The eastern vole has a stocky body. The head-body length of adult animals can reach up to 240 mm, and the tail length can reach up to 100 mm. Arvicola amphibius can weigh between 60-150 g, and its fur is brown on the upper side and lighter on the underside. Animals of this species inhabit both moist, water-rich areas such as lakeshores or riverbanks, as well as drier terrestrial habitats. They live both above and below ground, are active during the day and night, and construct underground burrows with a diameter of up to 8 cm. The mating season occurs between March and October, and up to five litters per year can be produced, each with 2-14 offspring. The eastern water vole reaches sexual maturity after nine weeks and can live up to four years (Wenk 2007).

Diet: Arvicola amphibius has a purely vegetarian diet. Food sources include grasses, herbs, tubers, and roots, such as carrots. By gnawing on the roots, the eastern water vole can cause damage to crops (Wenk 2007).

Threat status: The eastern vole is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List and classified as “not endangered” on the Red List of Germany.