Cranial features and karyotypes of two hedgehogs (Insectivora: Erinaceidae) from Iran.

Karyological features of Erinaceus concolor and Hemiechinus auritus were studied from Zenjan (North Iran). The diploid number of chromosomes (2n), the total numbers of chromosomal arms (NF) and the numbers of autosomal arms (NFa) were determined as 2n = 48, NF = 92, NFa = 88 for E. concolor and as 2n = 50, NF = 98, NFa = 94 for H. auritus. Although the same dental formulae were established as 3.1.3.3/2.1.2.3 = 36 for both of species, they can be identified with some dental and cranial features from each other. Additionally, phallus of E. concolor was described.