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Key to the Regional Pocket Gophers

rule

1. Upper incisors lacking conspicuous longitudinal grooves: Thomomys, 2

1'. Upper incisors with one or more conspicuous longitudinal grooves: 4

2. Found in the higher parts of the Animas Mountains, Hidalgo County: Thomomys umbrinus.

2'. Not found in the higher Animas: 3

3. Color yellowish, brownish, or blackish; anterior openings of infra-orbital canals not posterior to anterior palatine foramina: Thomomys bottae.

3'. Color grayish or brownish; anterior openings of infraorbital canals posterior to anterior palatine foramina: Thomomys talpoides.

4. Upper incisors each with one longitudinal groove: Cratogeomys castanops.

4'. Upper incisors each with two longitudinal grooves: Geomys bursarius.

Key after Findley (1987).

rule

Last Update: 20 Jul 2005