A. tetradactyla, the four-toed jerboa, has only one small lateral digit. A. bobrinskii differs from other species in the Soviet Union in that the hind digits are covered beneath by a brush of hairs. The sole of the hind foot of Allactaga has a tuft of stiff hairs. The eyes are large, and the ears are long and slender, being about the same length as the head. There is one small premolar tooth on each side of the upper jaw.
Females have eight mammae.
These jerboas inhabit deserts, semideserts, and steppes. At least some species prefer areas of compact soil with a thick cover of vegetation. Its permanent summer home consists of a main passage up to 3 meters long that leads to a chamber 65-150 cm below the surface. An extra escape hole is sometimes added. Only females actually construct a nest in the summer home.