Hamster 14376 226090112 2008-07-16T19:55:15Z Jaysweet 1869396 Reverted [[WP:AGF|good faith]] edits by [[Special:Contributions/86.9.148.101|86.9.148.101]]; Not sure of veracity, and its in the wrong section in any case. ([[WP:TW|TW]]) {{Refimprove|date=December 2007}} {{Taxobox | name = Hamster | fossil_range = Middle [[Miocene]] - Recent | image = Phodopus roborovskii sand.JPG | image_caption = [[Roborovski hamster]] (''Phodopus roborovskii'') | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | classis = [[Mammal]]ia | ordo = [[Rodent]]ia | subordo = [[Myomorpha]] | superfamilia = [[Muroidea]] | familia = [[Cricetidae]] | subfamilia = '''Cricetinae''' | subfamilia_authority = [[Johann Fischer von Waldheim|Fischer de Waldheim]], 1817 | subdivision_ranks = Genera | subdivision = ''[[Mesocricetus]]''<br> ''[[Phodopus]]''<br> ''[[Cricetus]]''<br> ''[[Cricetulus]]''<br> ''[[Allocricetulus]]''<br> ''[[Cansumys]]''<br> ''[[Tscherskia]]'' }} '''Hamsters''' are [[rodent]]s belonging to the [[subfamily]] '''Cricetinae'''. The subfamily contains about 18 [[species]], classified in six or seven [[genus|genera]]. Because they are easy to breed in captivity, hamsters are often used as [[animal testing|lab animals]] and kept as [[pet]]s in more economically developed countries. Recently hamsters have become established as popular small family pets. Hamsters are [[crepuscular]]. In the wild, they burrow underground in the daylight to avoid being caught by predators. They are most active around dusk and dawn, which has led many people to mistake them for being nocturnal. In the wild they will eat any wheat, nuts and small bits of fruit and vegetables that they might find lying around on the ground, occasionally eating small insects such as small crickets or mealworms. The name ''hamster'' is derived from the German word ''Hamster'', itself from earlier [[Old High German|OHG]] ''hamustro'', from [[Old Russian|ORuss]] ''choměstorǔ'', which is either a blend of the root of [[Russian language|Russ]] ''chomiak'' "hamster" and a Baltic word (cf. [[Lithuanian language|Lith]] ''staras'' "hamster")<ref>Doublas Harper, ''The Online Etymology Dictionary'', s.v. "hamster" (2001) <http://www.etymonline.com>.</ref> or of Iranian origin (cf. [[Avestan|Av]] ''hamaēstar'' "oppressor")<ref>Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, s.v. "hamster" (May 29, 2008) <http://http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hamster>.</ref>. They have elongated fur-lined pouches on both sides of their heads which extend to their shoulders, which they stuff full of food to be brought back to the colony or to be eaten later. Their diet contains a variety of foods both in the wild and when kept as a [[pet]]s including dried food, berries and nuts. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also an integral part of their diet. Behavior can vary depending on their environment, genetics, and interaction with people. ==Characteristics== Hamsters are stout-bodied, with tails much shorter than body length and have small furry ears, short stocky legs, and wide feet. Their thick, silky fur, which can be long or short, can be black, grey, white, brown, buff, yellow, "sapphire" or red depending on the species, or a mix of any of those colors. The Djhungarian hamster (''[[Phodopus campbelli]]'') and the striped dwarf hamster (''[[Cricetulus barabensis]]'') have a dark stripe down the middle of the back. Dwarf desert hamsters (genus ''[[Phodopus]]'') are the smallest, with bodies 5 to 10 cm (about 2 to 4 inches) long; the largest is the common hamster (''[[Cricetus cricetus]]''), measuring up to 34 cm long, not including a short tail of up to 4 cm. The tail is often difficult to see; usually it is not very long, and on a long haired hamster it is barely visible. Hamsters are very flexible; and their bones are somewhat fragile. ==Habitat== Hamsters' northern range extends from central [[Europe]] through [[Siberia]], [[Mongolia]], and northern [[China]] to [[Korea]]. The southern portion of their range stretches from [[Syria]] to [[India]]. Throughout dry, open country they inhabit [[desert]] borders, vegetated sand dunes, shrubby and rocky foothills and plateaus, river valleys, and mountain steppes; some live among cultivated crops. Geographic distribution varies greatly between species. The common hamster, for example, is found from central Europe to western Siberia and northwestern China, but the golden hamster has been found only near a small town in northwestern Syria.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica"> '''"hamster."''' Encyclopædia Britannica. Standard Edition. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2007.</ref> ==Diet== Hamsters are omnivorous. Their diet consists mostly of grains (such as whole grain oats and corn) but also includes fresh fruit, roots such as carrots, green parts of plants. Hamsters carry food in their spacious cheek pouches to a cache in the burrow. Hamsters in the Middle East have been known to hunt in packs to find insects for food.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica"/> Pet stores sell a variety of treats that are suitable for hamsters. However, it is important not to give a hamster too many of these, especially ones that are high in fat or sugar, because they may lead to the hamster getting diabetes. It is better to give hamsters fresh vegetables over fresh fruit, as fruit is also high in sugar. If you give hamsters fruit it is always best to do so as a treat and in extremely small amounts. The skin of fruits such as apples and pears is also good. It is also important not to give a hamster too much fresh fruits, as they can cause diarrhea. Most people try to feed their hamster everyday foods found in their kitchen. It is best to avoid human foods that will make them unhealthy or be hard for them to digest. Any fruits or vegetables should be chosen carefully. It is also important to thoroughly wash fruits, vegetables and greens before feeding, as they can have traces of pesticides. Some foods to avoid giving hamsters are kidney beans, onion, garlic, large amounts of citrus fruit, and potato sprouts. Some hamsters also shouldn't eat iceberg lettuce, as it causes diarrhea. Dark leafy greens are preferred, such as kale and spinach. Celery, green beans, carrots, broccoli on occasion are great also. ==Behaviour== Syrian hamsters (''Mesocricetus auratus'') are generally solitary and will fight to the death if put together, whereas dwarf hamsters can get along with others of the same species. Hamsters are primarily considered [[crepuscular]] and at one point were considered [[nocturnal]] as they are sometimes active all night. They are excellent diggers, constructing burrows with one or more entrances and with galleries that are connected to chambers for nesting, food storage, and other activities. They will also appropriate tunnels made by other mammals; the [[Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster|striped hairy-footed hamster]] (''Phodopus sungorus''), for instance, uses paths and burrows of the [[pika]]. None [[hibernate]] during winter, but some (mostly Syrian hamsters) experience periods of [[torpor]] lasting from a few days to several weeks. This probably means that conditions are too cold for them. Hamsters are known to stockpile large amounts of food, because of natural instinct from the wild. Because of this behavior it is alright if you leave a hamster alone for a few days if you need to go somewhere. Once you tame a Syrian hamster, they remain so for a very long time. However, once you tame a dwarf hamster, you must keep playing with it. If left alone for a maximum two weeks, it will become untame again.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica"/> ==Reproduction== Hamsters become fertile at different ages dependent on their species, but this can be from one month to three months of age. Male hamsters remain fertile for the rest of their lives, though females do not. Females are in heat approximately every four days. Breeding season is from April to October, with two to five litters of 1 to 13 young being born after a gestation period of 16 to 22 days.<ref name="Encyclopædia Britannica"/> Gestation lasts 16 to 18 days for [[Syrian hamster]]s, 18 to 21 days for the Russian hamsters, 21 to 23 days for [[Chinese hamster]]s and 23 to 30 for [[Roborovski Hamster]]s. The average litter for Syrians is about 7, but can be as great as 24, which is the maximum number of pups that can be contained in the uterus. [[Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]]s tend to have 4 to 8 in a litter but can have up to 14. [[Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster]]s tend to have slightly smaller litters, as do Chinese and Roborovski hamsters. Siberian hamsters form close, monogamous bonds with their mates. If separated,they may become very depressed. This happens especially in males. Males will become inactive, eat more, and even show some behavioral changes similar to some types of depression in humans. This can even cause obesity in the hamster. Chinese hamster females are known for being aggressive toward the male if kept together for too long. In some cases, male Chinese hamsters have died after being attacked by the female. If breeding Chinese hamsters, it is recommended to separate the pair after mating. Hamsters are born hairless and blind in a nest which the mother will have prepared in advance. She uses shredded material such as leaves in the wild but prefers cotton or toilet paper in captivity. After one week they begin to explore outside the nest. They are completely weaned after three weeks, or four for Roborovski Hamsters. Most breeders will sell the hamsters to shops when the hamsters are anywhere from two to eight weeks old. ==Classification== Taxonomists generally disagree about the most appropriate placement of the subfamily [[Cricetinae]] within the superfamily [[Muroidea]]. Some place it in a family [[Cricetidae]] that also includes [[vole]]s, [[lemming]]s, and [[New World rats and mice]]; others group all these into a large family called [[Muridae]]. Their evolutionary history is recorded by 15 extinct fossil genera and extends back 11.2 million to 16.4 million years to the Middle [[Miocene]] Epoch in Europe and North Africa; in Asia it extends 6 million to 11 million years. Four of the seven living genera include extinct species. One extinct hamster of ''[[Cricetus]]'', for example, lived in North Africa during the Middle Miocene, but the only extant member of that genus is the common hamster of Eurasia. *Subfamily '''Cricetinae''' **Genus ''[[Allocricetulus]]'' ***Species [[Mongolian Hamster|''A. curtatus'']] - Mongolian Hamster ***Species [[Eversmann's Hamster|''A. eversmanni'']] - Kazakh Hamster, also called Eversmann's Hamster **Genus ''[[Cansumys]]'' ***Species [[Gansu Hamster|''C. canus'']] - Gansu Hamster **Genus ''[[Cricetulus]]'' ***Species [[Cricetulus alticola|''C. alticola'']] - Ladak Hamster ***Species [[Chinese Striped Hamster|''C. barabensis'']], including "''C. pseudogriseus''" and "''C. obscurus''" - Chinese Striped Hamster, also called Chinese Hamster; Striped Dwarf Hamster ***Species [[Chinese Hamster|''C. griseus'']] - Chinese Hamster ***Species [[Cricetulus kamensis|''C. kamensis'']] - Tibetan Hamster ***Species [[Cricetulus longicaudatus|''C. longicaudatus'']] - Long-tailed Hamster ***Species [[Cricetulus migratorius|''C. migratorius'']] - Armenian Hamster, also called Migratory Grey Hamster; Grey Hamster; Grey Dwarf Hamster; Migratory Hamster ***Species [[Cricetulus sokolovi|''C. sokolovi'']] - Sokolov's Hamster **Genus ''[[Cricetus]]'' ***Species [[European Hamster|''C. cricetus'']] - European Hamster, also called Common Hamster or Black-Bellied Field Hamster **Genus ''[[Mesocricetus]]'' - Golden Hamsters ***Species [[Golden Hamster|''M. auratus'']] - Syrian Hamster, also called the Golden Hamster or "Teddy Bear" hamster ***Species [[Turkish hamster|''M. brandti'']] - Turkish hamster, also called [[Johann Friedrich von Brandt|Brandt]]'s Hamster; Azerbaijani Hamster ***Species [[Romanian Hamster|''M. newtoni'']] - Romanian Hamster ***Species [[Ciscaucasian Hamster|''M. raddei'']] - Ciscaucasian Hamster **Genus ''[[Phodopus]]'' - Dwarf Hamsters ***Species [[Dwarf Campbell's Russian Hamster|''P. campbelli'']] - Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamster ***Species [[Roborovski Hamster|''P. roborovskii'']] - Roborovski Hamster, the smallest and fastest of the hamster species ***Species [[Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster|''P. sungorus'']] - Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster **Genus ''[[Tscherskia]]'' ***Species [[Greater Long-tailed Hamster|''T. triton'']] - Greater Long-tailed Hamster, also called Korean Hamster ==Pet ownership== {{imagestack| [[Image:Hamster Ruso.jpg|thumb|A Russian dwarf hamster]] [[Image:Roborovski Dwarf Hamster - Colour Corrected.jpg|thumb|A Roborovski Dwarf Hamster]] [[Image:Cashew sable syrian hamster.jpg|thumb|A Sable short-haired Syrian Hamster]] [[Image:Hammy the hamster.jpg|thumb|A brown and white Syrian Hamster grooming itself after a dust bath. Hamsters can '''not''' be given water baths, it can stress them out and cause wet tail, and it also increases the risk of them catching pneumonia.]] }} {{howto}} The best-known species of hamster is the [[Golden Hamster|Syrian or Golden Hamster]] (''Mesocricetus auratus''), which is the type of hamster most commonly kept as a [[pet]]. It is also sometimes called a "fancy" hamster. Pet stores also have taken to calling them "honey bears," "panda bears," "black bears," "European black bears," "polar bears," "teddy bears," and "Dalmatian", depending on their coloration. There are also several variations, including long-haired varieties that grow hair several centimeters long and often require special care. Other hamsters that are kept as pets are the four species of "[[dwarf hamster]]". [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]] (''[[Phodopus campbelli]]'') is the most common of the four — they are also sometimes called "Russian Dwarfs"; however, many hamsters are from Russia, and so this ambiguous name does not distinguish them from other species appropriately. The coat of the [[Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster|Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster]] (''Phodopus sungorus'') turns white during winter (when the hours of daylight decrease). The [[Roborovski Hamster]] (''Phodopus roborovskii'') is extremely small and fast. The [[Chinese Hamster]] (''Cricetulus griseus''), although not technically a true "dwarf hamster", is the only hamster with a [[prehensile]] tail (about 4cm long) - most hamsters have very short, non-prehensile tails. Many breeders also show their hamsters and so breed towards producing a good healthy show hamster with a view to keeping one or two themselves so quality and temperament are of vital importance when planning the breeding. Although breeders of show hamsters specialise in breeding show hamsters, there are also owners who have bred their [[pet]] hamsters. These may be the result of a planned or unplanned pregnancy but the hamsters have usually been cared for well and handled regularly, so make very suitable pets. Buying a hamster directly from a breeder means that there is the opportunity to see the parents and know the dates of birth. In Australia it is illegal to keep hamsters as pets as 'escapees' could breed in the wild and become 'feral' pest animals. ===Housing=== Hamsters can be kept both in cages and in [[vivarium|vivaria]], both of which are available in pet stores. Cages are easier to carry; their bars can be used for climbing. On the other hand, glass boxes keep hamsters from throwing litter out of their cages, provide a better view into the hamster's home, and create a quieter and more sheltered interior. Despite the hamster’s small size, appropriate housing should always have a floor space of at least two square feet and a strong top because hamsters are surprisingly good climbers. Glass boxes must not be higher than their width to allow for a sufficient air circulation. Although smaller in size, dwarf hamsters often need more spacious housing than their larger relatives, at least 80cm by 40cm (2 feet by 4 feet) due to their high activity levels. In the case of self-built dwellings, care should be taken to avoid materials that are dangerous to the animals. [[Plywood]] and wood from [[conifer]]s is not suitable, because hamsters gnaw at their houses and both [[adhesive|glue]] and [[resin]] are poisonous to them. Using standard water-soluble white wood glue to join pieces of solid wood, such as [[birch]] or [[beech]] wood, creates a safe environment for the hamster, although it may still chew through the wood. A purchased cage can be equipped with several intermediate levels, connected using stairs. Hamsters do best in a well-lit room of constant, moderate temperature (18 to 26[[Celsius|°C]], 64 to 80[[Fahrenheit|°F]]), in a place out of strong sunlight that could cause dangerous overheating. Dwarf hamsters like it a bit cooler.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} The floor of a hamster's residence is generally covered with a layer of litter. Litter made from recycled paper or wood lacking aromatic oils (such as [[aspen]]) is healthiest - gnawing and eating cat litter can be deadly, and cedar, pine, or other softwood-based litters may contain [[phenols]] that can irritate a hamster's respiratory system, liver, and skin. There is also commercial bedding available, such as Carefresh and Megazorb. <gallery> Image:Hamster Cage - Recoloured.jpg|An often-used type of hamster cage with tubes. Image:Hamstercage.jpg|Hamster cage with wheel and water bottle Image:Hamster_Cages.JPG|Note that these standard tubes cannot be used at a steep incline with dwarf hamsters Image:mycage.jpg|A large hamster cage consisting of many interconnecting chambers, mimicking an underground burrow. </gallery> ===Exercise and entertainment=== [[Image:Hammy Excersising.jpg|thumb|right| A hamster in a solid hamster wheel]]Like all pets, hamsters need exercise and entertainment to maintain their physical and mental health. "[[Hamster wheel|Exercise wheels]]" allow hamsters to run full speed, and are a common fixture in pet hamsters' enclosures. Choice tests have shown that adult Syrian hamsters prefer wheels that are as large as possible (they prefer a diameter of 35 cm over 23 cm, which itself is preferred over 17.5 cm); they also prefer a uniform running surface over rungs spaced 12 mm apart, but not over rungs spaced 9 mm apart.<ref>Reebs, S.G., and St-Onge, P., 2005, Running wheel choice by Syrian hamsters, Laboratory Animals 39: 442-451.</ref> Olive oil (which is harmless to a hamster if ingested) can be used to lubricate the axle of the exercise wheel to reduce friction and cut down on turning noises when in use, vegetable oil can also be used in the same manner. Other common objects are plastic balls or cars that the hamster can be placed in so that they can be supervised while exploring outside their cage. Lack of exercises for a hamster may cause it to suffer from paralysis, and the affected hamster will have a hunched over posture.<ref>[http://www.hamsterhideout.com/ailments.html Hamster Hideout - Hamster Care - Ailments<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Hamsters are nest builders, so some owners supply twigs, leaves and wood bits so that they can build a secure spot in a corner or in their "house". Avoid using newspapers as the [[ink]] on it might be ingested when the hamster chews on them. Also avoid bleached-white toilet paper. Supplying strips of toilet paper can lead to stomach blockage and death after accidental ingestion by some hamsters. Hay is also a valuable building material for cozy hamster nests, but may pose the risk of having pesticides on it or sharp pieces that could cut or scratch the hamster. Therefore, select dry hay such as Timothy and use the softer, leafy parts of the hay rather than the stems. Sawdust made from pine, and cedar wood shavings are not suitable for nesting material as stated earlier. It is not advisable to use lint, as the hamster may consume it and the lint will block their intestinal passage. Fine chinchilla sand (not chinchilla dust because the powdery material will cause respiratory problems) can be given in an enclosed container. Hamsters enjoy rolling in the sand to keep their fur clean and dry. Hamsters, like many rodents, are also gnawers, and must be supplied with appropriate materials for doing so; for example, an edible gnaw toy or an unpainted wooden block can be placed in the cage. Failure to do so can cause dental problems for the hamster, as the incisors, which grow continually, will become too long and cause discomfort and/or eating problems. ===Food=== [[Image:Hamster eating food.JPG|thumb|left|A Syrian hamster eating specially-designed hamster food.]] Many hamsters tend to carry food from the source (by carrying it in their cheek pouches) and hoard it away in a cache hidden somewhere inside their container. Fresh [[vegetable]]s and [[fruit]]s, seeds, and [[insect]]s like [[grasshopper]]s make up an important part of hamsters' natural diet. However, not all foods are suitable for hamsters and some, such as sweets made for humans or poisonous plants like the ''leaves'' of the [[tomato]] or [[rhubarb]], are dangerous for hamsters. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons should never be fed to a hamster because their stomachs can not handle the acid. Iceburg lettuce has very little nutritional value and in excess can cause liver problems. [[Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]]s are susceptible to hereditary [[diabetes]], and any hamster suffering from diabetes should not have high sugar foods, such as fruit and corn. In detail, the solid food components can be divided into three categories: dry, fresh, and animal food. Dry food generally makes up the bulk of a hamster's diet. Besides the standard rodent food sold in pet stores, most other kinds of [[seed]]s, kernels, and [[nut (fruit)|nuts]] can be given. Bird food like [[millet]] is a noteworthy alternative for small hamsters. ===Sex and longevity=== [[Image:Hamster with babies.jpg|thumb|right|A mother [[Syrian Hamster|"Teddy Bear" Hamster]] with her two pups, who are less than one week old.]] <!--Attention editors: perhaps a chart for average lifespans and litter-size would relieve some of the congestion below.---> Syrian hamsters typically live no more than two to three years in captivity, less than that in the wild. Russian Hamsters (Campbell's and Winter White) live approximately 1.5 to 2 years in captivity, and Chinese Hamsters 2.5 to 3 years. The smaller [[Roborovski Hamster]] often lives to 3 to 3.5 years in captivity. Both Syrian and Russian hamsters mature quickly and can begin reproducing at a young age (4–5 weeks), whereas Chinese hamsters will usually begin reproducing at 2–3 months of age, and Roborovskis at 3–4 months of age. [[Image:hami-03.jpg|thumb|left|A male "Teddy Bear" Hamster]] Left to their own devices, hamsters will produce several litters a year with several pups in each litter. [[Male]] and [[female]] hamsters are therefore usually kept in separate enclosures to prevent the addition of unwanted offspring. When seen from above, a sexually mature female hamster has a trim tail line; a male's tail line bulges on both sides. Male hamsters typically have very large [[testes]] in relation to their body size. Before sexual maturity occurs at about 4–6 weeks, it is more difficult to determine a young hamster's sex. When examined, female hamsters have two holes close together, whereas males have anal and genital openings further apart than the female's. (The penis is usually withdrawn into the coat and thus appears as a hole or pink pimple.) ===Health conditions=== {{main|Hamster health conditions}} ===Relationships among hamsters=== Neumann ''et al.'' (2006) conducted a [[molecular phylogeny|molecular phylogenetic]] analysis of 12 of the above 17 species of hamster using [[DNA sequence]] from three [[gene]]s: [[12S rRNA]], [[cytochrome b]], and [[von Willebrand factor]]. They uncovered the following relationships: ;''Phodopus'' group The genus ''Phodopus'' was found to represent the earliest split among hamsters. Their analysis included both species. The results of another study (Lebedev ''et al.'', 2003) may suggest that ''Cricetulus kamensis'' (and presumably the related ''C. alticola'') might belong to either this ''Phodopus'' group or hold a similar basal position. ;''Mesocricetus'' group The genus ''Mesocricetus'' also form a [[clade]]. Their analysis included all four species, with ''M. auratus'' and ''M. raddei'' forming one subclade and ''M. brandti'' and ''M. newtoni'' another. ;Remaining genera The remaining genera of hamsters formed a third major clade. Two of the three sampled species within ''Cricetulus'' represent the earliest split. This clade contains ''Cricetulus barabensis'' (and presumably the related ''C. sokolovi'') and ''Cricetulus longicaudatus''. ;Miscellaneous The remaining clade contains members of ''Allocricetulus'', ''Tscherskia'', ''Cricetus'', and ''Cricetulus migratorius''. ''Allocricetulus'' and ''Cricetus'' were [[sister taxa]]. ''Cricetulus migratorius'' was their next closest relative, and ''Tscherskia'' was basal. ==Similar animals== Note that there are some rodents which are sometimes called "hamsters" that are not currently classified in the hamster subfamily Cricetinae. These include the Maned Hamster or Crested Hamster, which is really the [[Maned Rat]] (''Lophiomys imhausi''), although not nearly as marketable under that name. Others are the [[mouse-like hamster]]s (''Calomyscus'' spp.), and the [[white-tailed rat]] (''Mystromys albicaudatus''). ==See also== {{wikinews|Vietnam bans pet hamsters}} * [[Tales of the Riverbank]] * [[The Hampster Dance]] * [[Hamtaro]] * [[Hamzy]] ==References== ===Notes=== {{reflist}} ===Resources=== *Lebedev, V. S., N. V. Ivanova, N. K. Pavlova, and A. B. Poltoraus. 2003. Molecular phylogeny of the Palearctic hamsters. ''In'' Proceedings of the International Conference Devoted to the 90th Anniversary of Prof. I. M. Gromov on Systematics, Phylogeny and Paleontology of Small Mammals (A. Averianov and N. Abramson eds.). St. Petersburg. *Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. 2005. Superfamily Muroidea. ''In'' Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds.). Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. *Neumann, K., J. Michaux, V. Lebedev, N. Yigit, E. Colak, N. Ivanova, A. Poltoraus, A. Surov, G. Markov, S. Maak, S. Neumann, R. Gattermann. 2006. Molecular phylogeny of the Cricetinae subfamily based on the mitochondrial cytochrome ''b'' and 12S rRNA genes and the nuclear vWF gene. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, in press; Available online [[17 February]] [[2006]]. ==External links== {{commonscat|Cricetinae}} {{wikispecies|Cricetinae}} {{wiktionary|hamster}} <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})=============================== | DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF | | LINKS. 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