Earth:Paleofauna of the Messel Formation
This is an overview of the paleofauna of the Eocene Messel Formation as explored by the Messel Pit excavations in Germany . A former quarry and now UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Messel Formation preserves what once were a series of anoxic lakes surrounded by a sub-tropical rainforest during the Middle Eocene, approximately 47 Ma.
Sponges
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ephydatia gutenbergiana[1] |
Müller et al. 1982 |
A possibly rheophile species sponge, it grew dominant under favorable conditions and gradually replaced the native population of Lutetiospongilla until a change to the environment. Decrease in freshwater supply likely diminished the sponges population. |
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†Lutetiospongilla |
†Lutetiospongilla heili[1] |
Richter & Wuttke 1999 |
A permanent resident of the Messel lake, L. heili was already present when Ephydatia arrived in the lake and differed from the other species by possibly being rheophobe. Following the later species decline, Lutetiospongilla became the second "mass species" of the lake. |
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"Type 3"[1] |
An unnamed sponge, informally referred to as "Type 3" by Heil (1964). It may have colonized Messel lake after Lutetiospongilla had replaced Ephydatia as the dominant sponge species.[1] |
Molluscs
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Undescribed[2] |
A freshwater snail found in certain layers of the Messel formation. |
Crustaceans
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Daphniidae |
Ctenodaphnia |
Undescribed[3] |
A water flea |
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Unidentified[3] |
A Daphnia subgenus Daphnia water flea |
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Undescribed[3] |
A water flea reported by Lutz from ephippia containing two eggs. |
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? Palaemonidae | †Bechleja |
†Bechleja brevirostris[4] |
de Mazancourt, Wappler & Wedmann, 2022 |
A palaemonid? freshwater shrimp |
|
†Bechleja sp.[4] |
A palaemonid? freshwater shrimp |
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incertae sedis |
incertae sedis |
incertae sedis[2] |
An undescribed freshwater shrimp discovered in 2005. |
Arachnids
Araneae
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Undescribed |
Undescribed[5] |
An orb-weaver spider |
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†Lutetiana |
†Lutetiana neli[6] |
Selden & Wappler, 2019 |
A possible cybaeid ground spider |
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Undescribed |
Undescribed[7] |
A well preserved tree trunk spider. |
Opiliones
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Undescribed |
Undescribed |
Six harvestmen awaiting description. |
Insects
Coleoptera
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
†Palaeoalatorostrum |
†Palaeoalatorostrum schaali[8] |
Rheinheimer, 2007 |
An Attelabine leaf-rolling weevil |
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Cupedidae | Cupes |
†Cupes messelensis[9] |
(Tröster, 1993) |
A reticulated beetle species |
|
†Cupes nabozhenkoi[9] |
Kirejtshuk, 2020 |
A reticulated beetle species |
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†Cupes wedmannae[9] |
Kirejtshuk, 2020 |
A reticulated beetle species |
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Curculionidae | †Palaeocrassirhinus |
†Palaeocrassirhinus messelensis[8] |
Rheinheimer, 2007 |
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†Palaeocrassirhinus rugosithorax[8] |
Rheinheimer, 2007 |
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†Palaeocneorhinus |
†Palaeocneorhinus messelensis[8] |
Rheinheimer, 2007 |
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Elateridae | †Macropunctum |
†Macropunctum angulosum[10] |
Tröster, 1999 |
A click beetle species. |
|
†Macropunctum angustiscutellurn[11] |
Tröster, 1994 |
A click beetle species. |
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†Macropuncturn latiscutellurn[11] |
Tröster, 1994 |
A click beetle species. |
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†Macropunctum messelense[11] |
Tröster, 1994 |
A click beetle species. |
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†Macropunctum minuturn[11] |
(Meunier, 1921) |
A click beetle species. |
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†Macropunctum rebugense[11] |
Tröster, 1994 |
A click beetle species. |
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†Macropunctum senckenbergi[11] |
Tröster, 1994 |
A click beetle species. |
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†Protognathinus spielbergi[12] |
Chalumeau et al. 2001 |
A 55 mm (2.2 in) long stag beetle with preserved coloration. |
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Unnamed |
Unnamed[13] |
An eubrianacine water-penny beetle |
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Ceropria? |
Ceropria? messelense[14] |
Hornschemeyer, 1994 |
Dictyopterans
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morphna |
†Morphna cenozoica[15] |
Šmídová, Vidlička & Wedmann, 2021 |
Dipterans
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
†Plecia acourti[16] †Plecia hoffeinsorum[16] Unnamed species [16] |
Cockerell, 1921 Skartveit, 2009 |
Several species of march fly. |
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†Comptosia pria[17] |
Wedmann & Yeates, 2008 |
A species of bee fly. |
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Unnamed[18] |
Unnamed midges known from aquatic larval form. |
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Hirmoneura |
†Hirmoneura messelense[19] |
Wedmann et al., 2021 |
A pollen feeding species of tangle-veined fly. |
Hemiptera
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aradidae |
Aneurus? incertus[20] |
Wappler, Heiss & Wedmann, 2015 |
A species of flat bug. |
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Mezira parapetrificata[20] Mezira petrificata[20] |
Wappler, Heiss & Wedmann, 2015 |
Two species of flat bug. |
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Wedelphus |
Wedelphus dichopteroides[21] |
Szwedo & Wappler, 2006 |
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Amalaberga |
Amalaberga ostrogothiorum[21] |
Szwedo & Wappler, 2006 |
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Baninus |
Baninus thuringiorum[21] |
Szwedo & Wappler, 2006 |
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Eospinosus |
Eospinosus peterkulkai[22] |
Wedmann et al., 2021 |
A species of shield bug exhibiting prominent spiky protrustions possibly used in defense or camouflage. |
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Tingidae |
Chorotingiotes |
Chorotingiotes prisca[23] |
Wappler, 2003 |
A ypsotingine tingine lacebug |
|
Exmesselensis |
Exmesselensis disspinosus[23] |
Wappler, 2003 |
A phatnomine canatacaderine lacebug |
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Lutetiacader |
Lutetiacadeir petrefactus[24] |
Wappler, 2006 |
A cantacaderine canatacaderine lacebug |
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Oblongomorpha |
Oblongomorpha lutetia[23] |
Wappler, 2003 |
Hymenoptera
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apidae |
†Pygomelissa |
†Pygomelissa lutetia[25] |
Wappler & Engel, 2003 |
A bee of uncertain tribal placement. |
|
†Protobombus |
†Protobombus messelensis[25] |
Wappler & Engel, 2003 |
An electrapinae bee. |
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Formicidae |
Dlussky, 2012 |
A myrmeciine ant with long mandibles. |
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†Casaleia eocenica[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
An amblyoponine ant. |
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†Cephalopone |
†Cephalopone grandis[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Cephalopone potens[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Cyrtopone |
†Cyrtopone curiosa[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Cyrtopone elongata[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Cyrtopone microcephala[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Cyrtopone striata[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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Dlussky, Wappler, & Wedmann, 2009 |
A formicine subfamily ant |
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Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
A poneromorph ant. |
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Pachycondyla |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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Dlussky et al., 2015 |
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Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Protopone |
†Protopone? dubia[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Protopone germanica[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Protopone magna[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Protopone oculata[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Protopone sepulta[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Protopone vetula[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
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†Pseudectatomma |
†Pseudectatomma eocenica[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
An ectatommine ant |
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†Pseudectatomma striatula[27] |
Dlussky & Wedmann, 2012 |
An ectatommine ant |
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†Titanomyrma |
†Titanomyrma gigantea[30] |
(Lutz, 1986) |
A formiciine subfamily ant |
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†Titanomyrma simillima[30] |
(Lutz, 1986) |
A formiciine subfamily ant |
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Ichneumonidae |
†Mesornatus |
†Mesornatus markovici[31] |
Spasojevic, Wedmann & Klopfstein, 2018 |
An ichneumon wasp of uncertain subfamilial affinity |
|
†Polyhelictes |
†Polyhelictes bipolarus[31] |
Spasojevic, Wedmann & Klopfstein, 2018 |
An ichneumon wasp of uncertain subfamilial affinity |
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†Rhyssella vera[31] |
Spasojevic, Wedmann & Klopfstein, 2018 |
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†Scambus fossilobus[31] |
Spasojevic, Wedmann & Klopfstein, 2018 |
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†Trigonator |
†Trigonator macrocheirus[31] |
Spasojevic, Wedmann & Klopfstein, 2018 |
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Xanthopimpla |
†Xanthopimpla messelensis[31] |
Spasojevic, Wedmann & Klopfstein, 2018 |
A pimpline pimplinae ichneumon wasp |
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†Xanthopimpla praeclara[31] |
Spasojevic, Wedmann & Klopfstein, 2018 |
A pimpline pimplinae ichneumon wasp |
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Xoanon? |
†Xoanon? eocenicus[32] |
Wedmann, Pouillon, & Nel, 2014 |
A siricid horntail wasp |
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†Vespula? hassiaca[33] |
Abels & Wedmann, 2021 |
A vespid wasp |
Lepidoptera
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
undescribed |
undescribed[34] |
Two undescribed moth taxa |
Neuroptera
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
†Symphrasites |
†Symphrasites eocenicus[35] |
Wedman & Makarkin, 2007 |
A symphrasine mantidfly |
Odonata
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
†Dysagrionidae |
†Petrolestes |
†Petrolestes messelensis[36] |
Garrouste & Nel, 2015 |
A damselfly |
center|frameless |
†Pseudostenolestidae |
†Pseudostenolestes |
†Pseudostenolestes bechlyi[36] |
Garrouste & Nel, 2015 |
A damselfly species. |
Phasmatodea
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
†Eophyllium messelensis[37] |
Wedmann, Bradler & Rust, 2007 |
A Phylliidae leaf insect, |
"Fish"
Amiiformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
†Cyclurus |
†Cyclurus kehreri[38] |
(Andreae, 1893) |
An amiine bowfin relative |
Anguilliformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
†Anguilla ignota[2] |
Micklich, 1985 |
Anguilla ignota fossils suggest a likely aquatic link to an ocean. |
Lepisosteiformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lepisosteidae | Atractosteus |
Atractosteus messelensis[39] |
Grande, 2010 |
One of three Messel gar species. |
|
†Atractosteus strausi[40] |
(Kinkelin, 1884) |
One of three Messel gar species. |
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†Masillosteus kelleri[41] |
Micklich & Klappert, 2001 |
A rare, blunt snouted gar that likely fed on small invertebrates. |
Perciformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palaeoperca proxima[42] |
Micklich, 1978 |
Palaeoperca may have been open water fish. |
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Percichthydae[43] |
Amphiperca multiformis[44] |
Weitzel, 1933 |
Amphiperca likely was a thrust or ambush hunter catching prey from near-shore hiding spots. |
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incertae sedis |
Rhenanoperca minuta[45] |
Gaudant & Micklich, 1990 |
An small perciform with teeth suited for a durophagous diet. Fossils show they at least occasionally fed on smaller members of their species.[2] |
Thaumaturidae
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thaumaturidae | Thaumaturus | Thaumaturus intermedius[46] | Weitzel, 1933[44] | Thaumaturus is only known from juvenile specimens, ranging in length from 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in).[2] Its relationship with other groups of fish remains unknown. |
Amphibians
Caudata
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Salamandridae | Chelotriton |
Chelotriton robustus[47] |
Westphal, 1980 |
A newt, | |
Chelotriton sp.[48] |
Undescribed |
A newt, |
Anura
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
"Messelobatrachus" |
"Messelobatrachus tobieni"[49] |
Messelobatrachus and M. tobieni were first coined in a 1988 PhD. dissertation, but never formally published.[43] |
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Eopelobates wagneri[50] |
Weitzel, 1938 |
A spadefoot toad relative |
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Undescribed |
Undescribed[43] |
Two undescribed specimens of Xenopinae clawed frogs. |
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Incertae sedis |
Lutetiobatrachus |
Lutetiobatrachus gracilis[51] |
Wuttke, 1998 |
First coined in 1988, but nomen nudum until redescription in 2012. |
Squamata
Clade | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anguidae | Ophisauriscus | Ophisauriscus quadrupes[52] | Kuhn, 1940 | A serpentine reptile with vestigial limbs. It shows evidence of different osteoderm morphology after tail regeneration. | |
Placosauriops | "Placosauriops abderhaldeni"[53] | Kuhn, 1940 | A type of melanosaurinin Glyptosaurine of dubious assignment, as the type material has not been adequately diagnosed. | ||
Boidae | Eoconstrictor | Eoconstrictor fischeri[54] | (Schaal, 2004) | An early species of boa previously known as Palaeopython fischeri. | |
Messelophis | Messelophis variatus[55] | Baszio, 2004 | A minute boa | ||
Rieppelophis | Rieppelophis ermannorum[55] | (Schaal & Baszio, 2004) | A minute boa previously regarded as a species of Messelophis. | center | |
Corytophanidae | Geiseltaliellus | Geiseltaliellus maarius[56] | Smith, 2009 | An extinct, possibly arboreal, relative of the modern basilisk lizard. | |
Eolacertidae | Eolacerta | Eolacerta robusta[57] | Nöth, 1940 | A large species of lizard, reaching a length of 30 cm (12 in) and a weight of 1 kg (2.2 lb). | |
Stefanikia | Stefanikia siderea[58] | Čerňanský & Smith, 2017 | A close relative of Eolacerta, the two genera were recovered as a sister-group to modern lizards. | ||
Erycinae | Rageryx | Rageryx schmidi[59] | Smith & Scanferla, 2021 | A non-burrowing sandboa that reached a length of 52 cm (20 in). | |
Cf. Lacertidae | Undescribed | Undescribed [60] | An undescribed arboreal lizard relative. | ||
Gekkota | Undescribed | Undescribed [60] | A partly disarticulated skeleton of a gekko | ||
Helodermatidae | Eurheloderma | Eurheloderma sp.[61] | A relative of the extant gila monster, it was likely already venomous. | ||
Lacertibaenia | Cryptolacerta | Crytolacerta hassiaca[62] | Müller et al., 2011 | Phylogenetic analysis indicates that it may be a close relative of the limbless Amphisbaenia. Only two specimens are known, one of which was found in the stomach of the varanoid Paranecrosaurus | |
Messelopythonidae | Messelopython | Messelopython freyi[63] | Zaher & Smith, 2020 | A medium sized pythonoid. | |
Palaeopython | Palaeopython schaali[64] | Smith & Scanferla, 2022 | A pythonoid snake of similar size to Eoconstrictor. Several traits of the skull suggest it may have been arboreal. | ||
Palaeovaranidae | Palaeovaranus | Palaeovaranus sp.[60] | Identified as Necrosaurus by Smith, Čerňanský and Scanferla, it is smaller than Paranecrosaurus. | ||
Paranecrosaurus | Paranecrosaurus feisti[65] | (Stritzke, 1983) | First described as "Saniwa" feisti, it was found with the skull of Cryptolacerta in its guts. This indicates that this varanoid was at least partly carnivorous. | ||
Pan-Shinisaurus | Pan Shinisaurus indet. | Pan Shinisaurus indet.[66] | The shed tail of a crocodile lizard, showing adaptation for swimming. | ||
Polychrotidae | Undescribed | Undescribed [60] | A possible relative of the modern bush anole. | ||
Scincidae | Scincidae indet. | Scincidae indet.[2] | |||
Scincoidea | Ornatocephalus | Ornatocephalus metzleri[67] | Weber, 2004 | An arboreal lizard with long claws and a prehensile tail, it was found with plants remains in its guts. |
Testudinata
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Carettochelyidae | Allaeochelys | Allaeochelys crassesculptata[68] | (Harrassowitz, 1922) | A relative of the modern pig-nosed turtle, one fossil preserves two specimens while mating. | |
Geoemydidae | Euroemys | Euroemys kehreri[69] | Staesche, 1928 | A species of pond turtles of uncertain relationship, it was previously thought to be a species of Ocadia and Palaeoemys.[70] | |
Francellia | Francellia messeliana[69] | Staesche, 1928 | A species of pond turtles of uncertain relationship, it was previously thought to be a species of Ocadia and Palaeoemys.[70] | ||
Juvemys | Juvemys sp.[2] | Hervet, 2003 | A species of pond turtles. | ||
Podocnemididae | Neochelys | Neochelys franzeni[71] | Schleich, 1993 [72] | A podocnemidid side-necked turtle | |
Trionychidae | Palaeoamyda | Palaeoamyda messeliana [73] | (Reinach, 1900) | A species of softshell turtle |
Crocodyliformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alligatoroidea | Diplocynodon | Diplocynodon darwini
Diplocynodon deponaie[74] |
(Ludvig, 1877)
(Frey, Laemmert & Riess, 1987) |
The two species can be differentiated by the presence of well-developed osteoderms on the tail of Diplocynodon deponaie. | |
Alligatoridae | Hassiacosuchus | Hassiacosuchus haupti [75] | Weitzel, 1935 | A small species of alligatorid, some consider it a species of Allognathosuchus. Christopher Brochu argues for the continued use of Hassiacosuchus however.[76] | |
Bergisuchidae | Bergisuchus | Bergisuchus dietrichbergi[77] | Kuhn, 1968 | Member of the terrestrial Sebecosuchians with ziphodont teeth. | |
Crocodyloidea | "Asiatosuchus" | "Asiatosuchus" germanicus[78] | Berg, 1966 | A large and well known species of the paraphyletic genus Asiatosuchus. | |
Planocraniidae | Boverisuchus | Boverisuchus magnifrons[79] | Kuhn, 1938 | A terrestrial Crocodilian previously assigned to the now dubious Pristichampsus | |
Tomistominae | Tomistominae indet. | Tomistominae indet.[80] |
Birds
Palaeognathae
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lithornithidae | Lithornis | Lithornis sp.[81][82] | Its size was intermediate between Lithornis plebius and Lithornis hookeri. Additionally, it represents the last known lithornithid in the fossil record. | ||
Incertae sedis | Palaeotis | Palaeotis weigelti[83] | Lambrecht, 1928 | A flightless palaeognath, previous analysis considered it to be a relative to ostriches or rheas. More recent research however doubts this. |
Anseriformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gastornithidae | Gastornis | Gastornis geiselensis[84] | Fischer, 1978 | A large, herbivorous anseriform.[85] |
Galliformes
Clade | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gallinuloididae | Paraortygoides | Paraortygoides messelensis[86] | Mayr, 2000 | One of the earliest known galliforms, the lack of a crop indicates they fed on only soft plant material. |
Mirandornithes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Juncitarsus | Juncitarsus merkeli[87] | Olson & Feduccia, 1980 | A wading bird thought to be basal to both flamingos and grebes. Both the beak shape and the presence of gastroliths show that it was not yet adapted to filderfeed and instead fed on hard items. |
Cuculiformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Foratidae? | Unnamed | Unnamed | Known from an isolated skull similar to the larger Foro panarium. |
Strisores
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cypseloramphus | Cypseloramphus dimidius[88] | Mayr, 2016 | A tentative apodiform. | ||
Archaeotrogonidae | Hassiavis | Hassiavis laticauda[89] | Mayr, 1998 | The skull of Hassiavis closely resembles that of modern owlet-nightjars, being broad and short. | |
Masillapodargus | Masillapodargus longipes[90] | Mayr, 2001 | A relative of the modern frogmouths. | ||
Jungornithidae? | Parargornis | Parargornis messelensis[91] | Mayr, 2003 | A swift-like bird with short wings and long tail feathers, phylogenetic analysis indicate that it was a basal type of hummingbird.[92] | |
Nyctibiidae | Paraprefica | Paraprefica kelleri[93]
Paraprefica major[90] |
Mayr, 1999 | An old-world genus of potoo. The two species can clearly be differentiated by size. | |
Protocypselomorphus | Protocypselomorphus manfredkelleri[94] | Mayr, 2005 | An aerial insectivore with reduced feet, it was recovered as a sister-taxon to all other Strisores. | ||
Pan-Apodidae | Scaniacypselus | Scaniacypselus szarskii[95] | (Peters, 1985) | An early genus of swift, its reduced legs and less developed wings indicate that it wasn't as aerial as its modern relatives and likely nested in trees. |
Charadriiformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vanolimicola |
Vanolimicola longihallucis[96] |
Mayr, 2017 |
A small wading bird with elongated hallux. |
Gruimorphae
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Messelornithidae | Messelornis | Messelornis cristata[97] | Hesse, 1988 | The most common fossil bird found at Messel, it was likely a terrestrial animal capable of only short bursts of flight due to its short wings. It may have had a comb or crest atop its head. |
Suliformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sulidae? | Masillastega | Masillastega rectirostris[98] | Mayr, 2002 | A bird tentatively referred to Sulidae, it was approximately the size of a modern European shag. It was likely piscivorous. |
Pelecaniformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Threskiornithidae | Rhynchaeites | Rhynchaeites messelensis[99] | Wittich, 1898 | Also known as the "snipe-rail" for its similarities to rails and painted snipes, it was actually a type of ibis. |
Strigiformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palaeoglaucidae | Palaeoglaux | Palaeoglaux artophoron[100] | Peters, 1992 | A small owl preserving ribbon-like feathers arranged in a dense layer on its back. |
Coraciimorphae
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sandcoleidae | Chascacocolius | Chascacocolius cacicirostris[101] | Mayr, 2005 | A coliiform bird with a conical beak. | |
Eocoraciidae | Eocoracias | Eocoracias brachyptera[102] | Mayr, 2000 | An early species of roller, analysis of the plumage gave indication as to what its colours would have been in life.[103] | |
Sandcoleidae | Eoglaucidium | Eoglaucidium pallas [104]
Eoglaucidium sp. indet.[81] |
Mayr & Peters, 1998 | Originally described as an owl from the Geiseltal, it was later found to be related to mousebirds. Its tail is notably shorter than that of its extant relatives. It is possible that the indetermined species instead belongs to Anneavis. | |
Gracilitarsidae | Gracilitarsus | Gracilitarsus mirabilis[105] | Mayr, 1998 | The shape of the beak indicates that Gracilitarsus was either an insectivore or fed on nectar. | |
Coliidae | Masillacolius | Masillacolius brevidactylus[104] | Mayr & Peters, 1998 | An extinct species of mousebird. | |
Trogonidae | Masillatrogon | Masillatrogon pumilio[106] | Mayr, 2009 | An extinct species of trogon that supports the hypothesis that the family originated in the Old World. | |
Messelirrisoridae | Messelirrisor | Messelirrisor grandis[107]
Messelirrisor halycrostris[108] Messelirrisor parvus[108] |
Mayr, 2000
Mayr, 1998 Mayr, 1998 |
Relatives of the modern hoopoe and wood hoopoe, they were birds with long, pointed beaks and diminutive body size. The tail feathers of one specimen show they were barred, preserving a pattern of dark and light stripes. | |
Leptosomidae? | Plesiocathartes | Plesiocathartes kelleri[109] | Mayr, 2002 | A possible relative of the modern cuckoo-roller. | |
Primobucconidae | Primobucco | Primobucco frugilegus[110]
Primobucco perneri |
Mayr, Mourer-Chaviré & Weidig, 2004 | The first recorded species of Primobucco in Europe. | |
Incertae sedis | Quasisyndactylus | Quasisyndactylus longibrachis[89] | Mayr, 1998 | Quasisyndactylus is thought to be a relative of modern kingfishers, todies and motmots. | |
Coliidae [81] | Selmes | Selmes absurdipes [111] | Peters, 1999 | A genus of mousebird. |
Cariamiformes (?)
Several groups of Messel birds share characteristics with the modern seriemas, which has led to them being placed within the clade Cariamae in the past. However, this placement typically occurred under the assumption that they are a group within gruiformes, which has been disputed by more recent analysis. Instead more recent publications consider Cariamae (or Cariamiformes) as basal members of Australaves.[112]
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Idiornithidae | Dynamopterus | Dynamopterus cf. itardiensis[113]
Dynamopterus tuberculata[114] |
(Mourer-Chauviré, 1983)
(Peters, 1995) |
Previously known as Idiornis, it was later found to be synonymous with Dynamopterus. | |
Salmilidae | Salmila | Salmila robusta[115] | Mayr, 2000 | Salmila was originally described as a part of Cariamae within Gruiformes, but later analysis suggested that it was a sister taxon to the group instead. It shares characteristics with both seriemas and trumpeter birds. | |
Ameghinornithidae | Strigogyps | Strigogyps sapea[116] | (Peters, 1987) | Previously known as Aenigmavis, stomach contents indicate it was a herbivore. The phylogenetic position of Strigogyps is uncertain. |
Falconiformes
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Masillaraptoridae | Masillaraptor | Masillaraptor parvunguis[117][118] | Mayr, 2006 | A long-legged, possibly more terrestrial bird. It shares several traits with modern falcons, but may be a more basal member of Falconiformes. |
Psittacopasserae
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Messelasturidae | Messelastur | Messelastur gratulator | Peters, 1994 | Messelastur is a bird with a poorly understood ecology. Although shown to be closely related to Tynsyka, its relationship to other groups is not fully understood. Older publications suggest it may have been related to parrots or various birds of prey (including owls, hawks and falcons). One recent publication positions them at the base of Psittacopasserae alongside the Pseudasturidae (=Halcyornithidae).[119] | |
Quercypsittidae? | Palaeopsittacus | Palaeopsittacus cf. georgei[120] | Harrison, 1982 | Although initially assigned to Psittaciformes, later research instead suggested the idea that it was a type of frogmouth instead. | |
Zygodactylidae | Primozygodactylus | Primozygodactylus ballmanni[121]
Primozygodactylus danielsi[121] Primozygodactylus eunjooae[122] Primozygodactylus longibrachium[121] Primozygodactylus mayor[121] Primozygodactylus quintus[121] |
Mayr, 1998
Mayr, 1998 Mayr and Zelenkov, 2009 Mayr, 2016 Mayr, 1998 |
Zygodactyl birds originally thought to be relatives of woodpeckers, later research placed them as a sister group to the Passeriformes. Diet varries between species, with the type species likely being an insectivore while the larger Primozygodactylus mayor was found with grapes in its stomach. The wings were short and the legs long, indicating a maneuverable animal foraging in the undergrowth. At least in some species the central two tail feathers were greatly elongated and possibly used in display. | |
Pseudasturidae | Pseudorasturidae indet. | Pseudorasturidae indet.[113] | A poorly preserved pseudasturid of smaller size than Serudaptus. It may be a different species of the same genus, a juvenile, a member of the opposite sex or a unique genus. | ||
Psittacopedidae | Psittacopes | Psittacopes lepidus[123] | Mayr & Daniels, 1998 | A bird originally classified as a parrot, later research indicated that it may instead be closer to passeriforms. | |
Psittacopedidae[81] | Pumiliornis | Pumiliornis tessellatus[124] | Mayr, 1999 | A bird the size of a small wren. | |
Pseudasturidae | Serudaptus | Serudaptus pohli[113] | Mayr, 2000 | A bird with zygodactyl feet and long claws suited for climbing. Its exact phylogenetic position is poorly understood, with some research indicating it may be a basal member of the clade containing Passeriformes and Psittaciformes. |
Incertae sedis
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eopachypterygidae | Eopachypteryx | Eopachypteryx praeterita
Eopachypteryx ? sp.[125] |
Mayr, 2015 | ||
Incertae sedis | Lapillavis | Lapillavis incubarens[88] | Mayr, 2016 | ||
Incertae sedis | Perplexicervix | Perplexicervix microcephalon[126] | Mayr, 2010 | The genus is named for the bony tubercles present on the cervical vertebrae. Although its relationship is not fully understood, it was found to not be a member of Idiornithidae and shared traits with Anhimidae and Cathartidae. |
Mammals
Apatotheria
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apatemyidae | Heterohyus | Heterohyus nanus[127] | Teilhard de Chardin, 1921 | A mammal with elongated fingers and strong teeth that resembles the modern aye-aye and likely filled a similar niche.[2] |
Artiodactyla
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dichobunidae | Aumelasia | Aumelasia cf. gabineaudi[128] | Sudré, 1980 | A lightly built early artiodactyl with a noticeably long tail. Aumelasia is referred to the Diacodexeidae by some researchers.[43] | |
Dichobunidae | Messelobunodon | Messelobunodon schaeferi[129] | Franzen, 1980 | An early species of even-toed ungulate. | |
Choeropotamidae | Masillabune | Masillabune martini[130] | Tobien, 1980 | An early species of even-toed ungulate. |
Chiroptera
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Archaeonycteridae | Archaeonycteris | Archaeonycteris pollex[131]
Archaeonycteris trigonodon[132] |
Storch & Habersetzer, 1988
Revilliod, 1917 |
A basal genus among the Messel bats, Archaeonycteris resembles modern vesper bats in wing morphology and likely preferred more open spaces in the upper trunk areas to hunt. Stomach contents indicate a preference for beetles.[2] | |
Hassianycterididae | Hassianycteris | Hassianycteris magna[133]
Hassianycteris messelensis[133] Hassianycteris? revilliodi[43] |
Smith & Storch, 1981
Smith & Storch, 1981 (Russell & Sigé, 1970) |
Hassianycteris was a somewhat heavy bat with narrow wings. Based on its anatomy, which resembles modern free-tailed bats, it was a fast flying animal hunting above the treetops.[2] | |
Palaeochiropterygidae | Palaeochiropteryx | Palaeochiropteryx spiegeli[43]
Palaeochiropteryx tupaiodon[43] |
Revilliod, 1917 | The wing morphology of Palaeochiropteryx indicates that it flew slowly but agile relatively close to the ground to catch insects such as moths and butterflies.[2] | |
Emballonuridae | Tachypteron | Tachypteron franzeni[134] | Storch, Sigé & Habersetzer, 2002 | A fast flying species that inhabited open airspaces, Tachypteron resembled the modern black-bearded tomb bat in proportions.[2] |
Cimolesta
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pantolestidae | Buxolestes | Buxolestes piscator
Buxolestes minor[135] |
Koenigswald 1980
Pfretzschner 1999 |
Buxolestes is a member of a basal group of mammals. The proportions of Buxolestes piscator are similar to modern otters and its stomach contents indicate a diet of fish and small vertebrates. B. minor shows adaptations towards digging and was found with plant material in its stomach, but likely also fed on various animals. | |
Paroxyclaenidae | Kopidodon | Kopidodon macrognathus[2] | (Wittich, 1902) | Kopidodon was the first mammal discovered in Messel and grew to a length of 115 cm (45 in). It shows some adaptations towards a climbing lifestyle. | |
Paroxyclaenidae | "Paroxyclaenus" | "Paroxyclaenus" sp.[43] | An undescribed relative of Kopidodon differing through the lack of a pronounced sagittal crest. |
Eulipotyphla
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amphilemuridae | Macrocranion | Macrocranion tenerum[136]
Macrocranion tupaiodon[137] |
Tobien, 1962
Weitzel, 1949 |
Macrocranion were small, likely nocturnal, animals living on the forest floor. M. tupaiodon reached a size of up to 30 cm (12 in) and was possibly omnivorous with woolly fur.[2] The smaller M. tenerum meanwhile was inferred to be insectivorous and covered in bristles. Some researchers suggest it may have moved like modern springhares.[2][138] | |
Amphilemuridae | Pholidocercus | Pholidocercus hassiacus[139] | von Koenigswald & Storch, 1983 | A larger relative of Macrocranion, Pholidocercus was an animal 40 cm (16 in). Its proportions indicate that it was a quadrupedal animal that lived on the forest floor. The tail was covered in overlapping scales and the head was similarly covered in a hardened structure while the torso was covered in thick bristles.[2] |
Leptictida
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pseudorhyncocyonidae | Leptictidium | Leptictidium auderiense[43]
Leptictidium nasutum[140] Leptictidium tobieni[141] |
Tobien, 1962
Storch & Lister, 1985 Von Koenigswald & Storch, 1987 |
Known from Messel in the form of three species and multiple specimens, Leptictidium was a eutherian mammal of uncertain relationships. Its hindlimbs are noticeably larger than its forelimbs, but its means of locomotion are not agreed upon. |
Metatheria
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Herpetotheriidae | Amphiperatherium | Amphiperatherium goethei[142]
Amphiperatherium cf. maximum[143] |
Crochet, 1979 | A metatherian mammal, it was larger than Peradectes but with a proportionally shorter tail. | |
Herpetotheriidae | Herpetotheriidae indet. | Either Amphiperatherium or Peratherium.[43] | |||
Peradectidae | "Peradectes" | "Peradectes sp."[143] | A small arboreal mammal similar to Peradectes with a prehensile tail. |
Pan-Carnivora
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proviverridae | Lesmesodon | Lesmesodon behnkeae[144]
Lesmesodon edingeri[145] |
(Morlo & Habersetzer, 1999)
(Springhorn, 1982) |
Agile predators of the forest floor, at least one species (L. behnkeae) is known to have had a bushy tail. The exact position hyaenodontids like Lesmesodon have within mammals is debated. | |
Miacidae | Messelogale | Messelogale kessleri[146] | (Springhorn, 1982)[145] | Originally thought to be a species of Miacis, it was elevated to its own genus in 2000. Unlike Lesmesodon it was an arboreal hunter. | |
Miacidae | Paroodectes | Paroodectes feisti[147] | Springhorn, 1980 | An arboreal miacid. |
Pholidota
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eomanidae[148] | Eomanis | Eomanis waldi | Storch, 1978 | Eomanis is a more derived member of Pholidota than the contemporary genera found in Messel and already shows the classic scales this group is known for.[149] | |
Euromanis | Euromanis krebsi[150] | (Storch & Martin, 1994) | A type of scaleless pangolin originally described as a species of Eomanis. | ||
Eurotamanduidae | Eurotamandua | Eurotamandua joresi[151] | Storch, 1981 | Described as an anteater based on the enlarged claws and elongated skull, later research concluded that it was more likely to be a type of pangolin. |
Perissodactyla
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palaeotheriidae | Eurohippus | Eurohippus parvulus[152]
Eurohippus messelensis[153] |
(Laurillard, 1849)
(Haupt, 1925) |
Originally species of Propalaeotherium and Lophiotherium, they were eleveted to a distinct genus in 2006. Several specimens were preserved with their fetus, showing that they only carried a single foal. | |
Hallensia | Hallensia matthesi[154] | Franzen & Haubold, 1986 | A small species of primitive horse. | ||
Hyrachyidae | Hyrachyus | Hyrachyus minimus [155] | Fischer, 1829 | An early rhinoceratoid or tapir, its discovery played a rolle in making Messel a protected site. | |
Palaeotheriidae | Propalaeotherium | Propalaeotherium hassiacum[156] | Haupt, 1925 | An early species of horse reaching a shoulder height of 55–60 cm (22–24 in), making it larger than Eurohippus. |
Primates
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adapidae | Darwinius | Darwinius masillae[157] | Franzen et al., 2009 | An early primate known from a single specimen preserved in two slabs. The counterslab includes several elements fabricated to make it appear more complete. The classification of Darwinius has been subject to continued debate. | |
Adapidae | Europolemur | Europolemur kelleri[158]
Europolemur koenigswaldi[158] |
Franzen, 2000
Franzen, 1987 |
An early primate primarily known from partial remains. One lower jaw was found in the coprolite of Buxolestes while another fossil was found with the tooth of a crocodile embedded into it.[2] | |
Adapidae | Godinotia | Godinotia neglecta[159] | (Thalmann et al., 1989) | Preserved stomach contents of Godinotia suggest that it primarily fed on leaves and fruit.[160] |
Rodentia
Family | Genus | Species | Authority | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ailuravus macrurus[161] |
Weitzel, 1949 |
An arboreal rodent that resembles modern squirrels in proportion. |
|||
Eogliravus |
Eogliravus wildi[162] |
Hartenberger, 1971 |
The oldest known dormouse |
||
Ischyromyidae | Masillamys |
Masillamys beegeri[163] |
|||
Masillamys krugi[163] |
|||||
Masillamys parvus[163] |
Tobien, 1954 |
M. parvus was sometimes placed in Hartenbergeromys,[2] |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Richter, G.; Baszio, S. (2009). "Geographic and stratigraphic distribution of spongillids (Porifera) and the leit value of spiculites in the Messel Pit Fossil Site". Palaeobio Palaeoenv 89 (1–2): 53–66. doi:10.1007/s12549-009-0003-7.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 Gruber, G.; Micklich, N. (2007). Messel: Treasures of the Eocene. Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt. ISBN 978-3-534-20456-4.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Richter, G.; Wedmann, S. (2005). "Ecology of the Eocene Lake Messel revealed by analysis of small fish coprolites and sediments from a drilling core". Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 223 (1–2): 147–161. doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2005.04.002. Bibcode: 2005PPP...223..147R.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 de Mazancourt, V.; Wappler, T.; Wedmann, S. (2022-10-27). "Exceptional preservation of internal organs in a new fossil species of freshwater shrimp (Caridea: Palaemonoidea) from the Eocene of Messel (Germany)". Scientific Reports 12 (1): 18114. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-23125-9. ISSN 2045-2322. PMID 36302944.
- ↑ Wunderlich, J. (1986). "Die ersten Spinnen aus dem Mittel-Eozän der Grube Messel. Fossilfundstelle Messel, Nr. 49.". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 67 (1–4): 171–176.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Selden, P.; Wappler, T. (2019). "A new spider (Arachnida: Araneae) from the Middle Eocene Messel Maar, Germany". Palaeoentomology 2 (6): 596–601. doi:10.11646/palaeoentomology.2.6.10.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Smith, K.T.; Schaal, S.F.K.; Habersetzer, J. (2018). "7 Jewels in the Oil Shale – Insects and Other Invertebrates". Messel-An Ancient Greenhouse Ecosystem. Senckenberg. pp. 67–69.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Legalov, A. (2020). "Fossil History of Curculionoidea (Coleoptera) from the Paleogene" (in en). Geosciences 10 (9): 358. doi:10.3390/geosciences10090358. Bibcode: 2020Geosc..10..358L.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Alexander G. Kirejtshuk (2020). "Taxonomic review of fossil coleopterous families (Insecta, Coleoptera). Suborder Archostemata: Superfamilies Coleopseoidea and Cupedoidea". Geosciences 10 (2): Article 73. doi:10.3390/geosciences10020073. Bibcode: 2020Geosc..10...73K.
- ↑ Tröster, G. (1999). "An unusual new fossil click-beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) from the Middle Eocene of the Grube Messel (Germany).". Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie - Monatshefte 1999: 11–20. doi:10.1127/njgpm/1999/1999/11.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Tröster, G. (1994). "Neue Arten der Gattung Macropunctum (Insecta, Coleoptera, Elateridae) aus der Olschieferfazies der mitteleozänen Messelformation der Grube Messel bei Darmstadt". PalZ 68 (1–2): 145–162. doi:10.1007/bf02989437.
- ↑ Chalumeau, F.; Brochier, B. (2001). "Une forme fossile nouvelle de Chiasognathinae : Protognathinus spielbergi(Coleoptera, Lucanidae).". Lambillionea 101: 593–595. http://www.bio-nica.info/biblioteca/Chalumeau2991ProtognathinusSpielbergi.pdf.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Hörnschemeyer, T.; Schmied, H. (2011). "Fossil water-penny beetles (Coleoptera: Psephenidae: Eubrianacinae) from the Eocene of Europe, with remarks on their phylogenetic position and biogeography.". Palaeontology 54 (5): 965–980. doi:10.1111/j.1475-4983.2011.01088.x.
- ↑ Nabozhenko, M. (2019). "The fossil record of darkling beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)". Geosciences 9 (12): 12. doi:10.3390/geosciences9120514.
- ↑ Šmídová, L.; Vidlička, L.; Wedmann, S. (2021). "Appearance of the family Blaberidae (Insecta: Blattaria) during the Cretaceous and a review of fossils of this family". Palaeontographica Abteilung A 321 (1–6): 71–79. doi:10.1127/pala/2021/0109.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Skartveit, J.; Wedmann, S. (2015). "Fossil Bibionidae (Insecta: Diptera) from the Eocene of Grube Messel, Germany.". Stud Dipterol 22: 77–83. http://www.studia-dipt.de/data/22077.pdf.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Yeates, D.K. (2008). "Eocene records of bee flies (Insecta, Diptera, Bombyliidae, Comptosia): their palaeobiogeographic implications and remarks on the evolutionary history of bombyliids.". Palaeontology 51 (1): 231–240. doi:10.1111/j.1475-4983.2007.00745.x.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Richter, G. (2007). "The ecological role of immature phantom midges (Diptera: Chaoboridae) in the Eocene Lake Messel, Germany". African Invertebrates 48 (1): 59–70. https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/EJC84591.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Hörnschemeyer, T.; Engel, M. S.; Zetter, R.; Grímsson, F. (2021). "The last meal of an Eocene pollen-feeding fly". Current Biology 31 (9): 2020–2026.e4. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2021.02.025. PMID 33705719.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Torsten Wappler; Ernst Heiss; Sonja Wedmann (2015). "New flatbug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae) records from the Middle Eocene Messel Maar, Germany". Paläontologische Zeitschrift 89 (3): 653–660. doi:10.1007/s12542-014-0237-1.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Szwedo, J.; Wappler, T. (2006). "New planthoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) from the Middle Eocene Messel Maar". Annales Zoologici 56 (3): 555–566. doi:10.3161/000345406778811907.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Kment, P.; Campos, L. A.; Hörnschemeyer, T. (2021). "Bizarre morphology in extinct Eocene bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)". Royal Society Open Science 8 (12): Article ID 211466. doi:10.1098/rsos.211466. PMID 34909219. Bibcode: 2021RSOS....811466W.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Wappler, T. (2003). "New fossil lace bugs (Heteroptera: Tingidae) from the Middle Eocene of the Grube Messel (Germany), with a catalog of fossil lace bugs". Zootaxa 374: 1–26. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.374.1.1.
- ↑ Wappler, T. (2006). "Lutetiacader, a puzzling new genus of cantacaderid lace bugs (Heteroptera: Tngidae) from the Middle Eocene Messel Maar, Germany". Palaeontology 49 (2): 435–444. doi:10.1111/j.1475-4983.2006.00547.x.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Wappler, T.; Engel, M. (2003). "The middle Eocene bee faunas of Eckfeld and Messel, Germany (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)". Journal of Paleontology 77 (5): 908–921. doi:10.1017/S0022336000044760. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4094762.
- ↑ Dlussky, G.M. (2012). "New Fossil Ants of the Subfamily Myrmeciinae (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Germany". Paleontological Journal 46 (3): 288–292. doi:10.1134/s0031030111050054.
- ↑ 27.00 27.01 27.02 27.03 27.04 27.05 27.06 27.07 27.08 27.09 27.10 27.11 27.12 27.13 27.14 27.15 27.16 27.17 27.18 27.19 27.20 27.21 Dlussky, G.M.; Wedmann, S. (2012). "The poneromorph ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae: Amblyoponinae, Ectatomminae, Ponerinae) of Grube Messel, Germany: High biodiversity in the Eocene". Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 10 (4): 725–753. doi:10.1080/14772019.2011.628341.(Subscription content?)
- ↑ Dlussky, GM; Wappler, T; Wedmann, S (2009). "Fossil ants of the genus Gesomyrmex Mayr (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from the Eocene of Europe and remarks on the evolution of arboreal ant communities". Zootaxa 2031: 1–20. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.2031.1.1.
- ↑ Dlussky, G.M.; Rasnitsyn, A.P.; Perfilieva, K.S. (2015). "The Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Bol'shaya Svetlovodnaya (Late Eocene of Sikhote-Alin, Russian Far East)". Caucasian Entomological Bulletin 11 (1): 131–152. doi:10.23885/1814-3326-2015-11-1-131-152.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Archibald, S. Bruce; Johnson, Kirk R.; Mathewes, Rolf W.; Greenwood, David R. (2011). "Intercontinental dispersal of giant thermophilic ants across the Arctic during early Eocene hyperthermals". Proceedings of the Royal Society B 278 (1725): 3679–3686. doi:10.1098/rspb.2011.0729. PMID 21543354.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 31.5 31.6 Tamara Spasojevic; Sonja Wedmann; Seraina Klopfstein (2018). "Seven remarkable new fossil species of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from the Eocene Messel Pit". PLOS ONE 13 (6): e0197477. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0197477. PMID 29874268. Bibcode: 2018PLoSO..1397477S.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Pouillon, J.; Nel, A. (2014). "New Palaeogene horntail wasps (Hymenoptera, Siricidae) and a discussion of their fossil record". Zootaxa 3869 (1): 33–43. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3869.1.3. PMID 25283896.
- ↑ Abels, J.; Wedmann, S. (2021). "A fossil wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespula? hassiaca) from the Eocene of Messel". Palaeontographica Abteilung A 323 (1–3): 105–117. doi:10.1127/pala/2021/0122.
- ↑ McNamara, M.; Briggs, D.; Orr, P.; Wedmann, S.; Noh, H.; Cao, H. (2011). "Fossilized biophotonic nanostructures reveal the original colors of 47-million-year-old moths". PLOS Biology 9 (11): 1–8. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1001200. PMID 22110404.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Makarkin, V. (2007). "A new genus of Mantispidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) from the Eocene of Germany, with a review of the fossil record and palaeobiogeography of the family". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 149 (4): 701–716. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.2007.00273.x. https://zenodo.org/record/4687556.
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 Romain Garrouste; André Nel (2015). "New Eocene damselflies and first Cenozoic damsel-dragonfly of the isophlebiopteran lineage (Insecta: Odonata)". Zootaxa 4028 (3): 354–366. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4028.3.2. PMID 26624314.
- ↑ Wedmann, S.; Bradler, S; Rust, J. (9 January 2007). "The first fossil leaf insect: 47 million years of specialized cryptic morphology and behavior". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104 (2): 565–9. doi:10.1073/pnas.0606937104. PMID 17197423. Bibcode: 2007PNAS..104..565W.
- ↑ Micklich, N.; Mentges, S. (2012). "Fin ray fractures in messel fishes.". Kaupia: Darmstädter Beiträge zur Naturgeschichte 18: 19–27. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304627599.
- ↑ Grande, Lance (2010). "An empirical synthetic pattern study of gars (Lepisosteiformes) and closely related species, based mostly on skeletal anatomy. The resurrection of Holostei.". Ichthyology & Herpetology 10.
- ↑ Micklich, N.; Klappert, G. (2004). "Character variation in some Messel fishes". Mesozoic Fishes 3: 137–163.
- ↑ Micklich, N.; Klappert, G. (2001). "Masillosteus kelleri, a new gar (Actinopterygii, Lepisosteidae) from the middle Eocene of Grube Messel (Hessen, Germany)". Kaupia 11: 73–81. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285643019.
- ↑ Micklich, N. (1978). Palaeoperca proxima, ein neuer Knochenfisch aus dem Mittel-Eozän von Messel bei Darmstadt.
- ↑ 43.00 43.01 43.02 43.03 43.04 43.05 43.06 43.07 43.08 43.09 43.10 Morlo, M.; Schaal, S.; Mayr, G.; Seiffert, C. (2004). "An annotated taxonomic list of the Middle Eocene (MP 11) Vertebrata of Messel". Courier Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg: 95–108. https://www.senckenberg.de/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/morlo_et_al.pdf.
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- ↑ Gaudant, J.; Micklich, N. (1990). "Rhenanoperca minuta nov. gen., nov. sp., ein neuer Percoide (Pisces, Perciformes) aus der Messel-Formation (Mittel-Eozän, Unteres Geiseltalium).". Paläontologische Zeitschrift 64 (3): 269–286. doi:10.1007/BF02985719.
- ↑ Micklich, N.; Arratia, G. (2020). "The enigmatic teleostean fish, Thaumaturus intermedius Weitzel, 1933 from the Eocene of Lake Messel (Hessen, S Germany). Part I: Anatomy and taxonomy revised.". Palaeontographica Abteilung A.
- ↑ Westphal, F. (1980). "Chelotriton robustus n. sp., ein Salamandride aus dem Eozän der Grube Messel bei Darmstadt.". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 60 (4/6): 475–487.
- ↑ Smith, K.T.; Schaal, S.F.K.; Habersetzer, J. (2018). "9 Amphibians in Messel - in the Water and on Land". Messel-An Ancient Greenhouse Ecosystem. Senckenberg. pp. 123–147.
- ↑ Wuttke, M. (1996). Die eozänen Frösche von Messel. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/13558508/stapfia_0047_0227-0232-with-cover-page-v2.pdf?Expires=1655679050&Signature=XiR5UJspBEVqvVrc4tt9a2rJWrFAPVMR1NoxpTtkEtE6Rn51QdZgGzgF-kG88tM4iTZc4Mz5MaYQ-Pt71LJuDY2yLKn50gY6Vtt98gawQCMYs12OV6vozTDRTeQVc6m04hhU~NFmmp2xal0jlOER8e6nFN5JkjwoS7obsSDrgPzRKitsiK~-ic~sxpF385sGVeym~zGQ8VAbqwZZwFDllayuUmn4LTyY5Tld8kdKKzwrELFHi1fg4Br0plpnM39Q2grYQER7rhO-paXqXyOkndPdPyqpLqFkduq2GSIsXAnh48HVjNkEfPRMHU1uh3ew-z10-IR-w1he1jL8MoFngw__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA.
- ↑ Roček, Z.; Wuttke, M.; Gardner, J. D.; Singh Bhullar, B.-A. (2014). The Euro-American genus Eopelobates, and a re-definition of the family Pelobatidae (Amphibia, Anura). Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments. 94. pp. 529–567. doi:10.1007/s12549-014-0169-5.
- ↑ Wuttke, M. (2012). "Redescription of the Middle Eocene frog Lutetiobatrachus gracilis WUTTKE in SANCHIZ, 1998 (Lower Geiseltalian, »GrubeMessel«, near Darmstadt, southern Hesse, Germany)". Kaupia 18: 29–41. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256209971.
- ↑ Sullivan, R.M.; Habersetzer, J. (1999). "Middle Eocene (Geiseltalian) anguid lizards from Geiseltal and Messel, Germany. 1. Ophisauriscus quadrupes Kuhn 1940. Systematics and taphonomy". CFS Courier Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg 216: 97–129. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285598065.
- ↑ Sullivan, R.M. (2019). "The taxonomy, chronostratigraphy and paleobiogeography of glyptosaurine lizards (Glyptosaurinae, Anguidae)". Comptes Rendus Palevol 18 (7): 747–763. doi:10.1016/j.crpv.2019.05.006. Bibcode: 2019CRPal..18..747S.
- ↑ Scanferla, A.; Smith, K.T. (2020). "Exquisitely Preserved Fossil Snakes of Messel: Insight into the Evolution, Biogeography, Habitat Preferences and Sensory Ecology of Early Boas". Diversity 12 (3): 100. doi:10.3390/d12030100.
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 Agustín Scanferla; Krister T. Smith; Stephan F. K. Schaal (2016). "Revision of the cranial anatomy and phylogenetic relationships of the Eocene minute boas Messelophis variatus and Messelophis ermannorum (Serpentes, Booidea)". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 176 (1): 182–206. doi:10.1111/zoj.12300.
- ↑ Smith, K.T. (2009). "Eocene Lizards of the Clade Geiseltaliellus from Messel and Geiseltal, Germany, and the Early Radiation of Iguanidae (Reptilia: Squamata)". Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History 50 (2): 219–306. doi:10.3374/014.050.0201.
- ↑ Müller, J. (2001). "Osteology and relationships of Eolacerta robusta, a lizard from the Middle Eocene of Germany (Reptilia, Squamata)". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 21 (2): 261–278. doi:10.1671/0272-4634(2001)021[0261:oaroer2.0.co;2].
- ↑ Čerňanský, A.; Smith, K. T. (2017). "Eolacertidae: a new extinct clade of lizards from the Palaeogene; with comments on the origin of the dominant European reptile group – Lacertidae". Historical Biology 30 (7): 994–1014. doi:10.1080/08912963.2017.1327530.
- ↑ Smith, K. T.; Scanferla, A. (2021). "A nearly complete skeleton of the oldest definitive erycine boid (Messel, Germany)". Geodiversitas 43 (1): 1–24. doi:10.5252/geodiversitas2021v43a1. https://zenodo.org/record/4486442.
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- ↑ Smith, K. T.; Habersetzer, J. (2021). "The anatomy, phylogenetic relationships, and autecology of the carnivorous lizard "Saniwa" feisti Stritzke, 1983 from the Eocene of Messel, Germany". Comptes Rendus Palevol 20 (23): 441–506. doi:10.5852/cr-palevol2021v20a23.
- ↑ Smith, K. T. (2017). "First crocodile-tailed lizard (Squamata: Pan-Shinisaurus) from the Paleogene of Europe". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 37 (3): e1313743. doi:10.1080/02724634.2017.1313743. Bibcode: 2017JVPal..37E3743S.
- ↑ Weber, S. (2004). "Ornatocephalus metzleri gen. et spec. nov. (Lacertilia, Scincoida) - Taxonomy and Paleobiology of a basal Scincoid Lizard from the Messel Formation (Middle Eocene: basal Lutetian, Geiseltalium), Germany". Abhandlungen der Senckenbergischen Naturforschenden Gesellschaft 561. ISBN 978-3-510-61373-1. https://www.schweizerbart.de/publications/detail/isbn/9783510613731/iOrnatocephalus_metzleri_i_gen_et_spec_nov__Lacertilia_Scincoida_Taxonomy_and_Paleobiology_of_a_basal_Scincoid_Lizard_from_the_Messel_Formation_Middle_Eocene_basal_Lutetian_Geiseltalium_Ge.
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- ↑ Cadena, E. (2016). "Palaeoamyda messeliana nov. comb. (Testudines, Pan-Trionychidae) from the Eocene Messel Pit and Geiseltal localities, Germany, taxonomic and phylogenetic insights". PeerJ 4: e2647. doi:10.7717/peerj.2647. PMID 27812431.
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- ↑ Von Koenigswald, W. (1990). "Die Paläobiologie der Apatemyiden (Insectivora sl) und die Ausdeutung der Skelettfunde von Heterohyus nanus aus dem Mitteleozän von Messel bei Darmstadt.". Palaeontographica. Abteilung A, Paläozoologie, Stratigraphie 210 (1–3): 41–77.
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- ↑ Franzen, J.L. (1983). "Fossilfundstelle Messel, Nr. 35: Ein zweites Skelett von Messelobunodon (Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Dichobunidae) aus der "Grube Messel" bei Darmstadt (Deutschland, S-Hessen)". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 64 (5–6): 403–445.
- ↑ Tobien, H. (1985). "Zur Osteologie von Masillabune (Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Haplobunodontidae) aus dem Mitteleozan der Fossilfundstatte Messel bei Darmstadt (S-Hessen, Bundesrepublik Deutschland).". Geologisches Jahrbuch Hessen 113: 5–58.
- ↑ Storch, G.; Habersetzer, J. (1988). "Archaeonycteris pollex (Mammalia: Chiroptera) eine neue Fledermaus aus dem Eozän der Grube Messel bei Darmstadt". Courier Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg 107: 263–273.
- ↑ Revilliod, P. (1917). "Contribution à l'étude des chiroptères des terrains tertiares". Abhandlungen der Schweizerischen Paläontologischen Gesellschaft 42: 1–57.
- ↑ 133.0 133.1 Smith, J.D.; Storch, G. (1981). "New Middle Eocene bats from "Grube Messel" near Darmstadt, W-Germany.". Senckenbergiana Biologica 61 (3–4): 153–167.
- ↑ Storch, G.; Sigé, B.; Habersetzer, J. (2002). "Tachypteron franzeni n. gen., n. sp., earliest emballonurid bat from the Middle Eocene of Messel (Mammalia, Chiroptera)". Paläontol Z 76 (2): 189–199. doi:10.1007/BF02989856.
- ↑ Rose, K. D.; Dunn, R. H.; Grande, L. (2014). "A new skeleton ofPalaeosinopa didelphoides(Mammalia, Pantolesta) from the early Eocene Fossil Butte Member, Green River Formation (Wyoming), and skeletal ontogeny in Pantolestidae". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 34 (4): 932–940. doi:10.1080/02724634.2013.822876.
- ↑ Storch, G. (1993). "Morphologie und Paläobiologie von Macrocranion tenerum, einem Erinaceomorphen aus dem Mittel-Eozän von Messel bei Darmstadt (Mammalia, Lipotyphla).". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 73 (1): 61–81.
- ↑ Maier, W. (1977). "Macrocranion tupaiodon Weitzel, 1949,–ein igelartiger Insektivor aus dem Eozän von Messel und seine Beziehungen zum Ursprung der Primaten.". Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 15 (4): 311–318. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0469.1977.tb00544.x.
- ↑ Smith, T.; Bloch, J.I.; Strait, S.G.; Gingerich, P.D. (2002). "New species of Macrocranion (Mammalia, Lipotyphla) from the earliest Eocene of North America and its biogeographic implications". Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology the University of Michigan 30 (14): 373–384. https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/48665/ID532.pdf.
- ↑ von Koenigswald, W.; Storch, G. (1983). "Fossilfundstelle Messel, Nr. 36: Pholidocercus hassiacus, ein Amphilemuride aus dem Eozän der "Grube Messel" bei Darmstadt (Mammalia, Lipotyphla).". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 64 (5–6): 447–495.
- ↑ Storch, G.; Lister, A. M. (1985). "Lepticticium nasutum, ein Pseudorhyncocyonide aus dem Eozän der Grube Messel bei Darmstadt (Mammalia, Proteutheria). Fossilfundstelle Messel, Nr. 42.". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 66 (1–2): 1–37.
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- ↑ Morlo, M.; Habersetzer, J. (1999). "The Hyaenodontidae (Creodonta, Mammalia) from the lower Middle Eocene (MP 11) of Messel (Germany) with special remarks on new x-ray methods.". Courier Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg: 31–74. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/45166626/The_Hyaenodontidae_Creodonta_Mammalia_20160428-3337-w72t8k-with-cover-page-v2.pdf?Expires=1656398743&Signature=YtaPFGXyZRWjHv44oiinbMc4YNC413z4m13fUpUy2XUeyh91xujg2nfD1VHZVzkA4RoXeZkZjieN35iby9noN~6JekGrUra~5se4wLLEF5hlssL0uNc~l3LTXEXAi~Bzb1GmIDOEeywOM1~qNCiTki9XkyvuCaDBxCHAXQplPg4PDcZa1Vqo3g~lgSTIXIZNXDdAZ-54V0vWneFUQQMAGXlfjgfjyajz~MmzF4eLr7lvG9m7vhGMk63Hd5SHgWiHJKQX9mQjIUT5pfIEAk5XmENZIrhMkjXlLWwRc-BOVIe5~W4kGWQ-HL3v9tFGN132sJhCII9Ox52Ie-gj~IuKtA__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA.
- ↑ 145.0 145.1 Springhorn, R. (1982). "Neue Raubtiere (Mammalia: Creodonta et Carnivora) aus dem Lutetium der Grube Messel (Deutschland).". Palaeontographica Abteilung A 179: 105–141.
- ↑ Springhorn, R. (2000). "Messelogale, eine neue Raubtiergattung aus dem Mitteleozän von Messel (Deutschland)". Paläontol. Z. 74 (3): 425–439. doi:10.1007/BF02988110.
- ↑ Springhorn, R. (1980). "Paroodectes feisti, der erste Miacide (Carnivora, Mammalia) aus dem Mittel-Eozän von Messel". Paläontol. Z. 54 (1–2): 171–198. doi:10.1007/BF02985887.
- ↑ Gaubert, P.; Wible, J. R.; Heighton, S. P.; Gaudin, T. J. (2020). "Phylogeny and systematics". Pangolins:Science, Society and Conservation. pp. 25–39. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815507-3.00002-2. ISBN 9780128155073.
- ↑ Von Koenigswald, W.; Richter, G.; Storch, G (1981). "NACHWEIS VON HORNSCHUPPEN BEI EOMANIS WALDI AUS DER" GRUBE MESSEL" BEI DARMSTADT (MAMMALIA, PHOLIDOTA).". Senckenb. Lethaea 61 (3–6): 291–298. ISSN 0037-2110.
- ↑ Gaudin, Timothy (2009). "The Phylogeny of Living and Extinct Pangolins (Mammalia, Pholidota) and Associated Taxa: A Morphology Based Analysis". Journal of Mammalian Evolution (Heidelberg, Germany: Springer Science+Business Media) 16 (4): 235–305. doi:10.1007/s10914-009-9119-9. http://web2.utc.edu/~gvv824/Gaudin%20et%20al%202009.pdf. Retrieved 2020-11-16.
- ↑ Delsuc, F.; Ctzeflis, F.M.; Stanhope, M.J.; Douzery, E.J. P. (2001). "The evolution of armadillos, anteaters and sloths depicted by nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies: implications for the status of the enigmatic fossil Eurotamandua". Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 268 (1476): 1605–1615. doi:10.1098/rspb.2001.1702. PMID 11487408.
- ↑ Franzen, J.L. (2006). "Eurohippus n.g., a new genus of horses from the Middle to Late Eocene of Europe.". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 86: 97–102. doi:10.1007/BF03043638.
- ↑ Franzen, J.L.; Habersetzer, J. (2017). "Complete skeleton of Eurohippus messelensis (Mammalia, Perissodactyla, Equoidea) from the early middle Eocene of Grube Messel (Germany)". Palaeobio Palaeoenv 97 (4): 807–832. doi:10.1007/s12549-017-0280-5.
- ↑ Franzen, J. L. (1990). "Hallensia (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) aus Messel und dem Pariser Becken sowie Nachträge aus dem Geiseltal.". Bulletin de l'Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Sciences de la Terre 60: 175–201.
- ↑ Franzen, J. L. (1981). "HYRACHYUS MINIMUS (MAMMALIA, PERISSODACTYLA, HELALETIDAE) AUS DEN MITTELEOZAENEN OELSCHIEFERN DER" GRUBE MESSEL" BEI DARMSTADT (DEUTSCHLAND, S-HESSEN)". Senckenb. Lethaea 61 (3–6): 371–376. ISSN 0037-2110.
- ↑ Wilde, V.; Hellmund, M. (2010). "First record of gut contents from a middle Eocene equid from the Geiseltal near Halle (Saale), Sachsen-Anhalt, Central Germany". Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments 90 (2): 153–162. doi:10.1007/s12549-010-0028-y.
- ↑ Franzen, J. L.; Gingerich, P. D.; Habersetzer, J.; Hurum, J. H.; Von Koenigswald, W.; Smith, B. H. (2009). J., Hawks. ed. "Complete primate skeleton from the Middle Eocene of Messel in Germany: morphology and paleobiology". PLOS ONE 4 (5): e5723. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005723. PMID 19492084. Bibcode: 2009PLoSO...4.5723F.
- ↑ 158.0 158.1 Franzen, J.L. (2000). "Europolemur kelleri n. sp. von Messel und ein Nachtrag zu Europolemur koenigswaldi (Mammalia, Primates, Notharctidae, Cercamoniinae)". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 80: 275–287. doi:10.1007/BF03043672.
- ↑ Franzen, J.L. (2000). "Der sechste Messel-Primate (Mammalia, Primates, Notharctidae, Cercamoniinae).". Senckenbergiana Lethaea 80: 289–303. doi:10.1007/BF03043673.
- ↑ Franzen, J.L.; Wilde, V. (2003). "First gut content of a fossil primate.". Journal of Human Evolution 44 (3): 373–378. doi:10.1016/S0047-2484(02)00204-X. PMID 12674096. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/47396681/s0047-2484_2802_2900204-x20160721-11743-1rhbnbh-with-cover-page-v2.pdf?Expires=1656492430&Signature=Ku6J396crINAg7M8~mWhICMLYvpfoVR1plrWKTQlhtMPvE6BNw5NdDhmlx6AcQ6aesaRMygaPKcnGwv1cqEXpp7aMhGv05-AjPpk2tRT5uxPAFFZ~G2vlwAWNW4uqmTNYUqDuuwwJdmHOM~zoGell54OuXCW6LiwTtL9nnsxSjS~cjEpmrTFHaNOLdGc4Fh5~Td0gIBA3wIhCH4p7ZbDLT4KSoCvmLw77hpbmFdqQIdfmjYKKMLRtPAx38c25-t0GKF7VROoxnD3-ZoILiD~Oc5ktMT5ZudrVbkZv~1Xj9jKT4Sq6a3tQGmmO5bg5EfdG3wjw6iAu6Fv67PnC0QrpA__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA.
- ↑ Heissig, K. (2003). "Origin and early dispersal of the squirrels and their relatives.". Deinsea 10 (1): 277–286.
- ↑ Storch, G.; Seiffert, C. (2007). "Extraordinarily preserved specimen of the oldest known glirid from the middle Eocene of Messel (Rodentia)". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 27 (1): 189–194. doi:10.1671/0272-4634(2007)27[189:EPSOTO2.0.CO;2].
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