Home Previous Random Next Search
CHRIACUS
(cry-ak-us)
meaning: "Useful"
Named By: Edward Drinker Cope in 1883
Time Period: Early Paleocene-Early Eocene
Location: Canada, USA
Size: About 1 meter long
Diet: Probably an omnivore
Fossil(s): Around a hundred specimens, possibly more
Classification: | Chordata | Mammalia | Condylarthra | Arctocyonidae |
About

Chriacus is an extinct genus of prehistoric mammal which lived in North America around 63 million years ago. There are 9 valid species currently recognized.

Chriacus was a raccoon-like mammal of the Paleocene epoch, with a length of about 1 metre (3.3 ft) including its long, robust tail, which may or may not have been prehensile. It had a light build, weighing approximately 7 kg (15 lb), and was an agile tree-climber. Chriacus was plantigrade, that is, it walked on the soles of its five-toed feet which had long claws. Its legs were powerfully built, with flexible joints. The front legs could be used for digging, while the hind legs were best suited for climbing. It was probably an omnivore, like its relative, Arctocyon, eating fruit, eggs, insects and small mammals.

Read more about Chriacus at Wikipedia
PaleoCodex is a weekend hack by Saurav Mohapatra