Cladosictis Explained

Cladosictis (meaning "branch weasel") is an extinct genus of South American metatherian from Patagonia, Argentina (Chichinales, Cerro Bandera, Sarmiento and Santa Cruz Formations) and Chile (Río Frias Formation).[1]

Description

Cladosictis was a fox-like creature that was around 80cm (30inches) long. Cladosictis probably hunted for eggs and small animals in the low undergrowth, using its low posture for cover. With sharp canines and slicing carnassials, Cladosictiss teeth were similar to those of carnivorans, although the groups were unrelated.[2]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.fossilworks.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?a=taxonInfo&taxon_no=40020 Cladosictis
  2. Book: Palmer, D.. 1999 . The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. Marshall Editions. London. 202–203. 1-84028-152-9.