noun
Japanese red-backed vole
Specifically refers to Myodes andersoni, a vole species native to Japan.
ヤチネズミは本州の山地に生息している。
The Japanese red-backed vole inhabits the mountains of Honshu.
noun
red-backed vole (genus Myodes)
General term for any vole of the genus Myodes, not limited to the Japanese species.
ヤチネズミ属には複数の種が含まれる。
The genus Myodes includes several species.
Compound of 谷地 (yachi, 'marshland') + 鼠 (nezumi, 'mouse/rat'), referring to the vole's habitat. The exact derivation is uncertain.