About Dicrostonyx groenlandicus (Traill, 1823)
This species has a short, chunky body covered with thick grey fur, marked by a thin black stripe running along its back and light grey fur on its underparts. It has a distinct pale brown collar across its chest, as well as small ears, short legs, and a very short tail. In winter, its fur changes color to white. It has large digging claws on its front feet. Adults measure 14 cm (5.5 in) in total length, with a 1.5 cm (0.59 in) tail, and weigh approximately 40 g (1 oz).
This species occurs in tundra habitats across northern Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. There is also a separated disjunct population on Wrangel Island in Siberia; this population was previously classified as a separate species called the Wrangel lemming, D. vinogradovi.
