Xenosmilus fossil map
Where fossils of Xenosmilus 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 | 3.6–0.21 million years ago (Piacenzian to Chibanian) |
| Periods | Neogene, Quaternary |
| Family | Felidae |
| Named by | Martin et al. 2000 |
| Fossil records | 6 occurrences at 2 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States, Venezuela |
| Rock formations | txn:41045, Mesa |
About Xenosmilus
Xenosmilus (from Ancient Greek ξένος (xénos), meaning "strange", and σμίλη (smílē), meaning "knife, chisel") is an extinct genus of homotherin machairodontine felid (saber-toothed cat) that roamed North America from the Early Pleistocene. The type species of the genus, X. hodsonae, is known from Early Pleistocene deposits in Florida.
Over the recent years, scientists have proposed X. venezuelensis (formerly Homotherium venezuelensis) could be a valid species within the genus, in addition to a possible third unnamed species, cf. Xenosmilus sp., from Uruguay. If valid, both species would extend the genus' range into the Middle Pleistocene and South America.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Xenosmilus (revision 1379966040), 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: Q141533.
