[2] It was formerly considered to be monotypic within the genus Salinoctomys,[2] but has been shown by genetic analysis to nest within Tympanoctomys, and in particular, within the variation of T.

[1][3] The species is endemic to a small area of northwestern Argentina, where it lives in shrublands bordering the salt flats of the Salinas Grandes.

[1] It is named after an Argentine musical group, Los Chalchaleros, whose songs were popular with its discoverers.

The tail is relatively long, clad with hair along its entire length and ends with a black tassel.

It lives among the salt-loving plants that grow between the salt pans and the dense thorn scrub typical of the surrounding area.