Orthogeomys fossil map
Where fossils of Orthogeomys have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 0 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 0 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 | 4.7–0.21 million years ago (Zanclean to Chibanian) |
| Periods | Neogene, Quaternary |
| Family | Geomyidae |
| Named by | Merriam 1895 |
| Fossil records | 12 occurrences at 5 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States |
| Rock formations | txn:41651, Tamiami, Caloosahatchee |
About Orthogeomys
The giant pocket gopher (Orthogeomys grandis), also known as the Oaxacan pocket gopher, is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is found in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. It is the type species of the genus Orthogeomys; some zoologists also include in this genus species that have recently been placed in Heterogeomys.
It is 22–30 cm (9–12 in) long, and 480–985 g (1–2 lb) in weight.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Giant pocket gopher (revision 1366145148), 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: Q597103.
