Evaluation of the use of trichology in identification and differentiation of eight species of the Tribe Akodontini Vorostov, 1959 in the south portion of Minas Gerais state

Abstract

Akodontini is a high-diversity rodent tribe in South America with a difficult identification of their species. This study evaluated the use of trichology method to identify and differentiate eight species that occurs in the south portion of Minas Gerais state. Cuticle impressions and medulla preparations for individuals of species were prepared. The medullary character was fundamental for distinction the species. Here we also present the first trichology description of Brucepattersoniu ssp. and Blarinomys breviceps. The trichology was useful to reach our proposal, but complementary methods are still necessary for identify phylogenetic closer species with precision.