A large sample (>100 specimens) of the fossil rodent ThisbemysWood, 1959, from the early Eocene (late Bridgerian; Br3) Washakie Formation of Wyoming is described. Two species are recognized: a new species, T. intermedius n. sp., and Thisbemys cf. T. uintensis (Osborn, 1895). The large sample size of the former has allowed for a detailed study of variation in size and morphology within the species based on tooth-wear. As a result, some systematic changes in the species included in this genus are suggested: (1) T. brevicristaOstrander, 1986, is limited to the holotype, and all specimens previously referred to T. brevicrista are likely referable to T. plicatusWood, 1962; (2) statistical analysis supports the separation of T. plicatus from T. corrugatusWood, 1959, based on its smaller size and less-crenulated cheek teeth, which corroborates their existence at different horizons (T. plicatus earlier Bridgerian [Br2], T. corrugatus late Bridgerian [Br3]); (3) Paramys delicatiorLeidy, 1871, is suggested as the senior synonym of T. plicatusWood, 1962; (4) T. perditusWood, 1962, is limited to the early Eocene (Washatchian: Wa1-6); and (5) all specimens previously referred to T. niniWood, 1962, except the holotype, are referred to T. perditus (fide Korth, 1984; contra Anderson, 2015).
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9 October 2020
The Eocene ischyromyid rodent Thisbemys from the Washakie Formation, Wyoming (early Eocene, late Bridgerian) with comments on the systematics of the genus
William W. Korth
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Journal of Paleontology
Vol. 94 • No. 6
November 2020
Vol. 94 • No. 6
November 2020