Suborder Myomorpha contains nearly a quarter of all mammal species. These are mainly mouse-like rodents, including gerbils, rats, mice and voles. They are grouped according to the structure of the jaw and the structure of molar teeth: Both their medial and lateral masseter muscles are displaced forward, making them adept at gnawing. The medial masseter muscle goes through the eye socket, a feature unique among mammals.

Most myomorph species belong to superfamily Muroidea. Families under this suborder are:

• Superfamily Muroidea
  • Family Platacanthomyidae
  • Family Spalacidae
  • Family Calomyscidae
  • Family Nesomyidae
  • Family Cricetidae
  • Family Muridae
• Superfamily Dipodoidea
  • Family Dipodidae
  • Family Zapodidae

Historically, the definition of the suborder Myomorpha has included one or both of the following.

• Superfamily Geomyoidea
  • Family Heteromyidae
  • Family Geomyidae
• Superfamily Gliroidea
  • Family Gliridae

References

• Carleton, M. D. and G. G. Musser. 2005. Order Rodentia. Pp745-752 in Mammal Species of the World A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds.). Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press.

Rodents

Mäuseverwandte | Myomorpha | Muisachtigen | Musliknande gnagare