Otospermophilus
| Genus Otospermophilus | |
|---|---|
| Range | |
 | |
| Taxonomic classification | |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Suborder: | Sciuromorpha |
| Family: | Sciuridae |
| Subfamily: | Xerinae |
| Tribe: | Marmotini |
Otospermophilus is a genus of ground squirrels in the family Sciuridae. They have long, bushy tails and ears that project well beyond the top of the head, unlike in other similar-looking Franklin's Ground Squirrel (Poliocitellus franklinii) and members of the genus Urocitellus. There are three recognized species in the genus Otospermophilus and all are found in the USA.
Species
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California Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) photographed by Nathan Petersen near Pasadena, California. © Nathan Petersen. Laterally and dorsally grayish brown speckled with white spots. -
Douglas's Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus douglasii) observed by Jonathan Eisen. The charcoal to blackish-brown triangular patch extending from the nape of neck to about midway down the back help to distinguish this species from other ground squirrels. -
Common Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus) observed by Tim Healy at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Pelage with a variegated pattern of black, white, and buff.
Range maps
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California Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) -
Douglas's Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus douglasii) -
Common Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
Available taxon pages
The following subgenera are available on WhiskerWiki for this genus:
- Subgenus: No information