Chionomys nivalis Martins, 1842 – European snow vole

• Arhizodont molars
• Cement present
• Microtine enamel
• m1 with:
  • 5 separated triangles (T1 to T5)
  • T6 and T7 visible but confluent with the anterior cap forming a unique complex of T6+T7+AC
  • last two reentrant angles (BRA4 and LRA5) absent or very weak
• T5 usually separated with T6+T7+AC but sometimes confluent depending on the individuals

Essential references

Alfaro-Ibáñez, M. P., Bover, P., Garrido, J. L., Domínguez, J. C., García, J. T., Martínez-Padilla, J., & Cuenca-Bescós, G. (2025). Spatiotemporal dynamics of Chionomys nivalis from the Late Pleistocene to the present: insights from ancient DNA and dental morphology. Quaternary Science Reviews, 370, 109672.

Kryštufek, B., Shenbrot, G., & Janžekovič, F. (2021). Long-standing taxonomic confusion over the identity of Hypudaeus syriacus Brants, 1827, at last resolved. Mammalia, 85(6), 603-611.

Nadachowski, A., 1991. Systematics, geographic variation, and evolution of snow voles (Chionomys) based on dental characters. Acta Theriol. (Warsz). 36, 1–45.