Telicomys Explained

Telicomys is an extinct genus of rodent from the Solimões Formation, Brazil, South America.

Description

This rodent weighed approximately .[1] With a length of more than 2m (07feet) in T. gigantissimus, it contains two or three of the largest rodents that ever lived, along with Phoberomys, Josephoartigasia, and the giant beaver. It is part of the same South American radiation of rodents as both Phoberomys and the modern capybara, which is the largest living rodent, reaching lengths of up to 1.35m (04.43feet). The closest living relative to Telicomys is the pacarana.[2] Its name derives from Greek τηλικος + μυς = "a mouse [= rodent] of such a size".

Notes and References

  1. Book: History of Terrestrial Mammals in South America. Springer International Publishing. 2018. 2022-08-27. 153. Thomas Defler. 978-3-319-98449-0.
  2. Book: Palmer, D.. 1999 . The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. Marshall Editions. London. 284. 1-84028-152-9.