Matkustajamyyrä

Matkustajamyyrä, scientifically known as Myodes glareolus, is a common species of vole found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It is a small rodent, typically measuring around 8 to 10 centimeters in body length with a tail of about 4 to 7 centimeters. Its fur is usually reddish-brown on the back and greyish on the belly, with large, dark eyes and relatively small ears.

These voles are primarily herbivorous, their diet consisting mainly of grasses, seeds, berries, and bark. They are known to be active year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Matkustajamyyrä inhabits a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, meadows, and grasslands, often preferring areas with dense undergrowth or grassy tussocks where they can find shelter and food.

They are solitary animals for most of the year, coming together mainly for reproduction. Breeding typically occurs during the warmer months, with females giving birth to litters of several young. Matkustajamyyrä plays a role in its ecosystem as a food source for various predators, such as owls, foxes, and weasels. While generally not considered a pest, their burrowing activities can sometimes cause minor damage to agricultural fields or gardens. Their population numbers can fluctuate, with cyclical booms and busts being a characteristic of this species.