Collared Lemming by Ghirin

The collared lemming (varying lemming, genus Dicrostonyx) is a stout-bodied rodent native to the tundra regions of the northern hemisphere. The fur of lemmmings of this genus change color between seasons, from dark in summer to white in winter, making this the only rodent in the world with a coat that changes to white in the winter. The collared lemming also develops a double claw during the winter to aid it in digging through snow and ice during the winter.

Collared lemmings dig and dwell in burrows, using the tundra sod and snow as digging substrate. Their burrows can reach up to 6 m in length and be 20 cm wode. A nest burrow is usually found at the end of the tunnel.

Collared lemmings live in treeless tundra and are active year-round. In the wild, they eat grass, flowers, fruit, sedeges, and bush stems.

These lemmings are prolific and surges in local populations have been recorded followed by “crashes”.

Created by Ghirin 2003

Updated 2010-10-30

Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.

Nothing new.