Sciurotamias, MILNE-EDWARDS, 1867

With Sciurotamias View in CoL

A relationship between Csakvaromys sciurinus (SARA V 2024.11.1) and Chinese rock squirrels (genus Sciurotamias ) has been proposed. In particular, Gromov et al. (1965) ascribed the species to Sciurotamias as S. (Csakvaromys) sciurinus . Although SARA V 2024.11.1 shares many mandibular features with S. davidianus (MILNE-EDWARDS, 1867) ( Text-fig. 3g) and S. forresti (THOMAS, 1922) , it clearly differs from these taxa in numerous ways, including: smaller size, a shallower diastemal depression, a less convex mandibular body, a mental foramen surrounded by an enlarged rim positioned approximately mid-depth on the diastemal portion (the opening in Sciurotamias , is placed more dorsally on the mandible), a more pronounced attachment area for the anterior fibers of the anterior deep masseter muscle, a more prominent lower masseteric ridge located more dorsally than in Sciurotamias , a masseteric fossa that sharply tapers anteriorly, a more horizontal anterior edge on the angular process, and a wider (dorsoventrally high) condylar process. The lower dentition of SARA V 2024.11.1, when compared with Sciurotamias ( Text-fig. 3a, g) appears more generalized and has proportionally smaller dimensions (in both S. davidianus and S. forresti , the lower toothrow is larger so that the condyloid process overlays m 3 in lateral aspect), less robust cheek teeth with wider sinusids and a more prominent anteroconulid of p4, and a narrower incisor with striated enamel.