The Libyan Jird is about the same size as the Mongolian Gerbil, an average body length of 14.5 cm with a tail of about the same size. They weigh about 84 grams. The Libyan's head is more narrow though. In colour the Libyan Jird looks faded compared to its Mongolian nephew. The back colour is dark yellowish brown, with an orange band along the sides and a white belly.
Most hairs have a grey base.
The ears are not pigmented. The tail has the same colour as the back, with an orangish base. The foot-soles are partly covered with hairs and not pigmented, whereas the claws are black coloured. They are widely spread and not only living in Libya, as their name would presume. They live in Iran, Azerbaijan SSR, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, western desert of Egypt and Libya.