A new genus and species of dasyurid from the Pliocene Chinchilla Local Fauna of south-eastern Queensland

Abstract

A new genus and species of dasyurid is described on the basis of P³, M¹–M³ and M_2–3 collected from the middle Pliocene Chinchilla Local Fauna of south-eastern Queensland. Character analysis supports the placement of this new taxon within the dasyurid subfamily Dasyurinae. Derived dasyuromorphian features common to A. chinchillaensis and most dasyurines include: reduction of P³, reduction of stylar cusp B on M¹; reduction of metaconids; approximation of stylar cusp B and the metacone on M¹; alignment of the postmetacrista on M¹ with the long axis of the maxilla and an oblique orientation of the hypocristids with respect to the long axis of the teeth. However in most instances, A. chinchillaensis is less specialised than other members of the subfamily for characters considered. One derived dental feature, reduction of the entoconid, may indicate a special relationship with ‘parantechinines’, Dasyuroides and/or Dasycercus. Additionally, the presence of this feature is suggestive of an open woodland/seasonal habitat. Autapomorphic P³ morphology compounds difficulties with the phylogenetic placement of this taxon.

Key words:

• Archerium chinchillaensis
• Dasyuromorphia
• Dasyuridae
• Dasyurinae
• Pliocene