Although called a bog lemming, this species seldom occurs in bogs. Grass and clover form the bulk of its diet; it also sometimes eats fungi and algae. The Southern Bog Lemming lives in a system of subsurface runways and burrows about 6 inches (150 mm) below the ground; it also commonly uses the runways of other small mammals. Its globular grass nest may be placed in an underground chamber or aboveground. Populations of these animals fluctuate greatly; in some years they are abundant, while at other times they seem nonexistent in the same area. Although few records of predation are available, many mammals, birds of prey, and snakes feed upon this lemming.

description Brown above; silvery below. Tail very short, brownish above, lighter below. Ears and eyes inconspicuous. Upper incisors shallowly grooved. L 4 5/8-6 1/8" (118-154 mm); T 1/2 - 7/8" (13-24 mm); HF 5/8- 7/8" (16-24 mm); Wt 3/4-1 3/4 oz (21-50 g).

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