| Didelphodon | |
|---|---|
| |
| Didelphodon vorax as it appeared in Walking with Dinosaurs | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Infraclass: | Metatheria |
| Family: | †Stagodontidae |
| Genus: | †Didelphodon Marsh, 1889 |
| Type species | |
| †Didelphodon vorax Marsh, 1889 | |
| Referred species | |
| |
Didelphodon was a otter-like marsupial that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous, 66 million years ago. It was probably an egg thief. It was probably the most successful mammal of the Mesozoic era, from its relatively large size, and its speedy nature.
Description[]
Although perhaps little larger than a Virginia opossum, with a maximum skull length of 12.21 centimeters (4.81 inches) and a weight of 5 kilograms (11 lbs), Didelphodon was a large mammal by Mesozoic standards. According to the British Broadcasting Company, or BBC, the Didelphodon was about as large as the Cretaceous mammals got, and was probably the largest in North America at that time. Little did our little Didelphodon know, he would be the foundation for the huge marsupials that reigned the Cenozoic.
Discovery[]
Three species of Didelphodon are known: D. vorax, D. padanicus, and D. coyi.
Classification[]
Didelphodon is a stagodontid marsupial related to Eodelphis and Pariadens. All with otter-like marsupial natures.
Paleobiology[]
Although it has been argued on the basis of the shape of referred tarsal bones that Didelphodon and other stagodontids were semiaquatic due to having flexible feet, these traits may in fact be evidence of increased rigidity in the foot.
In popular culture[]
- Didelphodon was seen in walking with dinosaurs, portrayed as a tasmianian devil like animal that scavenges similar to a raccoon, and is later shown to raid a Tyrannosaurus nest and scavenges flesh off of a Torosaurus corpse, a likely scene during the Late Cretaceous if we traveled back.
Gallery[]
Didelphodon/Gallery