Arvicola

/ɑːrˈvɪkələ/ noun

Definition

A genus of rodents commonly called voles, small mouse-like creatures that inhabit fields and grasslands.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin arvicola (field-mouse), composed of Latin arvum (field) and -cola (inhabitant), literally meaning 'field-dweller.'

Kelly Says

Voles in the Arvicola genus famously have population explosions every 3-4 years that crash just as suddenly—Scandinavian folklore was full of tales about plague years when voles covered the ground.

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