Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1778 – Common vole

  • Arhizodont molars
  • Cement present
  • Microtine enamel
  • m1 with:
    • 5 separated triangles (T1 to T5)
    • Similar dimension of T4 and T5
    • T6 and T7 confluent
    • Rounded and symmetrical AC
    • Overall symmetric and parallel disposition of both triangles and re-entrant angles
Morphological differences between Microtus arvalis and Microtus agrestis. Figure from: Luzi, E., López-García, J. M. (2019). Relative size variations in two vole species: A climatic proxy for the identification of humid-arid pulses during Late Pleistocene in Southwestern Europe? Quaternary Science Reviews, 223, 105920.

Essential references

Chaline, J., 1972. Les Rongeurs du Pléistocène Moyen et Supérieur de France. Paris.

Nadachowski, A., 1982. Late Quaternary Rodents of Poland with special reference to morphotype dentition analysis of voles. P.W.N., Warszava – Krakow.

Baca, M. et al. 2020. Diverse responses of common vole (Microtus arvalis) populations to Late Glacial and Early Holocene climate changes – Evidence from ancient DNA. Quat. Sci. Rev. 233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2020.106239