| Metatomarctus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivoramorpha |
| Family: | † Borophaginae |
| Genus: | † Metatomarctus Wang, 1999 |
| Binomial name | |
| † Psalidocyon canavus Wang, 1999 |
|
| Type species | |
| † Psalidocyon canavus |
|
Metatomarctus is an extinct genus of Borophaginae and a terrestrial canine which inhabited most of North America during the Early Hemingfordian stage of the Miocene epoch living 23.0—5.3 Mya, existing for approximately 17.7 million years[1]
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It was first described by Wang in 1999.
These carnivores hunted in packs, like modern canines, and may have preyed upon creatures such as Equus, rodents, and other smaller prey.[2]
Fossil specimens of two individuals' body mass were examined by Legendre and Roth. The first specimen was estimated to weigh 11.1 kg (24 lb). The second specimen was estimated to weigh 10.5 kg (23 lb).[3]
Cormocyon, Desmocyon, Euoplocyon, Microtomarctus, Protomarctus, Psalidocyon, Tephrocyon.
The genus contains one species: M. canavus. Other fossil locations: Maryland, Wyoming, New Mexico, and several in western Nebraska.[5]