Description

Late Eocene (Priabonian)

Euzet-les-Bains, France

52mm jaw section with 3 teeth.

Mammal, Palaeotheriidae.

Lophiotherium is a genus in the Family Palaeotheriidae, a group that has been considered an offshoot of the horse family (Equidae) or a sister taxon of the horse family, that meaning that horses and paleotheres share a common ancestor.  At least some paleotheres have also been considered true horses due to the distinguishing features being rather subtle.  These animals are known primarily from Europe and not known to have migrated to North America.