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Arvicola amphibius

Arvicola amphibius

9.9
A large mouse-like animal that lives near rivers and lakes in Europe and Asia
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : topillo de agua
  • The Arvicola amphibius is often found near rivers.

Examples

  • The Arvicola amphibius population has declined dramatically due to habitat loss.

  • Predators such as the mink threaten the survival of Arvicola amphibius in the wild.

  • Naturalists observed Arvicola amphibius constructing burrows along the riverbank.

  • Have you ever seen an Arvicola amphibius in the wild?

  • Naturalists observed Arvicola amphibius constructing burrows along the riverbank.

  • Predators such as the mink threaten the survival of Arvicola amphibius in the wild.

  • The Arvicola amphibius population has declined dramatically due to habitat loss.

Synonyms

water vole
vsArvicola amphibius
6.1

A small animal like a rat that lives near rivers and ponds

is the specific Eurasian species limited to Europe and parts of Asia

Surface Forms

Morphology

Arvicola + amphibius

This is a Latin binomial name: 'Arvicola' denotes a genus of small semi‑aquatic rodents and 'amphibius' echoes the root of English 'amphibious', so a learner who knows both constituents could infer it refers to a semi‑aquatic vole (a water vole). However, 'amphibius' is not a standard English word and scientific names follow taxonomic/Latin conventions, so the relation is technical and not fully predictable for an average B1 learner without exposure.

Etymology

Arvicola amphibius comes from Latin words: arvicola meaning 'field-dweller' and amphibius meaning 'living on land and water'. The name shows a vole that lives by rivers and often goes into the water, which is why we call it the 'water vole'.