Pseudomys pilligaensis, a new species of murid rodent from the Pilliga Scrub, northern New South Wales

Abstract

Specimens of a conilurine rodent were recognised as belonging to a new species on the basis of an electrophoretic analysis, an account of which is to be given elsewhere. Here, we analyse the body measurements and 34 skull characters of the new species, Pseudomys pilligaensis, together with a description, measurements and photographs of the type series. The species is known only from the Pilliga Scrub, a sand substrate isolate supporting mixed Callitris (Cypress Pine) - Eucalyptus forest and heath communities. Morphologically Pseudomys pilligaensis is closest to Pseudomys delicatulus although some characters are shared with Pseudomys hermannsburgensis and others with Pseudomys novaehollandiae.