Parahippus leonensis is an extinct proto-horse of the family Equidae that was endemic to North America during the Miocene from 23.030 to 16.3 Ma living for approximately .[1]
Parahippus leonensis was named for Leon or more specifically Leon County, Florida.[2]
Parahippus leonensis was named by Sellards (1916). Its type specimen is FGS 5084. Its type locality is Griscom Plantation site, which is in a Miocene marine limestone in the Torreya Formation of Florida. It was recombined as Hippodon leonensis by Quinn (1955); it was considered a nomen dubium by Macdonald (1992).[3]
Parahippus leonensis was the next step in evolution after Miohippus. Parahippus means "side horse" and has been called the evolutionary link between the older forest-dwelling horses and modern plains-dwelling grazers. It is believed to be a close relative to the group from which modern horses evolved.[4] [5] Side may refer to side branches on the posterior crest of the upper molars which separated Parahippus from Anchitherium.
This genus of horses had a long head with eyes situated back from the middle of the skull. It had three toes, like other primitive horses, however Parahippus leonensis had smaller side toes. It was a common species from the Great Plains to Florida.[6] Parahippus leonensis weighed in at about 72.5 kg (160 pounds).[7]
Parahippus leonensis was very likely the prey of Amphicyon or bear-dog, and dog-like Temnocyon.