Scotland, which has been described as a distinct species (A. atra). Several species of vole are found in North America.