Molecular systematics of the genus Necromys (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) reveals two cryptic and syntopic species in western Cerrado of Brazil
Necromys is a genus of sigmodontine rodent widely distributed throughout South America, from central Argentina to Trinidad and Tobago, and includes eight living species. In Brazil, two species are currently known: Necromys lasiurus, widely distributed, and Necromys lenguarum, known only from a sole locality in Mato Grosso state, core area of Cerrado domain, based on its putative junior synonymy, Zygodontomys tapirapoanus. The latter species have been previously recorded in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru, but many authors did not acknowledge the presence of the species in Brazil.