Archaic mammal from the late Paleocene of North America, belonging to the
plesiadapiform family Carpolestidae; three known
species. Believed to have evolved from Elphidotarsius and to have given rise to Carpolestes.
Dental formula: 2.1.3.3 2.1.2.3; lower
premolar bladelike (plagiaulacoid dentition) and enlarged compared with its Elphidotarsius predecessor;
diet probably a high-energy
food.
Body mass of the
species between 50 and 100 g.