Julian and Jackie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>
>Technically, the Sungorian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus) and Campbell's
>Hamster (P. campbelli) are different species, although to most intents
>and purposes they look the same except that Cambell's go white in
>winter.
>
I know this is off topic, but just to correct something I said, it is
the Sungorian, and not the Campbell's that goes white.
I think it is helpful for those interested if I set out how to diagnose
the three species. Please note that the following will not apply for
coat colour mutations. I know there are mutations of all three species,
but most mutations will be Campbells:
Roboroski's have no dorsal stripe.
Sungorians go white in winter. In summer they are greyish, have a wide
dorsal stripe and black patches on the head, shoulder and flanks. Belly
is white with some dark hairs.
Campbells in summer are yellowish, with a narrow dorsal stripe. The
black patch on the head is missing, the shoulder patch is lighter. Belly
is white with slate base (similar to an agouti gerbil). In winter they
go light grey.
(Adapted from Mammalian Species #595)
--
Julian
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
National Gerbil Society
http://www.gerbils.co.uk/
