Microtus (Microtus) qazvinensis Golenishchev 2003

Microtus (Microtus) qazvinensis Golenishchev 2003, Russian J. Theriol., 1: 118.

Type Locality: Iran, Qazvin Prov., 65 km S Qazvin City, Bu’in-Zahra; 49º58′N, 35º39′E.

Vernacular Names: Qazvin Vole.

Distribution: Known only from the type locality, N Iran.

Discussion: Subgenus Microtus, socialis species group (our allocation), or subgenus Sumeriomys (Golenishchev et al., 2002) . A close relative of M. guentheri distinguished by pelage coloration, bacular morphology, and more complex occlusal pattern; F1 hybrids of M. guentheri and M. qazvinensis proved sterile (Golenishchev et al., 2002 b). Relationship of M. qazvinensis to populations of M. guentheri will remain obscure until much-needed revision of the latter is available (see above account).