The Status of the Sibling Species Peromyscus merriami and Peromyscus eremicus

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Abstract
The taxonomic status of Peromyscus merriami Mearns is reviewed. This species is very similar morphologically to Peromyscus eremicus and in certain areas the two kinds occur sympatrically. The similarities are so great that specimens of the two kinds are easily confused. Differences between the species are discussed and evaluated. The most diagnostic characters are size and shape of baculum, length of hind foot, length of ear and mastoid breadth. Total length of animal, length of skull and coloration are sometimes useful. With a better basis for recognizing the species P. merriami , a more complete distributional picture is given and the two subspecies, P. m. merriami and P. m. goldmani , are more fully characterized.

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