An immunoelectrophoretic analysis of the genus Cynomys

Using the relatively new taxonomic tool of immunoelectrophoresis, I have investigated tha relationships within the genus Cynomys. Antibodies ware generated in New Zealand white rabbits against prairie dogs from two distinct subgenera. Utilization of such divergent taxa within the genus helps make proper interpretation of results possible. Antisara were run against antigen samples from all species in the genus and other sciurid outgroups. Results agreed with current taxonomy in that the species fall into two groups concordant with the presently recognized subgenera. Within the white-tailed group, C. leucurus and C. parvidens were very similar antigenically, whereas C. gunnisoni appeared more distantly related yet retains many of the white-tail characteristics. In the black-tailed group, C. ludovicianus and C. mexicanus appeared antigenically similar, but differed in two characters. No intraspecific differences were observed.