Eogliravus fossil map
Where fossils of Eogliravus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 45 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 45 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 | 56–37.71 million years ago (Ypresian to Bartonian) |
| Periods | Paleogene |
| Family | Gliridae |
| Named by | Hartenberger 1971 |
| Fossil records | 6 occurrences at 3 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | France, Spain |
| Rock formations | txn:41578, Escanilla |
About Eogliravus
Eogliravus is an extinct genus containing the earliest known fossil dormouse.
Originally described from a few scattered teeth, a complete skeleton of E.wildi was later uncovered from the Messel Formation. This was remarkably well preserved, including some soft body parts, with the outline of individual hairs from its coat and bushy tail being visible. The animal measured approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) from the nose to the tip of the tail. The shape and proportion of the limb bones suggest that it would have been a skilled climber and likely arboreal. The gut included remains of seeds and softer plant matter. The eye sockets were relatively large, suggesting a nocturnal or crepuscular lifestyle.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Eogliravus (revision 1337411021), 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: Q123478788.
