In the World, people are from different family backgrounds. Animals are living beings, as humans have their families. The Chipmunk and Vole are living beings on the planet from other families. Chipmunks and Vole are rodents.
Key Takeaways
- Chipmunks are larger than voles, with longer tails and stripes on their backs, while voles are smaller and have shorter tails and brown or grey fur.
- Chipmunks are diurnal and active during the day, while voles are nocturnal and active at night.
- Chipmunks have cheek pouches to carry food, while voles do not have cheek pouches.
Chipmunk vs Vole
Chipmunks are a type of ground squirrel and are recognizable by their striped back and cheek pouches. Voles are mouse-like rodents with a stocky build, short tails, and round ears. Chipmunks are known for agility and are seen in more open environments like forests and parks. Voles are burrowing animals found in denser grassy areas or near water sources. Chipmunks are also known for hoarding food for the winter, while voles have a more consistent food supply due to their burrowing habits.
Chipmunks originated from North America. These are the small striped rodents from the Sciuridae family. Chipmunks look like Squirrels, which are known as ‘tree squirrels. Siberian chipmunks from the same family are found in Asia.
An Eastern Chipmunk can live nearly three years, whereas Siberian Chipmunks can live 6-10 years. Some are Siberian chipmunks, Long-eared chipmunks, Least chipmunks, and California chipmunks. The Order of the Chipmunk is Rodentia.
The Chipmunk can travel up to 21 miles per hour.
Voles originate in North America. These are the small rodents from The Cricetidae family. The order of Voles is Rodentia. Voles are also called meadow mice or field mice in North America.
They can travel 6 miles per hour. The Lifespan of a vole is 12 months. European water voles can live longer than 12 months and die in winter. There are 124 species, and most species are in the United States.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Chipmunk | Vole |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Chipmunks are small striped rodents found in North America and Asia. | Voles are small rodents found in North America and Europe. |
| Family | These are from the Sciuridae family. | These are from the Cricetidae family. |
| Looks like | Chipmunks look like squirrels. These are also known as ‘tree squirrels’. | Voles are similar to rats or mice. These are also known as meadow mice or field mice. |
| Lifespan | Live longer than 3 years, whereas Siberian Chipmunks live 6-10 years. | The Life cycle of Voles is nearly 12 months, where European water voles die in the second or third winter. |
| Kingdom and Class | Animalia. Class- Mammalian | Animalia, Mammalian. |
| Travel | Chipmunks can travel up to 21 miles per hour. | Voles can travel 6 miles per hour. |
What is Chipmunk?
Chipmunks are small striped rodents originating from North America, except Siberian. In Asian countries, we can find Siberian Chipmunks. Chipmunks are the Sciuridae family.
There are different species of Chipmunks with several features. Some other names for chipmunks with features are Siberian Chipmunk, Long-eared chipmunks, Least chipmunk, California chipmunk, and others.
The length of the Chipmunks is different from their features. The Life cycle of Chipmunks is nearly three years, whereas the Siberian Chipmunks live 6-10 years.
These are Mammalians, and the Phylum is ‘Chordata.’ The kingdom of Chipmunks is Animalia. Chipmunks are similar to Squirrels, also known as ‘tree squirrels.’
The mass of the Siberian Chipmunk is 50-150g. The other Chipmunks’ group is different from Siberian Chipmunks. The Gestation period of Chipmunks is between 28-35 days. Chipmunks can travel up to 21 miles per hour.
These can live in mountains, forests, and deserts. They can jump and climb trees, and they are good swimmers. Chipmunks love to live in holes, dens, and caves. Chipmunks spend the winter sleeping in shelters.
What is Vole?
Voles are small rodents that originated in European and Asian Countries. Voles are from the Cricetidae family. In North America, Voles are popularly called meadow mice or field mice. Voles are the relatives of lemmings and hamsters.
The features of voles are small ears and eyes, a shorter hairy tail, and a slightly rounded head. Voles can live for nearly 12 months, where European water voles can live to their second or third winter.
The Voles are Mammalians. The Phylum of the voles is ‘Chordata.’ The kingdom of voles is Animalia. 21-24 days are the gestation period of Voles.
Depending on features and structures, some of the names of voles are Common voles, California voles, European pine voles, and many others. The length of the Common Vole is 11cm.
The length varies from one Pole to other depending on their structures. The mass of the voles is 20g-220g hanging to their features. There are 124 species. Most species are in the United States.
The Required space for the home is ¼ acre. They can travel 6 miles per hour.
Main Differences Between Chipmunk and Vole
- Chipmunks are small striped rodents that originated in North America and Europe. In contrast, Voles are small rodents originating in European and Asian countries.
- Chipmunk and Vole are from the same Kingdom and Phylum, but, Chipmunks is from the Sciuridae family, whereas Voles is from the Cricetidae family.
- Chipmunk looks like Squirrels, which is called ‘tree squirrel.’ On the other hand, Voles are also known as meadow mice or field mice.
- The heap of the chipmunks is approximately 50-150g, whereas the mass of the voles is nearly 20-220g.
- The Life span of Chipmunks is nearly 3-10 years, and the life cycle of Voles is 12 months. The Gestation Period of a Chipmunk is 28-35 days, whereas the Vole’s gestation period is 21-24 days.
- The travelling period of a Chipmunk is up to 21 miles per hour, whereas Voles can travel 6 miles per hour.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/vbz.2007.0111
- https://aem.asm.org/content/77/16/5716.short
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.0030-1299.1999.12698.x
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The informative content on chipmunks and voles presents an enlightening perspective on these rodents, emphasizing their unique traits and ecological roles. It’s both educational and thought-provoking.
I concur, this article encourages a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of wildlife and showcases the importance of coexisting with and preserving all forms of biodiversity.
This comprehensive analysis of chipmunks and voles reinforces the significance of understanding and protecting diverse animal species, underscoring the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
The detailed comparisons and biological insights pertaining to chipmunks and voles paint a vivid picture of these fascinating creatures and their distinct habitats. It’s a captivating exploration of wildlife.
Absolutely, this article serves as a testament to the wonders of the natural world and the importance of understanding and preserving the myriad species that inhabit our planet.
The wealth of knowledge encapsulated in this article provides an engaging portrayal of chipmunks and voles, offering readers a deeper understanding of these creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit. It’s a remarkable piece of scientific literature.
Indeed, the depth of information conveyed in this article is truly commendable, shedding light on the intricacies of the natural world and the need to preserve and protect its diverse inhabitants.
This article is simply fascinating, providing a comprehensive exploration of chipmunks and voles and offering an in-depth look into the intricate world of these intriguing creatures. It’s both educational and engrossing.
The comparison table and detailed descriptions of chipmunks and voles are remarkably informative, allowing readers to gain a thorough understanding of these creatures and their distinct characteristics.
I couldn’t agree more. The scientific insights presented in this article provide a valuable educational resource for those interested in wildlife, ecology, and animal behavior.
This article’s in-depth analysis of chipmunks and voles offers a fascinating exploration into the natural world, showcasing the diversity and complexity of animal life. It’s a compelling read for all nature enthusiasts.
Absolutely, the depth of knowledge shared in this article is commendable, and it underscores the need to appreciate and protect the various species that contribute to the rich tapestry of our planet’s ecosystems.
This article provides a comprehensive and informative comparison between chipmunks and voles, highlighting their differences in various aspects such as appearance, behavior, and lifespan. It’s great to learn about these overlooked creatures and how they coexist in nature.
I agree, it’s fascinating to delve into the details of these rodents and understand their unique characteristics. Nature is truly diverse and full of surprises.
Absolutely, the information presented here sheds light on the intricacies of these small mammals and their adaptations to different environments. Nature’s wonders never cease to amaze.
The article provides a detailed comparison between chipmunks and voles, offering valuable insights into their distinguishing features, habitats, and behavior. It’s refreshing to explore the world of these lesser-known animals.
Indeed, this article serves as an eye-opener to the unique traits of chipmunks and voles, providing a deeper understanding of their roles in the ecosystem and the natural world as a whole.
Absolutely, this piece enriches our knowledge about the nuances of wildlife and highlights the importance of appreciating all forms of life, no matter how small.
The insights provided on chipmunks and voles are intriguing, shedding light on their physical attributes, behaviors, and environments. It’s essential to recognize and celebrate the diversity of life on Earth.
Indeed, this article serves as a testament to the wonders of the natural world and the importance of understanding and preserving the myriad species that inhabit our planet.
Absolutely, the complexity and beauty of nature are exemplified through the detailed examination of chipmunks and voles, reiterating the significance of ecological conservation.
The thorough examination of chipmunks and voles presented here elucidates the remarkable diversity of life on our planet, inspiring a greater appreciation for the intricacies of nature and the species that comprise it.
This insightful piece serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth and implores us to protect and cherish the remarkable biodiversity that surrounds us.
I share the sentiment that this article underscores the need to embrace and safeguard the multitude of species that coexist with us, fostering a collective responsibility towards ecological preservation.