@1 MYA (?)
SPECIES:
Xenosmilus
hodsonae
None currently listed
One of the more recently discovered extinct cats, information on Xenosmilus has been difficult to find. The information on this page is compiled of articles I have come across so far, I will be adding more information as it is found.
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Recently discovered by amateur fossil hunters searching a mining fissure in central Florida, Xenosmilus has introduced paleontologists to a new type of saber tooth cat. The fossils were discovered in 1983, but have only in recent years has information from their study been published. This is not uncommon in paleontological research, as often many years are necessary to make detailed restoration and measurements in order to publish accurate information. |
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The most striking information about Xenosmilus is it's completely unique morphology. Previously, there were only two forms of known sabertooth categories:
Dirk-tooth: those with long, narrow upper canines and short legs, such as the well known Smilodon and the lesser known Megantereon.
Scimitar-tooth: Shorter, broader upper canines and long legs, such as Homotherium and Machairodus.
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However, from the partial skeletons found in Florida, Xenosmilus has been found to have the short, broad upper canines of the Scimitar tooth cats and the robust short legged build of the Dirk tooth cats. Xenosmilus was about the size of a modern lion, and more muscular than the Smilodon species. It is assumed that Xenosmilus preyed upon wild pigs, for several skeletons of this type were found in the cave deposits along with the cats. |
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Sources: 'KU
Researcher Labels New Sabertooth Fossil Find Fantastic' University of Kansas
Website
'Making
Prehistory: Virginia Naples is Putting a New Face on a Very Old Saber-toothed
Cat' Northern Illinois Website
