Hyperailurictis

In 1858, the paleontologist Joseph Leidy described a new species of cat, Felis intrepidus, based on lower jaw fragments (a left ramus, described, and a right ramus, mentioned only and now lost) found somewhere in Nebraska near the Niobrara river.{{cite journal |author1=Leidy, Joseph |title=Notice of Remains of Extinct Vertebrata, from the Valley of the Niobrara River, Collected during the Exploring Expedition of 1857, in Nebraska, under the Command of Lieut. G. K. Warren, U. S. Top. Eng., by Dr. F. V. Hayden, Geologist to the Expedition. |journal=Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia |volume=10 |pages=15–89 |year=1858}} The fragments were later determined to have come from the lower Valentine Formation, making them late Barstovian in age. Leidy reassigned the specimens to Pseudaelurus as Pseudaelurus intrepidus in a 1869 paper.{{cite journal |author1=Rothwell, Tom |title=Phylogenetic systematics of North American Pseudaelurus (Carnivora: Felidae) |journal=American Museum Novitates |issue=3403 |year=2003 |pages=1–64 |url=http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/bitstream/handle/2246/2829/v2/dspace/ingest/pdfSource/nov/N3403.pdf?sequence=1&sa=U&ei=0S79UNrkFJSGhQeUhIDIBQ&ved=0CBUQFjAA&sig2=r_VziMUyYLwJPQq_P43EJw&usg=AFQjCNEfHwEMGAy1RZq4OJi40dkySY-o7A |issn=0003-0082 |doi=10.1206/0003-0082(2003)403<0001:PSONAP>2.0.CO;2|s2cid=67753626 }}

In 1873, an expedition collected another lower jaw from the lower Valentine Formation, which was described by Thorpe in 1922 as the holotype of the new species Pseudaelurus marshi. He also described a paratype, a left ramus collected from part of the Ogallala Group (also of Barstovian age).{{cite journal |author1=Thorpe, M. R. |title=Some Tertiary Carnivora in the Marsh collection, with descriptions of new forms |journal=American Journal of Science |volume=3 |issue=18 |pages=423–455 |year=1922|doi=10.2475/ajs.s5-3.18.423 |bibcode=1922AmJS....3..423T |url=https://zenodo.org/record/2282464 }}

In 1934, Chester Stock assigned five specimens to Pseudaelurus intrepidus. The specimens, which included the first cranial and upper dental material to be assigned to North American Pseudaelurus, were found at an early Barstovian locality in Nevada. One specimen, a skull, would later undergo considerable plaster restoration.

In 1948, J. R. Macdonald described Pseudaelurus pedionomus based on a considerable amount of material (including a good part of the skeleton) from an early Clarendonian locality in Nebraska.{{cite journal |author1=Macdonald, J. R. |title=A new species of Pseudaelurus from the Lower Pliocene of Nebraska|journal=University of California Publications, Bulletin of the Department of Geological Sciences |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=45–52 |year=1948a}} Shortly after, he also described Pseudaelurus thinobates, a larger species from a late Clarendonian locality in California.{{cite journal |author1=Macdonald, J. R. |title=The Pliocene carnivores of the Black Hawk Ranch fauna |journal=University of California Publications in Geological Sciences |volume=28 |pages=53–80 |year=1948b}} However, David Kitt removed Pseudaelurus thinobates from the genus, placing it instead as Nimravides thinobates, during a 1958 study.{{cite journal |author1=Kitt, David B. |title=Nimravides, a New Genus of Felidae from the Pliocene of California, Texas and Oklahoma|journal=Journal of Mammalogy |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=368–375 |year=1958 |doi=10.2307/1376145|jstor=1376145}} Subsequently, a review of the genus reassigned Pseudaelurus pedionomus to the new genus as Nimravides pedionomus.{{cite journal |author1=Beaumont, G. |title=Contribution à l'étude du genre Nimravides Kitts (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae). L'espèce N. pedionomus (Macdonald) |journal=Archives des Sciences, Genève |volume=43 |pages=125–157 |year=1990}}

J. R. Macdonald described a third species, Pseudaelurus aeluroides, in 1954 based on a single lower jaw fragment. The fragment was found in the lower Snake Creek locality, and was from the early Barstovian.{{cite journal |author1=Macdonald, J. R. |title=A new Pseudaelurus from the lower Snake Creek fauna of Nebraska |journal=Journal of Paleontology |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=67–69 |year=1954}} The fragment remained the only specimen assigned to Ps. aeluroides, and an examination of illustration and measurements of the fragment in 2003 lead Tom Rothwell to suggest that it actually belonged to a juvenile Ps. marshi.

In 1963, some early Clarendonian material from Colorado, mostly skeletal pieces and all from a single individual, was referred to genus Pseudaelurus, but a species determination was not made.

In 1969, some material from the Hemphillian of Texas was referred to the new species Pseudaelurus hibbardi.{{cite journal |author1=Dalquest, W. W. |title=Pliocene carnivores of the Coffee Ranch |journal=Texas Memorial Museum Bulletin |volume=15 |pages=1–43 |year=1969}} Similar in size to Nimravides pedionomus, this was referred in 2003 to Nimravides hibbardi instead.

In 2001, Tom Rothwell described a skeleton from the later Hemingfordian as Pseudaelurus validus. The skeleton was originally collected in 1939 from the Nambe Member locality in New Mexico. In the same paper, he also assigned a number of specimens collected from multiple localities in Nebraska, dated to the late Hemingfordian and early Barstovian.{{cite journal |author1=Rothwell, Tom |title=A partial skeleton of Pseudaelurus (Carnivora, Felidae) from the Nambé Member of the Tesuque Formation, Española Basin, New Mexico |journal=American Museum Novitates |issue=3342 |pages=1–31 |year=2001 |issn=0003-0082 |doi=10.1206/0003-0082(2001)342<0001:APSOPC>2.0.CO;2 |s2cid=54211452 |url=http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/bitstream/handle/2246/2895/n3342.pdf?sequence=1}}

A systematic review of the genus in 2003 by Tom Rothwell nominated a new species, Pseudaelurus skinneri, and recombined Lynx stouti as Pseudaelurus stouti. Pseudaelurus skinneri was described based on several jaw fragments collected from various late Hemingfordian localities in Nebraska. Lynx stouti was first described in 1972 based on some late Barstovian material, a partial skull and mandible, collected in Colorado.{{cite journal |author1=Schultz, C. B. |author2=Martin, L. D. |title=Two lynx-like cats from the Pliocene and Pleistocene |journal=Bulletin of the Nebraska State Museum |volume=9 |issue=7 |pages=197–203 |year=1972}} He also referred a number of other specimens, collected from early Barstovian localities in Nebraska and New Mexico and from late Barstovian localities in New Mexico and Colorado, to Pseudaelurus stouti.

The genus Hyperailurictis was first described in 1929 by Miklós Kretzoi, using Pseudaelurus intrepidus as the type species, proposed to include all Pseudaelurus-grade felids from North America.{{cite journal |author1=Kretzoi, M. |title=Materialien zur phylogenetischen Klassifikation der Aeluroideen |journal=Int Cong Zool Budapest |volume=10 |pages=1293–1355 |year=1929b}} However, this was largely ignored by later studies until a 2010 review of the Felidae as a whole brought up the proposal again, leading to some authors, though not all, recognizing the generic split.{{cite book |title=Biology and Conservation of Wild Felids |year=2010 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |author=Werdelin, Lars |author2=O'Brien, Stephen J. |author3=Johnson, Warren |author4=Yamaguchi, Nobuyuki |editor=Macdonald, D.W. |editor2=Loveridge, A.J. |chapter=Phylogeny and evolution of cats (Felidae) |chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266755142 |isbn=9780199234455}}

Hyperailurictis intrepidus was a relatively large species, comparable in size to a modern-day leopard, and overlapping in size with the Eurasian Pseudaelurus quadridentatus. H. marshi was also a large species, but differed from H. intrepidus because of certain mandibular features. H. stouti, which was contemporary with the two, was by contrast a very small and slender felid. H. validus overlaps in size with H. intrepidus and H. marshi, being similar in size to a leopard. The final species, H. skinneri is much smaller than H. validus, overlapping in size with the Eurasian species Pseudaelurus lorteti, P. cuspidatus, and P. guangheensis.

{{Location map+ |North America |float=right |width=300 |caption=Location of Pseudaelurus grade fossils in North America based on Paleobiology Database.{{cite web |title=Pseudaelurus |url=https://www.paleobiodb.org/navigator |website=paleobiodb.org |publisher=The data were downloaded from the Paleobiology Database on June 27, 2017 using the taxon name 'Pseudaelurus' |access-date=June 27, 2017}} 8px, Hyperailurictis.

|places=

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.799999|-100.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Big Beaver A (Ash Hollow), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|43.200001|-101.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Big Spring Canyon (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.900002|-98.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Forked Hills of Hayden (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.799999|-100.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Fort Niobrara (Valentine), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|41.5|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Immense Journey Quarry (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.900002|-98.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus marshi from Joseph Jamber Quarry (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|40.799999|-103.099998}} |label=Pseudaelurus stouti from Kennesaw (Pawnee Creek Beds), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|41.5|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Mastodon Quarry (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.799999|-100.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus marshi from Mouth of Minnechaduza Creek (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|41.299999|-105.099998}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Trail Creek Quarry (Ash Hollow), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.799999|-100.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus marshi from Valentine Railway Quarries (Valentine), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.799999|-100.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Valentine Railway Quarries (Valentine), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.599998|-98}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Verdigre Quarry (Valentine), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|43.299999|-102.5}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Wolf Creek (SDSM V-5324) (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|21.083332|-100.666664}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Rancho El Ocote (Basal) (Rancho Viejo Beds), MX |position=none |mark= Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|28.799999|-108}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Yepomera (), MX |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|49.200001|-106.199997}} |label=Pseudaelurus aeluroides from Yost Farm (Wood Mountain), CA |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|43.599998|-117.5}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Black Butte (UO 2343) (Juntura), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|38.25|-117.900002}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Cedar Mountain (Esmeralda), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|37.956669|-118.031944}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Fish Lake Valley (Esmeralda), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|43.599998|-117.5}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Juniper Creek (UO 2451) (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|43.599998|-117.5}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Red Basin (UO 2495) (Butte Creek Volcanic Sandstone), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|38.099998|-117.300003}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Tonopah (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|34.799999|-117}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Avawatz Mountains (Avawatz), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|34.299999|-119}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Kent Quarry (DS Caliente), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|35.5|-106.199997}} |label=Pseudaelurus validus from Nambe (Tesuque), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|34.299999|-119}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Quatal Canyon South Side 3 (MR Caliente), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|34.700001|-113.400002}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Wikieup (Big Sandy), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|35|-100.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Adam Risley Ranch (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|29.265278|-103.045555}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Screw Bean (Banta Shut-In), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.033333|-102.75}} |label=Pseudaelurus aeluroides from Northeast Rim of Sinclair Draw (Olcott), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.400002|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Rhino Quarry (F:AM) (Sheep Creek), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|35.299999|-118.5}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Sharktooth Hill (terrestrial mammals) (Temblor), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|36.544167|-120.553055}} |label=Pseudaelurus marshi from UCMP V-99563 (Temblor), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.400002|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus validus from Greenside Quarry (Sheep Creek), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.400002|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus validus from Pliohippus Draw (Lower) (Sheep Creek), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.400002|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus validus from Humbug Quarry (Olcott), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.400002|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus validus from Far Surface Quarry (Olcott), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.400002|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus validus from North Wall Quarry (Olcott), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.1856|-103.732651}} |label=Pseudaelurus validus from Echo Quarry (Olcott), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|34.299999|-119}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Quatal Canyon South Side 14 (DSC Caliente), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|35.299999|-118.5}} |label=Pseudaelurus intrepidus from Sharktooth Hill (Temblor), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.400002|-103.800003}} |label=Pseudaelurus from Princeton Loc. 1000C (Olcott), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.683334|-102.849998}} |label=Pseudaelurus marshi from Observation Quarry (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

{{location map~ |North America |coordinates={{coord|42.683334|-102.849998}} |label=Pseudaelurus stouti from Observation Quarry (), US |position=none |mark=Blue_pog.svg}}

}}

Hyperailurictis validus and Hyperailurictis skinneri are the earliest recorded species, both occurring in various late Hemingfordian localities; H. validus in New Mexico and Nebraska, and H. skinneri only in Nebraska. H. validus is also known from several early Barstovian localities in Nebraska.

Also known from early Barstovian-aged localities are the species H. intrepidus (localities in Texas, Colorado, Nevada, California, and Nebraska), H marshi (localities in Texas, California, Colorado, and Nebraska) and H. stouti (from localities in Nebraska and New Mexico). The dubious species H. aeluroides is also based on a fossil from the early Barstovian; the fossil in question was found in Nebraska.

In addition, H. intrepidus, H. marshi, and H. stouti are all known from localities of late Barstovian age. H. intrepidus and H. marshi are both known from localities in Nebraska and California, with H. marshi additionally occurring in localities in Colorado and New Mexico. H. stouti has been recorded in localities in Colorado and New Mexico as well.

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{{Feliformia|Fel.|state=collapsed}}

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Category:Prehistoric felids

Category:Prehistoric carnivoran genera

Category:Miocene mammals of North America

Category:Miocene carnivorans

Category:Fossil taxa described in 1858

Category:Fossil taxa described in 1929