Burrow Morphology as Related to Social Organization of Microtus ochrogaster

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Abstract
The underground nest and associated burrows of male-female pairs and communal, social groups of Microtus ochrogaster were compared using excavated foam-injected casts of burrows. Differences in burrow morphology were related primarily to the type of social group inhabiting the nest and not to seasonal differences. There was no relationship between the number of reproductive females in a group and the number of nest chambers in the burrow system. Burrows where communal groups nested had greater complexity than burrows of male-female pairs; communal nest chambers were 49% larger, and burrow area was 2.7 times larger, with twice as many entrance holes.

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