| Abstract: | Qualitative aspects of the bacular morphology and variation are surveyed in the seven subspecies currently recognized for Proechimys iheringi (Rodentia: Echimyidae). Each form has a distinct bacular morphology, although the degree of distinctiveness varies among the subspecies. Bacula in P. i. denigratus, P. i. panema, P. i. gratiosus, P. i. bonafidei, and P. i. eliasi share a similarity in overall shape although they differ noticeably from bacula in P. i. paratus and P. i. iheringi. The bacular data seem to support hypotheses derived from cranial morphology and statistical analyses of craniometric traits suggesting that P. iheringi might be a complex of three morphologically similar species. |
