Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 June 2020
A large sample (>100 specimens) of the fossil rodent Thisbemys Wood, 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. brevicrista Ostrander, 1986, is limited to the holotype, and all specimens previously referred to T. brevicrista are likely referable to T. plicatus Wood, 1962; (2) statistical analysis supports the separation of T. plicatus from T. corrugatus Wood, 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 delicatior Leidy, 1871, is suggested as the senior synonym of T. plicatus Wood, 1962; (4) T. perditus Wood, 1962, is limited to the early Eocene (Washatchian: Wa1-6); and (5) all specimens previously referred to T. nini Wood, 1962, except the holotype, are referred to T. perditus (fide Korth, 1984; contra Anderson, 2015).
UUID: http://zoobank.org/59c101e2-cd55-4dce-aeea-3da48c4fbd53