Voles are small, burrowing rodents that belong to the family Cricetidae. There are several species of voles found across the United States, with some being more common than others. These animals are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of vegetation. In this article, we will explore the different foods that voles eat.
What do voles eat?
Voles are primarily herbivores and feed on a wide range of vegetation, including grasses, sedges, and herbs. They also consume plant roots, bulbs, and tubers. These rodents have a high metabolic rate, which requires them to consume a significant amount of food to survive.
Grasses
Grasses are a staple food in the diet of voles. They consume a variety of grasses, including timothy grass, wheatgrass, and bluegrass. Voles will feed on the stems, leaves, and seeds of grasses. They often gather grasses and store them in their burrows for later consumption.
Sedges
Sedges are another important food source for voles. They consume a variety of sedges, including tussock sedge, woolly sedge, and meadow sedge. Voles will feed on the roots, stems, and leaves of sedges.
Herbs
Voles also eat a variety of herbs, including chickweed, clover, and dandelion. They will consume the leaves, stems, and flowers of these plants. Voles are known to have a preference for certain herbs, and they may seek out specific species as their food source.
Plant roots
Voles have a unique ability to consume plant roots. They will dig into the soil and consume the roots of plants such as alfalfa, corn, and soybeans. Voles can cause significant damage to agricultural crops by consuming the roots of plants.
Bulbs and tubers
Voles also consume bulbs and tubers of plants such as potatoes, carrots, and tulips. They will dig into the soil to access these underground parts of plants. Voles may consume the entire bulb or tuber, or they may feed on a portion of it and leave the rest.
Fruits and seeds
Voles will also consume fruits and seeds of plants. They will eat a variety of fruits, including berries and apples. Voles will also consume seeds of plants such as sunflowers and oats.
Insects
While voles are primarily herbivores, they may consume insects as a source of protein. They will eat insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles. Insect consumption is not a significant part of the vole’s diet, but they may consume insects if other food sources are scarce.
Conclusion
In summary, voles are herbivores that consume a wide range of vegetation, including grasses, sedges, and herbs. They also consume plant roots, bulbs, and tubers. Voles will eat fruits and seeds of plants and may consume insects as a source of protein. Understanding the diet of voles is essential for understanding their impact on various ecosystems and managing their populations.