THE PECULIARITIES OF BIOTOPIC DISTRIBUTIO N OF VOLES MICROTUS-ARVALISAND M-ROSSIAEMEERIDIONALIS IN MOSCOW

The voles Microtus arvalis Pall, 1778 and M. rossiaemeridionalis Ogn., 1924 are similar in their biology, but have some ecological differenc es. Both species are present in Moscow. However, only M. rossiaemeridi onalis is widely distributed and has significantly higher abundance. T he voles of this species are less of aggressive therefore, they can be observed in great numbers. The species is most common on unbuilt area s of the city. M. rossiaemeridionalis is very abundant in buildings as well (vegetable stores, cattle farms, greenhouses etc.). Thus, they h ave a tendency to synanthropism. M. arvalis prefers more stable, habit ats, it is more aggressive and unplastic. In the countryside, M. arval is is more common than M. rossiaemeridionalis, especially in green fie lds.