Siamogale enters the LRT as a big wolverine, not a giant otter
Wang et al 2017 described
Siamogale (Fig 1) as ‘a new otter of giant size’ from the latest Miocene (6 mya) of SW China. When added to the large reptile tree (LRT, 2338 taxa, subset Fig 4) Siamogale nested with Meles, the badger and the short face bear, Arctodus.
Elsewhere in the LRT
sea otters, like Enhydra (Fig 2), nested with Potos (Fig 2), the extant South American kinkajou, a nocturnal arboreal member of the Carnivora with a primate-like prehensile tail and apparently no affinity toward water. In the LRT (subset Fig 4) Potos does not nest with traditional relatives like raccoons (Procyon).
Figure 1. Siamogale to scale with Meles, the extant badger. DGS colors added to the µCT scan from Wang et al 2017.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/siamogale-skull588.jpg?w=254″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/siamogale-skull588.jpg?w=584″ class=”size-full wp-image-94832″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/siamogale-skull588.jpg” alt=”Figure 1. Siamogale to scale with Meles, the extant badger. DGS colors added to the µCT scan from Wang et al 2017.” width=”584″ height=”689″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/siamogale-skull588.jpg?w=584&h=689 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/siamogale-skull588.jpg?w=127&h=150 127w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/siamogale-skull588.jpg?w=254&h=300 254w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/siamogale-skull588.jpg 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />
Figure 1. Siamogale to scale with Meles, the extant wolverine badger. DGS colors added to the µCT scan from Wang et al 2017. Arrows point to discrepancies. Note very large mastoid process of the squamosal.
Wang et al wrote,
“Otters (subfamily Lutrinae) are semi-aquatic predators in the family Mustelidae. Modern otters have a worldwide distribution but their fossil record is poor, often consisting of fragmentary jaws and teeth. otters have a worldwide distribution but their fossil record is poor, often consisting of fragmentary jaws and teeth. Multiple lineages have developed bunodont dentitions with enlargements of molars, usually for cracking molluscs or other hard foods. Some lineages have evolved badger-like teeth and, as a result, were often confused with melines (Old World badger clade).
So, otter material has been confused with badger material by prior authors.
“A new species of fossil otter, Siamogale melilutra sp. nov., represented by a nearly complete cranium, mandible and partial skeletons of at least three individuals.”
Figure 2. Two skulls: Potos, the kinkajou and Enhydra, the sea otter. Not to scale. DGS colors added here.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/potos_skull588.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/potos_skull588.jpg?w=584″ class=”size-full wp-image-94834″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/potos_skull588.jpg” alt=”Figure 2. Two skulls: Potos, the kinkajou and Enhydra, the sea otter. Not to scale. DGS colors added here. ” width=”584″ height=”472″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/potos_skull588.jpg?w=584&h=472 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/potos_skull588.jpg?w=150&h=121 150w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/potos_skull588.jpg?w=300&h=242 300w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/potos_skull588.jpg 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />
Figure 2. Two skulls: Potos, the kinkajou and Enhydra, the sea otter. Not to scale. DGS colors added here.
Wang et al wrote,
“Computed tomography (CT) restoration of the crushed skull reveals a combination of otter-like and badger-like cranial and dental characteristics.”
In the LRT Siamogale – Meles – Arctodus clade nests between Mellivora (the honey badger, Fig 3) + pinnipeds and the bear clade starting with Amphicyon (Fig 3).
In the LRT otters nest with weasels in the proximal more primitive clade.
Figure 3. Siamogale and more distant relatives in the LRT.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nasua.amphicyon.ursavus588.jpg?w=96″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nasua.amphicyon.ursavus588.jpg?w=328″ class=”size-full wp-image-94839″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nasua.amphicyon.ursavus588.jpg” alt=”Figure 3. Siamogale and more distant relatives in the LRT. ” width=”584″ height=”1825″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nasua.amphicyon.ursavus588.jpg?w=584&h=1825 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nasua.amphicyon.ursavus588.jpg?w=48&h=150 48w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nasua.amphicyon.ursavus588.jpg?w=96&h=300 96w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nasua.amphicyon.ursavus588.jpg 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />
Figure 3. Siamogale and more distant relatives in the LRT. Note the variations in cranium length.
In Wang et al
Arctodus wase not mentioned in the text. Melles and relatives were compared several times. Mellivora was mentioned once in regard to skull foramina = blood vessel holes.
Figure 4. Subset of the LRT focusing on the Carnivora. This has been a fragile clade to recover.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/carnivora588-2025-1.jpg?w=68″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/carnivora588-2025-1.jpg?w=233″ class=”size-full wp-image-94847″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/carnivora588-2025-1.jpg” alt=”Figure 4. Subset of the LRT focusing on the Carnivora. This has been a fragile clade to recover.” width=”584″ height=”2568″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/carnivora588-2025-1.jpg?w=584&h=2568 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/carnivora588-2025-1.jpg?w=34&h=150 34w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/carnivora588-2025-1.jpg?w=68&h=300 68w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/carnivora588-2025-1.jpg 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />
Figure 4. Subset of the LRT focusing on the Carnivora. This has been a fragile clade to recover.
One more nail in the genomic coffin.
Wang et al wrotie, “Recent molecular phylogenies of mustelids consistently place the melines and lutrines on the opposite ends of the mustelid clade, which strongly suggests that morphological characters formerly considered synapomorphies between badgers and otters are likely the result of convergences. Sorting out these convergences, however, is fraught with hazards, especially for taxa that have no modern descendants.”
Trust traits, not genes in deep time studies. Do not omit fossil taxa.
This appears to be a novel hypothesis of interrelationships.
If not, please provide a citation so I can promote it here.
References
Wang X et al (9 co-authors) 2017. A new otter of giant size, Siamogale melilutra sp. nov. (Lutrinae: Mustelidae: Carnivora), from the latest Miocene Shuitangba site in north-eastern Yunnan, south-western China, and a total-evidence phylogeny of lutrines. Journal of Systematic Paleontology http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2016.1267666
“Siamogale melilutra had a large and powerful jaw, with enlarged, bunodont (rounded-cusped) cheek teeth, Dr. Su and co-authors reported in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology.”
Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2025/10/09/siamogale-enters-the-lrt-as-a-big-wolverine-not-a-giant-otter/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,734,340,166 |
| Stories: | 8,508,984 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
