Limnogale merguluss (Major 1896; 25-40cm; extant) The web-footed tenrec is aquatic and nocturnal. Once thought to nest with Tenrec, Limnogale now nests with hedgehogs like Erinaceus based largely on the dental patterns. Microgale is a sister. Despite apparent similarities (see above) equally aquatic Micropotamogale is more closely related to Potamogale.
The infraorgital foramen has grown to the size of an antorbital fenestra. The sensitive whiskers are enervated through this opening. Large hind limb muscles propel Limnogale underwater. Earsand eyes are reduced.
Above image copyright PJ Stepenson and used with permission. Scale bars = 1 cm. |
