Ellobius

Northern Mull Lemming

The Mull lemmings ( Ellobius ) are a genus of voles, which is common in West and Central Asia. Despite their name, they are not lemmings, but they resemble externally. Unlike lemmings they lead an entirely underground lifestyle.

Differences are five types. These are divided into two subgenera, which are sometimes regarded as separate genera:

• Subgenus Ellobius Northern Mull Lemming, Ellobius talpinus, from the eastern Ukraine on Kazakhstan to the north of Afghanistan

• Southern Mull Lemming, Ellobius fuscocapillus, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan

Mull lemmings have a roller-shaped physique. Their body length is 10 to 15 cm, the tail is stub -like and only 5 mm to 2 cm long. The coat color is brown or gray on the upper side and lower side gray or white. Outer ear missing, and the eyes are greatly reduced and almost hidden under the coat. Note the enlarged incisors that protrude from the mouth to the front. They are used when digging.

The Tunnel of Mull lemmings run approximately 20 to 30 cm below ground. They form an intricate system whose part is also a nest chamber at a depth of 50 cm. While digging they search for underground plant parts, ie roots and tubers which are their food. Therefore, in some regions they are considered agricultural pests.

Most of Mull lemmings are a separate tribe Ellobiini assigned within the voles. However, this is not backed up. Some zoologists have the Mull lemmings completely taken out of the voles and they have been classified as " incertae sedis Muridae " ( long-tailed mice with unsecured systematic classification ). See the most authorities in Mull - lemmings but voles, although different and highly specialized representatives. In the Pleistocene the genus was more common and resident in Palestine and North Africa.