A review of the genusChasmaporthetesHay, 1921 (Carnivora, Hyaenidae)

Abstract

Fossil finds of the hyaenid genus Chasmaporthetes are reviewed. We consider the characters distinguishing this genus from Euryboas invalid and synonymize the two genera. The following species are included within the genus Chasmaporthetes: C. borissiaki (Khomenko), C. lunensis (Del Campana), with two subspecies, C. l. lunensis, from Europe, and C. l. honanensis, from China, C. nitidula (Ewer), C. ossifragus Hay, with two subspecies, C. o. ossifragus from the western United States, and C. ossifragus, an unnamed new subspecies from Florida, and C. exitelus, a new species from the Turolian of China. The presence of sexual dimorphism in C. lunensis is indicated from canine size. The stratigraphie range of the genus is early Blancan-Irvingtonian (North America), Turolian-Villa-franchian (Eurasia), Langebaanian to lower Pleistocene (Africa). The possible relationships of Chasmaporthetes are considered, and it is concluded that the genus is most closely related to the genus Thalassictis.