Systematics of Spiny Pocket Mice (Genus Heteromys) of the Desmarestianus Species Group from Mexico and Northern Central America

Abstract

Nongeographic and geographic variation is assessed in the H. desmarestianus species group (exclusive of H. gaumeri). Concordant results of cranial, external and bacular variation reveal that the H. desmarestianus-group is represented in northern Middle America by 2 spp., H. desmarestianus and H. goldmani. H. longicaudatus and H. lepturus are indistinguishable from H. desmarestianus. H. temporalis is arranged as a subspecies of H. desmarestianus.