New Neomys fossils (Soricidae, Insectivora) from the Middle Pleistocene of China

摘要

Three fossil Neomys specimens from the middle Pleistocene Shanyangzhai cave sediments of Qin-huangdao city, Hebei Province, China were assigned to the fossil species of Water Shrew, Neomys bohlini. The specimens show some characteristics, such as large size, condylar joint separation, and ascending ramus tilt, which are obviously different from Crocidura and Sorex. Remains of fossil Neomys are very rare. This is the first report of the species from the Zhoukoudian since 1936.