Spalax is a genus of rodent in the family Spalacidae, subfamily Spalacinae (blind mole-rats). It is one of two extant genera in the subfamily Spalacinae, alongside Nannospalax.[2]
Spalax | |
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Greater blind mole-rat (S. microphthalmus) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Rodentia |
Family: | Spalacidae |
Subfamily: | Spalacinae |
Genus: | Spalax Güldenstädt, 1770 |
Type species | |
Spalax microphthalmus[1] Güldenstädt, 1770
| |
Species | |
Spalax antiquus |
Species in this genus are found in eastern Europe and western & central Asia.[3] They are completely blind and have a subterranean lifestyle.[4]
Prior to 2013, Spalax was widely considered the only member of Spalacinae, with all blind mole-rat species being grouped within it. However, phylogenetic and morphological evidence supported some of the species within it forming a distinct lineage that diverged from the others during the Late Miocene, when a marine barrier formed between Anatolia and the Balkans. These species were reclassified into the genus Nannospalax, making Spalax one of two extant spalacine genera.[2]