Identification, Ecology and Reproduction of Microtus in Ohio

In 1941 Bole and Moulthrop described a new subspecies of the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster ohioensis. The range of this subspecies extends that of the prairie vole to central southern and southwestern Ohio. The meadow mouse, Microtus pennsylvanicus, is found in suitable habitat throughout Ohio. At the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, eight miles northeast of Dayton, Greene County, Ohio, both M. ochrogaster ohioensis and M. pennsylvanicus occur in the same immediate area. An attempt was made to collect Microtus from this area and compare the ecology and reproduction of the two species. Between June of 1953 and July of 1954, 680 specimens of Microtus were collected. The measurements, weight, condition of the reproductive organs, and usually the habitat of each animal were recorded. The skull of each specimen was saved, and study or flat skins of 225 animals were preserved for future reference....