Microtus longicaudus
(Long-tailed Vole)

Description:
As their name implies, they have a longer tail than other voles; it is typically more than 30 % of its body length. They are grayish brown on top, sometimes streaked with blackish hairs, and lighter underneath and they are typically larger than the montane or meadow voles. Total length is 7 to 8.4 inches (175-210 mm), tail length is 2.2 to 3 inches (55 – 75 mm), and they weigh 1.4 to 1.9 ounces (40-55 g).

Range:
From east-central Alaska, south through western Canada and western U.S. to Arizona and New Mexico. Populations at eastern and southern edges of range are generally restricted to high elevations in isolated mountains.

Habitat:
Found, up to at least 3650 m, in various habitats ranging from dense coniferous forests to rocky alpine tundra and shrub steppe. Found in moist meadows, marshes, forest-edge habitat, and recently-cut or burned forests. Not as dependent on moisture as meadow or montane voles.

Diet:
Eats green vegetation, seeds, berries, and fungi. In winter, may feed on inner bark of shrubs and trees.

Ecology:
This species usually does not make well-defined runways like the montane and meadow voles. They will burrow and remain beneath snow for long periods. In Idaho, they are active day and night year-round. Populations may fluctuate dramatically. Population densities are usually relatively low, but may build up to 42 per acre (0.4 ha). Home ranges have been estimated to be about 0.6 (.24 ha)acre for males and 0.5 acre (.20 ha) for females. Individuals seldom live more than 1 year. This species seems to be more solitary than other voles.

Reproduction:
Breeds mid-May to mid-September in Alaska and Idaho, May-October in Nevada (but mostly June-July). Females produce 1-4 litters/yr in Alberta (average 2); in Alaska females produce maximum of 2 litters during lifetime. litter size varies from 2-8; in Alberta, average is 4, in Alaska, 5. Young-of-year breed in Alberta, but not in Alaska.

Conservation:

Status:	Unprotected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S5

Important State References:
Rickard, W.H. 1960. The distribution of small mammals in relation to climax vegetation mosaic in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Ecology 41: 99-106.