Dipodomys simulans Merriam 1904

Dipodomys simulans Merriam 1904, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 17: 144.

Type Locality: USA, California, San Diego Co., Dulzura.

Vernacular Names: Dulzura Kangaroo Rat.

Subspecies::

Subspecies Dipodomys simulans subsp. simulans Merriam 1904

Subspecies Dipodomys simulans subsp. peninsularis Merriam 1907

Distribution: Coastal southern California (USA) south to southern Baja California Sur (Mexico).

Discussion: Systematics reviewed by Sullivan and Best (1997 a), who documented the specific distinctness of simulans from D. agilis (see account of that species). Several included taxa (e.g., peninsularis, antiquarius, paralius) listed by Hall (1981) as distinct species. Two subspecies ( simulans and peninsularis) recognized as valid by Sullivan and Best (1997 a) and Williams et al. (1993), but these authors disagree in their allocation of synonyms to each; the account here follows Sullivan and Best (1997 a). Phenotypic variation reviewed by Sullivan and Best (1997 b).