Taxonomic Status of Some Mice of The Peromyscus boylii Group in Eastern Mexico, With Description of a New Subspecies

Delving into the tangled history of tiny Mexican rodents, this study untangles a century of taxonomic mix‑ups. It begins by tracing how early naturalists labeled the Peromyscus boylii group, often confusing species and subspecies across disparate mountain valleys. Through careful comparison of historic museum specimens and fresh field collections, the author reveals subtle differences in skull shape, tooth size, and coat color that have long been overlooked.

Building on that foundation, the paper proposes a clear split: what was once thought to be a single widespread species actually comprises several distinct lineages, including a newly described subspecies from the northern foothills of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas. Detailed measurements and illustrated diagrams guide the reader through the diagnostic features that set each group apart. Listeners will gain a vivid sense of how meticulous observation reshapes our understanding of biodiversity, even among creatures as modest as field mice.