Head to head
Djungarian Hamster vs Roborovski Hamster
Djungarian Hamster
VS Roborovski Hamster
The Djungarian hamster and Roborovski hamster belong to the same genus of dwarf hamsters from Central Asia, yet one is a striped steppe species that adjusts to the seasons and the other a tiny, stripeless desert sprinter.
| Djungarian Hamster | Roborovski Hamster | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Phodopus sungorus | Phodopus roborovskii |
| Size | Larger dwarf hamster | Only around 4 to 5 cm long, the smallest commonly kept hamster |
| Back and face | Dark stripe down the centre of a grey-brown back | Sandy-brown back with no stripe and small white spots above the eyes |
| Winter response | Grows a thicker, paler coat that may turn almost white, can lose weight, and can enter short bouts of torpor | Not specifically documented |
| Habitat | Steppe and semi-desert in parts of Kazakhstan and southwestern Siberia | Desert and semi-desert in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tuva, and northern China |
| Activity | Not specifically documented | Mainly active at night, in quick, agile bursts |
| Diet | Mainly seeds and grains, with some insects and plant matter | Seeds and plants, along with insects |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Djungarian Hamster vs Roborovski Hamster: common questions
Does the Djungarian hamster turn white in winter?
Its coat can grow thicker and paler as the days shorten, and in some animals it turns almost white, a change triggered by day length rather than by cold alone.
Which is the smaller hamster?
The Roborovski hamster, which is only around 4 to 5 cm long and is the smallest of the commonly kept hamsters.
Where do the Djungarian and Roborovski hamsters live?
The Djungarian hamster lives on steppe and semi-desert in Kazakhstan and southwestern Siberia, while the Roborovski hamster lives in desert and semi-desert in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and northern China.