Metacheiromys

Metacheiromys Temporal range: Middle Eocene PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Metacheiromys tatusia skeleton.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Pholidota
Family:	†Metacheiromyidae
Genus:	†Metacheiromys

Metacheiromys is an extinct genus of mammal from the Mid Eocene of what is now Wyoming.

Restoration

Metacheiromys looked superficially like a modern mongoose, and measured around 45 centimetres (18 in) long. It had long claws and a narrow head similar in shape to that of an armadillo or an anteater (though it was actually related to the modern pangolins). The shape of its claws suggests that it probably dug through the soil in search of food, most likely small invertebrates. Unlike modern anteaters or pangolins, it had powerful canine teeth, but only a very few cheek teeth, instead using horny pads in its mouth to crush its food.^[1]

Metacheiromys and its relatives are thought to be related to pangolins.

References

1. ^ Palmer, D., ed (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 206. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.