Sociology

Neuroscience

Cognitive science

Vole

Scope (computer science)

Rodent

Population

Central nervous system

Biology

Demography

Cognition

Psychology

Social neuroscience

Prairie vole

Ecology

Programming language

Oligodendrocyte

Neuroscientist

Microtus

Myelin

Computer science

Social cognition

Current Protocols

Prairie voles have emerged as an important rodent model for understanding the neuroscience of social behavior. Prairie voles are well known for their capacity for pair bonding and alloparental care. These behavioral phenomena overlap with human social behavior but are not commonly observed in traditional rodent models. In this article, we highlight the many benefits of using prairie voles in neuroscience research. We begin by describing the advantages of using diverse and non‐traditional study models. We then focus on social behaviors, including pair bonding, alloparental care, and peer interactions, that have brought voles to the forefront of social neuroscience. We describe many additional features of prairie vole biology and behavior that provide researchers with opportunities to address an array of research questions. We also survey neuroethological methods that have been used with prairie voles, from classic to modern techniques. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of other vole species, particularly meadow voles, and their own unique advantages for neuroscience studies. This article provides a foundation for researchers who are new to working with voles, as well as for experienced neuroscientists who want to expand their research scope. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article was corrected on 2 August 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

A Neuroscientist's Guide to the Vole