Heptodon fossil map
Where fossils of Heptodon have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 56 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 56 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 | 56–45.9 million years ago (Ypresian to Lutetian) |
| Periods | Paleogene |
| Named by | Cope 1882 |
| Fossil records | 222 occurrences at 40 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States, China, Canada |
| Rock formations | Willwood, Wind River, DeBeque, Wasatch, txn:NF, San Jose |
About Heptodon
Heptodon is an extinct genus of tapir-type herbivore of the family Helaletidae endemic to North America during the Early Eocene. It lived from 50.3—48.6 mya, existing for approximately 1.7 million years.
Heptodon was about 1 metre (3.3 ft) in length, and closely resembled modern tapirs. The shape of the skull suggests that it probably lacked the characteristic tapir trunk. Instead it probably had a slightly elongated, fleshy upper lip, like its relative Helaletes.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Heptodon (revision 1369924825), 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: Q2669763.
