Pannonictis

Pannonictis is a genus of extinct mustelids. It is first known from the very Late Pliocene and survived until the end of the Villafranchian, and is most commonly recorded from deposits between 2.6 and 1.4 Ma. Remains of Pannonictis have been found throughout Eurasia, from the Iberian peninsula to eastern China.[2]

Pannonictis
Temporal range: Late Pliocene - Mid Pleistocene
Fossil of Pannonictis nestii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Subfamily: Ictonychinae
Genus: †Pannonictis
Kormos, 1931[1]
Type species
†Pannonictis pliocaenica
Kormos, 1931
Other Species
  • P. nestii
  • P. pachygnatha

Taxonomy

Pannonictis is closely related to another prehistoric genus, Enhydrictis.[3] At least three species are recognized; P. pliocaenica, P. pachygnatha and P. nestii.[4] Another species known as P. pilgrimi is no longer valid, and most likely a synonym of P. pliocaenica.[2]

Description

As with many living mustelids, Pannonictis likely displayed pronounced sexual dimorphism. In fact, the small species known as P. pilgrimi is now often considered merely a female form of the larger P. pliocaenica. P. nestii was the smallest and most slender species of the genus as well as the latest surviving member. P. pachygnatha is a more robust species, with specific dental and mandible differences.[2]

An otter-like aquatic lifestyle for Pannonictis is not likely, but it has been suggested it inhabited areas near river courses, much like their phylogenetic descendant, the living grison.

References
  1. "Pannonictis". Fossilworks.
  2. Garcia, N. (March 2008). "The Epivillafranchian carnivore Pannonictis (Mammalia, Mustelidae) from Sima del Elefante (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain) and a revision of the Eurasian occurrences from a taxonomic perspective". Quaternary International. 179 (1): 42–52. Bibcode:2008QuInt.179...42G. doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2007.09.031.
  3. van der Geer, Alexandra; Lyras, George; de Vos, John (2011). Evolution of Island Mammals: Adaptation and Extinction of Placental Mammals on Islands. Wiley. p. 129. ISBN 9781119675747.
  4. Rook, L. (January 1995). "Pannonictis nestii (Carnivora, Mammalia) from the late Villafranchian of Pietrafitta (Umbria, Italy). Preliminary note". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
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