Somatic characteristics and reproduction of common vole, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microtus arvalis</Emphasis> (Microtus arvalis

Reproduction potential and biometry of somatic characteristics of the common vole Microtus arvalis were evaluated and discussed. The results were processed on the basis of an extensive material (2,171 individuals) from the whole territory of Slovakia (315 sites situated at altitudes from 100 to 1500 m above sea level). Among the somatic characteristics studied, the highest variability was found in body length and the smallest in hind foot length. Highly significant differences were also found between the foot length of adult males and females. Populations of M. arvalis at low altitudes were less numerous than at higher altitudes. Altitudinal differences in average embryo numbers in female uteri as well as differences in follicle length in males during the reproductive season were also observed.