Biology:Leptotragulus

Short description: Extinct genus of mammals

Leptotragulus Temporal range: Middle Eocene PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Artiodactyla
Family:	†Protoceratidae
Genus:	†Leptotragulus Scott & Osborn, 1887
Species
L. clarki Gazin, 1955 L. medius Peterson, 1919 L. proavus Scott & Osborn 1887 L. ultimus Schlaikjer, 1935
Range of Leptotragulus based on fossil record

Leptotragulus is an extinct genus of protoceratid, endemic to North America. It lived during the Middle Eocene epoch (Uintan to Chadronian stage) 40.2—33.9 Ma, existing for approximately 6 million years.

Leptotragulus resembled deer. However, they were more closely related to camelids. In addition to having horns in the more usual place, many protoceratids had additional, rostral horns above the orbital cavity. This genus, as well as many other Leptotragulines, was completely hornlees.

Fossil distribution

Fossils have been recovered from:

• Goshen Hole Formation, Goshen County, Wyoming
• Wiggins Formation, Fremont County, Wyoming

References

Wikidata ☰ Q6528587 entry