The subfamilyDeomyinae consists of four genera of mouse-like rodents that were previously placed in the subfamilies Murinae and Dendromurinae.[1][2] They are sometimes called the Acomyinae, particularly in references that antedate the discovery that the link rat, Deomys ferugineus, is part of the clade. Deomyinae is the older name and therefore has priority over Acomyinae.[2]
Because of the lack of physical characteristics supporting this group, it is very possible that the subfamily as it is currently recognized is subject to enlargement. Many of the genera currently placed in the Murinae or Dendromurinae have not yet been included in a molecular phylogenetic analysis.
All genera are found in Africa, suggesting the deomyines may have originated there. The spiny mice, Acomys spp., are also found in Asia.
Individuals from every genus in the subfamily have been found to possess tail osteoderms, which are rarely seen in mammals.[4]
Classification
The four genera and 54 species included in the Deomyinae are:
^Jansa, Sharon A.; Weksler, Marcelo (2004). "Phylogeny of muroid rodents: relationships within and among major lineages as determined by IRBP gene sequences". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 31 (1): 256–276. Bibcode:2004MolPE..31..256J. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2003.07.002. PMID15019624.
