| Spalax | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 | |
Spalax is agenus ofrodent in the familySpalacidae, subfamilySpalacinae (blind mole-rats). It is one of two extant genera in the subfamilySpalacinae, alongsideNannospalax.[2]
Species in this genus are found ineastern Europe andwestern ¢ral 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 theLate Miocene, when a marine barrier formed betweenAnatolia and theBalkans. These species were reclassified into the genusNannospalax, makingSpalax one of two extant spalacine genera.[2]
