They are found in both aquatic and dry habitat through Europe and much of northern Asia.

A water vole found in Western North America was historically considered a member of this genus, but has been shown to be more closely related to members of the genus Microtus.

They are thick-furred and have hairy fringes on their feet that improve their swimming ability.

A 2021 phylogenetic study using mtDNA found that Arvicola may not belong with the rest of its namesake tribe Arvicolini, but rather forms a sister group to the tribe Lagurini.

[3] There are three species as listed by the IUCN: The American Society of Mammalogists recognizes four species, with A. italicus and A. persicus being split from A. amphibius, and A. scherman being synonymous with A. amphibius:[7]