Tamias minimus (least chipmunk)
| Diet | herbivore and generalist |
| Habitat | Montane forest, conifer forest, shrub-steppe. Canada and western US. |
| Description | The least chipmunk is the smallest chipmunk species in North America, and the widest-ranging. Chipmunks are similar to ground squirrels, but smaller with stripes on the face as well as the back, and a more pointed nose. Stripes extend to head and face and outline the eyes in white (unlike Callospermophilus or Ammospermophilus). Stripes are less distinct in some species than others. |
| Skull Characteristics | Tamias spp: Proportionally smaller postorbital process and larger braincase than ground squirrels. Infraorbital foramina are round and pierce the zygomatic plate (in squirrels, they are smaller and on the side of the rostrum). Incisors have fine lengthwise grooves on the front, visible under magnification. |
| Notes | Links to more species information:
Smithsonian Animal Diversity Web |