Microtus xanthognathus (Leach, 1815)

Yellow cheeked voles are often associated with recent burns in interior Alaska. Notice the secretions from the flank glands above the back foot.

Species diagnosis

General Characteristics

• Zygomatic width more than � the length of the skull
• Usually lacking a prominent interorbital keel or depression
• Zygomatic arches comparitively broad
• m1usually with 5 closed triangles
• Skull of adults comparitively large and robust
• Length of upper tooth row greater than 7mm
• Anterior loop of M3 followed by three alternating triangles with the third usually confluent with the posterior loop
• anterior loop of m1 usually trefoiled in shape (clover leaf)