What morphology generally distinguishes Subfamily Arvicolinae members?

Stockier bodies, shorter tails, and smaller ears and eyes

Subfamily Arvicolinae serves to group the true voles and lemmings more closely than the entire family Cricetidae. This grouping is defined, in part, by shared physical characteristics that differentiate them from other Cricetids, specifically the hamsters belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. Members of Arvicolinae typically possess a more robust physical structure characterized by stockier bodies compared to many other small rodents. Furthermore, they possess relatively shorter tails, and their external sensory organs, specifically their ears and eyes, tend to be smaller in size. These morphological distinctions reflect adaptations to their specific ecological pressures, often involving life close to the ground or in cold environments.