Submyotodon


Submyotodon is a genus of vespertilionid bats, published as a new taxon in 2003 to describe a Miocene fossil species. Extant species and subspecies previously included in Myotis were later transferred to this genus.

Taxonomy and etymology

Submyotodon was described as a new genus of bat in 2003, based on fossil specimens found near Eichstätt, Germany.
The type species is Submyotodon petersbuchensis.
The genus name Submyotodon is from the Latin prefix , + the Greek roots + + . This refers to the fact that its molars are similar to those of the mouse-eared bats, e.g. "myotodont" molars.
Myotodont molars are characterized by a postcristid that links to the entoconid.
Submyotodon is the second extant genus included in the subfamily Myotinae. Before the description of Submyotodon and analysis of its phylogenetics, the only member of Myotinae was the genus Myotis.

Species

The extinct S. petersbuchensis was discovered in Germany.
The three extant species are found in Asia, including Taiwan, India, and China.