Sabertooth Cat, Xenosmilus hodsonae Skull BC-113
Xenosmilus hodsonae
13 ¼" L x 7" W x 6 ½" H 33.6L x 17.5W X 16.4H (cm)
Occurrence: Pleistocene (Irvingtonian) (1.7-1 MYBP). In 1981, the remains of two specimens were found in the Haile limestone quarries in Alachua County, Florida. Rather than being a member of one of the two established groups of saber-toothed cats - Homotherium and Smilodon - in 1994, these specimens were suspected of representing a new genus, Xenosmilus hodsonae. This new genus combined the short, stout-legged features of the robust Smilodon with the scimitar teeth of Homotherium, resulting in a truly fearsome predator. The new feline had a bite even stronger than the Homotherium because of a longer sagittal crest and a larger temporalis muscle. We are grateful to the Babiarz Institute of Paleontological Studies for the opportunity to cast this individual. 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw).
Stand S-BC-113