- Source: Hypolagus
Hypolagus is an extinct genus of lagomorph, first recorded in the Hemingfordian (early to middle Miocene) of North America. It entered Asia during the early Turolian and spread to Europe not much later, where it survived until the Middle Pleistocene. Though unknown in the Iberian Peninsula, fossils of this genus have been found in the Balearic Islands, suggesting an eastern migration during the dry period in the Mediterranean region known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis.
Hypolagus generally shows features intermediate between rabbits and hares. Hypolagus balearicus was the smallest species at 1.3–2.7 kg (2.9–6.0 lb) and showed several peculiar features, such as short elbow-to-humerus ratio and robustness of the ulna.
Species
Many species of Hypolagus have been described, including 12 from North America. Some of these species may be synonymous with others.
North American species
Hypolagus arizonensis
Hypolagus edensis - Late Pliocene
Hypolagus fontinalis
Hypolagus furlongi - Late Pliocene - Early Pleistocene
Hypolagus gidleyi - Late Pliocene
Hypolagus oregonensis
Hypolagus parviplicatus
Hypolagus regalis - Late Pliocene
Hypolagus ringoldensis - Late Miocene to Early Pleistocene, Ringold Formation, Washington
Hypolagus tedfordi- Late Pliocene
Hypolagus vetus - Late Miocene
Hypolagus voorhiesi - Late Pliocene
Eurasian species
Hypolagus balearicus - Early Pliocene, Mallorca and possibly Ibiza
Hypolagus brachygnathus - Late Pliocene to Middle Pleistocene, Europe
Hypolagus gromovi - Late Turolian to Early Ruscinian, Caucasus region
Hypolagus mazegouensis - Late Pliocene, China
Hypolagus multiplicatus - Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene, Baikal region
Hypolagus peregrinus - Early Pleistocene, Sicily
Hypolagus petenyii (= H. beremendensis) - Early Pliocene to Early Pleistocene, Europe
Hypolagus schreuderae - Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene, China
Hypolagus transbaicalicus - Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene, Baikal region