Palaeochiropteryx fossil map
Where fossils of Palaeochiropteryx 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 | Palaeochiropterygidae |
| Named by | Revilliod 1917 |
| Fossil records | 12 occurrences at 5 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | France, Germany, United States |
| Rock formations | txn:135585, Messel, "Sheep Pass" |
About Palaeochiropteryx
Palaeochiropteryx ( PAL-ee-oh-ky-ROP-tər-iks) is an extinct genus of bat from the Middle Eocene of Europe and North America. It contains three very similar species – Palaeochiropteryx tupaiodon and Palaeochiropteryx spiegeli, both from the famous Messel Pit of Germany, as well as Palaeochiropteryx sambuceus from the Sheep Pass Formation (Nevada, United States). They are usually found complete and exceptionally preserved, even retaining the outlines of their fur, ears, and wing membranes.
They are one of the oldest bats known, existing around 48 million years ago. Despite this, they were already quite advanced, showing evidence of the ability to hunt by echolocation like modern insect-eating bats.
Palaeochiropteryx were small bats, with a wingspan between 25 and 30 cm (9.8 and 11.8 in). Their wings were short but broad, indicating an adaptation for slow but highly maneuverable flight beneath forest canopies and among dense vegetation. They preyed mostly on moths and caddisflies and were probably nocturnal.
Along with the contemporary Hassianycteris, Palaeochiropteryx is among the first fossil mammals to have its coloration determined through analysis of melanosomes.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Palaeochiropteryx (revision 1354645822), 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: Q1440254.
