Smilodectes fossil map
Where fossils of Smilodectes 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 | 51.1–45.9 million years ago (Ypresian to Lutetian) |
| Periods | Paleogene |
| Family | Notharctidae |
| Named by | Wortman 1903 |
| Fossil records | 118 occurrences at 13 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States |
| Rock formations | Bridger, Green River, Huerfano, Aycross, Willwood, Wind River |
About Smilodectes
Smilodectes is a genus of adapiform primate that lived in North America during the middle Eocene. It possesses a post-orbital bar and grasping thumbs and toes. Smilodectes has a small cranium size and the foramen magnum was located at the back of the skull, on the occipital bone.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Smilodectes (revision 1315835099), 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: Q4424520.
