Ammospermophilus

Ammospermophilus is a genus of ground squirrel, commonly called antelope squirrels, in the tribe Marmotini of the squirrel family Sciuridae. It contains five recognized species living in the desert and dry scrub areas of the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California, and northern Mexico, including Sonora and the Baja California peninsula. Antelope squirrels can tolerate body temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, an adaptation to their hot desert habitat. They are marked by a white stripe running along each side from the shoulder to the hip that does not extend onto the head, which distinguishes them from chipmunks.