The Sespedectinae, a new subfamily of hedgehog-like insectivores. American Museum novitates ; no. 2822
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Date
1985
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New York, N.Y. : American Museum of Natural History
DOI
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Abstract
"A new subfamily of erinaceomorph insectivorans, the Sespedectinae, is defined to include Sespedectes, Proterixoides, and the more dentally conservative Crypholestes. All three genera are confined to the middle Eocene of southern California. A new species of Sespedectes, S. stocki, from the San Onofre area (? Santiago Formation) of northern San Diego County is recognized on the basis of size parameters of the lower molars. Dental evidence favors the placement of sespedectines within the dormaaliids. The subfamily is distinguished from other dormaaliids by its large, complex P[superscript 3], bunodont molar cusp pattern, and several other dental features. The bunodont molar construction of sespedectines is reminiscent of the European 'amphilemurids.' There is evidence to suggest, however, that some of the special similarities between these two groups were independently derived. Contrary to some theories, sespedectines are not erinaceids, nor are they hyopsodontid condylarths. In a classification that reflects the pattern of relationships preferred here, the Dormaaliidae comprises three subfamilies, the Dormaaliinae (including Dormaalius, Macrocranion, and the tribe Amphilemurini), the Scenopaginae (Scenopagus and Ankylodon), and the Sespedectinae"--P. [1].
Description
24 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 23-24).
Includes bibliographical references (p. 23-24).
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