Subphylum Vertebrata Order Carnivoramorpha Scientific name Protepicyon raki | Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | |
Similar Carpocyon, Otarocyon, Cormocyon, Cynarctoides | ||
Protepicyon is an extinct genus of the family Borophaginae which lived during the Barstovian stage of the Middle Miocene subepoch living 16.3—13.6 mya, existing for approximately 3.3 million years.
Contents
It was named by Wang in 1999 and assigned to Borophagina by Wang et al. that same year. The fossil distribution is represented by one find in California.
Taxonomy
Protepicyon was named by Wang et al. (1999). Its type is Protepicyon raki. It was assigned to Borophagina by Wang et al. (1999).
Morphology
Two specimens were examined by Legendre and Roth for body mass. The first specimen was estimated to weigh 36.4 kg (80 lb). The second specimen was estimated to weigh 32.2 kg (71 lb).
Species
Protepicyon contains one species: P. raki.
Sister genera
Borophagus (synonymous with Hyaenognathus, Osteoborus, Pliogulo,Porthocyon), Carpocyon, Epicyon and Paratomarctus.