Abstract
Chromosomes from 61 individuals representing 20 populations currently referable to Onychomys torridus were examined from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Two distinct karyotypes were observed. In both chromosome forms the diploid number was 48. The principal differences reside in the morphology of biarmed chromosomes and number of acrocentric chromosomes. A contact zone between the two cytotypes was located in southwestern New Mexico. Based on karyotypes, no hybrid nor backcross individual was detected. These data indicate that two species have been included under the name O. torridus . The name arenicola is the oldest available name and is herein raised to specific rank. A morphometric analysis using 12 cranial and six external measurements was carried out on a total of 363 specimens representing both cytotypes. Age, secondary sexual, and geographic variation were analyzed. A final discriminant analysis showed significant separation between the two species.
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