Spalax

Spalax is a genus of rodent in the family Spalacidae, subfamily Spalacinae (blind mole-rats). It is one of two extant genera in the subfamily Spalacinae, alongside Nannospalax. 

Species in this genus are found in eastern Europe and western & central Asia. They are completely blind and have a subterranean lifestyle.

Taxonomy
Prior to 2013, Spalax was widely considered the only member of Spalacinae, with all blind mole-rat species being grouped within it. However, phylogenetic and morphological evidence supported some of the species within it forming a distinct lineage that diverged from the others during the Late Miocene, when a marine barrier formed between Anatolia and the Balkans. These species were reclassified into the genus Nannospalax, making Spalax one of two extant spalacine genera. 

Species of genus Spalax

 * Mehely's blind mole-rat, S. antiquus
 * Sandy blind mole-rat, S. arenarius
 * Giant blind mole-rat, S. giganteus
 * Bukovina blind mole-rat, S. graecus
 * Oltenia blind mole-rat, S. istricus (possibly extinct)
 * Greater blind mole-rat, S. microphthalmus
 * Kazakhstan blind mole-rat, S. uralensis
 * Podolsk blind mole-rat, S. zemni