Japanese red-backed vole
Specifically refers to Myodes andersoni, a vole species native to Japan.
The Japanese red-backed vole inhabits the mountains of Honshu.
red-backed vole (genus Myodes)
General term for any vole of the genus Myodes, not limited to the Japanese species.
The genus Myodes includes several species.
Usually written in katakana; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in modern writing.
Alternate kanji spelling; rarely used.
Compound of 谷地 (yachi, 'marshland') + 鼠 (nezumi, 'mouse/rat'), referring to the vole's habitat. The exact derivation is uncertain.