The systematic status and evolutionary significance of the robust tuco-tuco Ctenomys latidens from the Pleistocene of central Argentina

Abstract

We conduct a systematic review of the extinct robust species of Ctenomys from the Early-Middle Pleistocene of central Argentina to assess the systematic status of †Ctenomys latidens. Based on qualitative comparisons and geometric morphometric evidence, †Ctenomys latidens is identified as a well-supported species, clearly distinguishable from †Ctenomys magnus and †Ctenomys kraglievichi. We propose †Ctenomys intermedius Rusconi, 1931a, and †Ctenomys dasseni Rusconi, 1931a as junior synonyms of †C. latidens. Accordingly, †Ctenomys latidens is recorded in the late Ensenadan age (late Early to early Middle Pleistocene) of Buenos Aires Province in central Argentina. Additionally, we suggest upgrading †Ctenomys intermedius tandilensis Rusconi, 1931a, and †Ctenomys latidens orthognathus Rusconi, 1931a to full species status. Finally, we demonstrate that the name †Plateomys scindens cannot be applied to the Early Pliocene Octodontidae currently recognised as †Pseudoplataeomys formosus, as that taxon is a potential junior synonym of †Ctenomys latidens.