Metalopex fossil map
Where fossils of Metalopex have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 5 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 5 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 | 18.5–4.7 million years ago (Burdigalian to Zanclean) |
| Periods | Neogene |
| Family | Canidae |
| Named by | Tedford and Wang 2008 |
| Fossil records | 24 occurrences at 8 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States |
| Rock formations | txn:41189, Milk Creek, Thousand Creek, Mascall, Kern River, Dove Spring |
About Metalopex
Metalopex is an extinct hypocarnivorous canid mammal similar to Vulpes endemic to Late Miocene North America. Its sister taxon is the extant Urocyon; together, the two genera form a clade based on dentition. These same dental characteristics are shared by Otocyon and Protocyon.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Metalopex (revision 1265919546), 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: Q16963604.
