A new Megadolodinae (Mammalia, Litopterna, Protherotheriidae) from the Urumaco Formation (Late Miocene) of Venezuela

Abstract

A new genus and species of Proterotheriidae Megadolodinae, Bounodus enigmaticus, from the Upper Miocene Urumaco Formation of Venezuela, is described on the basis of a poorly preserved right maxillary fragment with brachydont cheek teeth. Teeth and alveoli preserved are interpreted as part of the alveolus of P3 and P4–M3. The new taxon differs from Megadolodus, the only other known genus of the subfamily, in having a proportionally smaller P4 and M1, the latter elongated antero-posteriorly and with the protocone root more mesial than that of the hypocone. Bounodus enigmaticus gen. et sp. nov., reinforces the hypothesis that the Megadolodinae represent a distinct radiation within the Proterotheriidae, the two othermajor clades being the Anisolambdinae and Proterotheriinae.