The Pliocene Canidae of Florida

Abstract

A new genus and species of canid, Carpocyon limosus is described from the Hemphillian (Middle Pliocene) Bone Valley Formation. Though showing strong omnivorous tendencies, it is not closely related to cynarctine canids; nor is it close to Actiocyon Stock which is here synonymized with Alopecocyon Camp and Vanderhoof. Carpocyon cuspidatus (Thorpe), new combination, from the late Barstovian (Late Miocene) of Nebraska, represents an earlier stage of evolution and suggests derivation of Carpocyon from Tomarctus.

Five species of Osteoborus are now known from Florida: (1) Osteoborus dudleyi (White), new combination, is a large, progressive species from the Bone Valley fauna. Pliogulo White is considered a synonym of Osteoborus Stirton and Vanderhoof. Osteoborus crassapineatus Olsen is placed in synonymy with O. dudleyi (White). (2) O. orc, new species, is a very small but advanced form from Withlacoochee River site 4A; and two less progressive species occur together in Mixson's Bone Bed, (3) O. galushai, a new medium-sized species, near O. cyonoides, and (4) a very large species near O. validus. The latter also occurs at McGehee Farm. (5) A species larger and even more primitive than O. galushai also occurs at MeGehee Farm and at Hogtown Creek site II. Until it can be characterized by more adequate material, it is referred to O. galushai.