Aurimys fossil map
Where fossils of Aurimys have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 15 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 15 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Early mammals |
|---|---|
| Lived | 29.5–5.333 million years ago (Rupelian to Messinian) |
| Periods | Paleogene, Neogene |
| Family | Heteromyidae |
| Named by | Samuels et al. 2023 |
| Fossil records | 2 occurrences at 1 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States |
| Rock formations | John Day |
About Aurimys
Aurimys is an extinct genus of rodent from the Early Miocene of North America containing one species, Aurimys xeros. It was described in 2023 from a specimen found in the Johnson Canyon Member of the John Day Formation in Oregon, United States. The material of the type specimen consists of a mostly complete skull, some foot bones, and a caudal vertebra. The skull, which is about 48.50 millimeters (1.909 in) in length, was noted for its prominent auditory bullae. Based on the skull's size, it is estimated to have been the largest member of its family, the Heteromyidae. In life, it is believed to have been omnivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of plants, and, unlike its living relatives, quadrupedal. It is one of numerous mammals known from the Johnson Canyon Member.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Aurimys (revision 1370050125), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q123943956.
