Yalden, Largen, and Kock also considered A. blicki and A. somalicus to be separate species. The tail is usually shorter than the head and body. The hairs are generally coarse and stiff, so the coat is slightly harsh and somewhat spiny. The upper parts vary from blackish chestnut to tawny olive, grayish olive, and light gray. A definite buffy tinge is present in some animals, but others are quite pale in color.
Some forms have a slight dorsal stripe.
The hairs usually have a dark or black tip, but a subterminal band of gray or buffy hair produces a lighter overall tone in some individuals. The underparts are slightly paler than the upper parts, buffy white or grayish in the pale-colored forms and lead color or brownish dark gray in the darker forms. There usually is no sharp line of demarcation between the upper parts and underparts. The fifth finger is considerably reduced but is functional and bears a claw. The second, third, and fourth toes are rather long, though the first and fifth are short.