Red-backed voles are small, slender voles of the genus Clethrionomys found in North America, Europe, and Asia.[1] In recent years the genus name was changed to Myodes, however a 2019 paper found that Myodes was actually a junior synonym for Lemmus, thus making it unusable. As such, Clethrionomys is re-established as the proper genus name.[2]
Red-backed voles inhabit northern forests, tundra and bogs. They feed on shrubs, berries and roots. Most species have reddish brown fur on their back. They have small eyes and ears. Unlike other voles, the molar teeth are rooted in adults.