| Buxolestes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Buxolestes minor fromMessel Pit Fossil Site at theNaturmuseum Senckenberg | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | †Pantolesta |
| Family: | †Pantolestidae |
| Subfamily: | †Pantolestinae |
| Genus: | †Buxolestes Jaeger, 1970 |
Buxolestes is an extinctgenus of semi-aquatic, non-placentaleutherianmammals belonging to the familyPantolestidae. Species in this genus were part of the first placentalevolutionary radiation during theMiddle Eocene (48-40 mya) and found in theBracklesham Group andWittering Formation ofEngland, at theMessel Pit inGermany and inBouxwiller, France.
Buxolestes were otter-like freshwater fish predators with a body length reaching about 46 centimetres (18 in) and a tail about 35 centimetres (14 in) long. They were significantly smaller than most living species of otters.Fossilized stomach contents confirm their semiaquatic freshwater habits. The anatomy of these archaic "insectivorous" mammals is known through well-preserved MiddleEocene specimens found atMessel inGermany. Their structure evidences a clear adaptation to a semiaquatic way of life. The forelimbs and hindlimbs are powerful and show strong claws. The tail is clearly fit for swimming. The skull is long, with large molars that appear to be adapted to a diet of molluscs with shells (freshwater clams andfreshwater snails), but the predilection postulated from the dentition has not been confirmed.
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