Material.—Right m1 in a fragment of the mandible (IVPP V20825) from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol (China), horizon 4 (lower part), Irdinmanhan (middle Eocene).

Description.—The tooth shows a well-developed unilateral hypsodonty, the crown on the buccal side is about onethird higher (4.94 mm) than the crown on the lingual side (3.64 mm). The tooth stands upright and the anterior and posterior roots are straight and positioned close together. The total tooth height is 10.30 mm and the length of the crown is 4.44 mm. The trigonid and talonid are much more asymmetric than those of mimotonids, with trigonid wider (3.99 mm) than the talonid (3.48 mm). The occlusal surface is strongly worn but the trigonid and talonid are partly separate (by about 50% of the tooth width, including the depths of both the hypoflexid and the mesoflexid). The hypoflexid is shallower than the mesoflexid, which is delicately arched posteriorly and overall slightly more posterior. The trigonid is larger, oval, and with a gently concave occlusal surface; the bases of the main cusps are still discernible even in this strongly worn stage. The protoconid and metaconid are similar in size but the metaconid is much higher than the protoconid (Fig. 2A₂–A₄). The metaconid is the highest eminence on the occlusal surface, and is not quite aligned transversely with the protoconid, but rather shifted slightly posteriorly. There is no trace of a paraconid or paracristid and the anterior margin of the tooth is straight. The lingual side of the trigonid is no broader than the buccal one, indicating that the paraconid was absent or of negligible size.

The talonid is triangular, narrowing lingually towards a well-defined hypoconid that is slightly smaller than the protoconid (Fig. 2A₁, A₂). The hypoconid is located more lingually than the protoconid. The entoconid is well defined and is almost in line (transversely) with the hypoconid. Furthermore, the entoconid does not align with the metaconid which protrudes farther lingually. The posterobuccal part of the talonid is angled, which suggests the presence of a well-developed, asymmetrically positioned hypoconulid that is shifted strongly buccally.

Remarks.—Anagalidae are an endemic Asian group known mostly from the Paleocene of China. Only Anagale gobiensis (Ulan Gochu Formation, Nei Mongol) and Anagalopsis kansuensis (Baiyanghe Formation, western Gansu) are known to have survived to the late Eocene—early Oligocene (Simpson 1931; Bohlin 1951; McKenna 1963). The molars of anagalids share some similarities with those of mimotonids and eurymylids, but differ in being larger and frequently more hypsodont, and in showing a slightly different cusp arrangement and overall geometry of the occlusal surface.

The described m1 is bigger than that of any known mimotonid, lagomorph or eurymylid. However, the tooth is closest in size to the m1 of Hsiuannania (see Hu 1993), being slightly smaller than that of Anagalopsis (Bohlin 1951) and larger than that of Anagale (Simpson 1931). The talonid is narrower than the trigonid, whereas in the p4–m3 of the coeval taxa Gomphos and Mimolagus the occlusal planes of the crowns have square, symmetric outlines with wide talonids, and the cusps are generally aligned. Anagalid teeth frequently show asymmetry and lack precise cusp alignment. In both molars and premolars, the talonid is either wider (e.g., Anagale; see Simpson 1931; McKenna 1963) or narrower (e.g., Huaiyangale, Hsiuannania, Qipania or Eosigale; Xu 1976; Hu 1993) than the trigonid or may be shifted lingually.

The trigonid shows no trace of a paraconid or paracristid, but these features are variably present in anagalids, as in basal Glires. They may be present in all cheek teeth in reduced or normal form, but may also be absent in at least some teeth; in general, the paraconid and paracristid are much less persistent than the metaconid, and in heavily worn teeth may not be visible. The paraconid is lacking, for example, in molars of Hsiuannania. Moreover, the talonid of the described m1 is not typical of duplicidentates, being generally triangular, with an anteroposteriorly short lingual side and longer buccal side. The talonid narrows buccally in lagomorphs, but does not narrow lingually, and is roughly square in mimotonids. On the other hand, narrowing of the lingual margin of the talonid and lengthening of the buccal margin can be observed in some anagalids, such as Hsiuannania.

Although the described tooth is strongly worn, it is still markedly unilaterally hypsodont. The degree of hypsodonty in the Wulanhuxiu specimen is markedly increased in comparison with Mimolagus, and especially with Gomphos. Some Anagalidae show distinctly higher crowns than are present in most derived mimotonids, beeing comparable in this feature even to some primitive lagomorphs of modern aspect, such as Hypsimylus (Meng and Hu 2004). By contrast, mimotonids have poorly expressed hypsodonty (see Dashzeveg and Russell 1988).

The specimen from Wulanhuxiu resembles Hsiuannania in the overall tooth morphology and in having a high degree of hypsodonty, although Hsiuannania is known only from the late Paleocene of Anhui and Jiangxi, China (Hu 1993).

Type species: Mimolagus rodens Bohlin, 1951; early Oligocene, Baiyanghe Formation, Shanmacheng, western Gansu, China.

Material.—Right m1 (IVPP V20826) from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China, horizon 4 (lower part), Irdinmanhan (middle Eocene).

Description.—The tooth is strongly worn, and the trigonid and talonid form a continuous square, gently concave occlusal surface (Fig. 2). The protoconid is aligned with both the metaconid and the hypoconid, while the entoconid protrudes slightly lingually. The metaconid is the highest cusp. The enamel layer maintains a uniform thickness around the entire perimeter of the crown. Because of the heavy wear, the tooth crown is not very high, and the difference in crown height between the buccal and lingual sides of the tooth is not very pronounced. The mesial and distal roots are complete, robust and relatively divergent. Each root has a small apical aperture. The tooth closely resembles other specimens of Mimolagus aurorae from the eastern part of the Erlian Basin (Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2015b). Such strong crown wear, leaving a gently concave and obliterated occlusal surface, is characteristic of this species, and was probably achieved relatively early in ontogeny (similar wear can be seen in two of three lower teeth found in the Huheboerhe area; Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2015b: fig. 5).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Irdin Manha Formation, Irdinmanhan, middle Eocene, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China.

Type species: Gomphos elkema Shevyreva, 1975; early Eocene, Gashato, Mongolia.

Etymology: From Latin progressus, progressive; in relation to the derived dental morphology seen in this species.

Type material: Holotype: left m2 (IVPP V20259), paratypes: right M3 (IVPP V20824); right m3 (IVPP V20259.1).

Type locality: Layer 4 (lower to middle part), Wulanhuxiu, Ulan Shireh Formation, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China.

Type horizon: Irdinmanhan, middle Eocene.

Other material.—DI2 (IVPP V20259.2), di2 (IVPP V20259.3) from the type locality and horizon.

Diagnosis.—Derived Gomphos characterized by fusion of lower molar cusps to form continuous crests. Differs from all other Gomphos species in lacking mesoconid, cristid obliqua and mesostylid. Entoconid and hypoconulid form a ridge instead of separate cusps. Further differs from G. elkema in having reduced hypoconal shelf on M3 and lacking mesostyle. Further differs from G. shevyrevae in being less hypsodont and in having buccally shifted entoconid on m3.

Description.—The M3 of Gomphos has not previously been described in detail. The tooth is strongly asymmetrical with a buccolingually wide anterior part and a posterior part which is roughly 40% narrower. Both individual cusps and the crown as a whole seem more inflated than in G. elkema (the M3 is unknown in G. ellae and G. shevyrevae). The tooth resembles the M3 of G. elkema in lacking strong unilateral hypsodonty. The roots have been broken away. The protocone is large and prominent, being larger overall than the paracone. As in other Gomphos and Mimolagus aurorae, the protocone produces two arms (lophs), the preprotocrista and postprotocrista, which diverge anteroposteriorly, and extend buccally to delineate the trigon. The anterior and posterior lophs meet at an acute angle, that is slightly wider than in G. elkema. The preprotocrista surrounds the paracone anteriorly and continues to the anterobuccal corner of the tooth (Fig. 3), while the postprotocrista joins with the metacone. The postprotocrista is shorter than in G. elkema, and deviates more posteriorly from the paracone. The metacone therefore is located more posterolingually than in G. elkema. The metaconule is small and marked only by a slight broadening of the postprotocrista, whereas in G. elkema the metaconule is larger than the metacone. The specimen from Wulanhuxiu lacks a mesostyle, although this feature is quite prominent in G. elkema. The trigon basin is wider than in G. elkema and is open buccally, forming a relatively flat, triangular valley. The small, oval hypoconal shelf, and buccolingually shorter than in G. elkema, and more similar to the equivalent structure in Mimolagus aurorae. The hypoconal shelf is positioned, slightly askew, at the posterolingual side of the tooth. The hypocone is aligned with the protocone, and the posterobuccal end of the hypoconal shelf is aligned with the metacone (Fig. 3). Between the metacone and hypoconal shelf is a deep narrow groove.

The lower molars (Table 2) are slightly larger than those of Gomphos shevyrevae (see Meng et al. 2009), and the crowns are even more swollen than in that species. The unilateral hypsodonty of the crown is very poorly expressed and is slightly weaker than in G. shevyrevae. The tooth crowns also differ slightly in occlusal outline from those of G. shevyrevae, being less perfectly square; instead, the trigonid is slightly wider than the talonid and this difference seems to persist as the crown swells towards the base. In both specimens from Wulanhuxiu the hypoconulid lies at the distal edge of the talonid. In the specimen IVPP V20259.1 (Fig. 3C) the hypoconulid is slightly larger, and more central, than in the holotype. For this reason, we are inclined to regard V20259.1 as m3. The holotype specimen, in which the hypoconulid is shifted more lingually, can be identified as m2. The distal margin of the talonid between the hypoconulid and entoconid is straight. This feature is more clearly visible in m3, which is the more worn of the two lower molars, although wear in both cases is light. In both lower molars, the trigonid has two large cusps, the protoconid and the metaconid. The metaconid is visibly higher, although both cusps have a similar base radius. There is no trace of a paraconid or paracristid, as is typical of Gomphos (Zhegallo and Shevyreva 1976; Dashzeveg and Russell 1988; Meng et al. 2004, 2009). Between the cusps of the trigonid a deep and wide V-shaped trigonid basin is formed. In both molars the protoconid and metaconid are aligned.

In the less heavily worn left m2, the talonid forms a large basin surrounded by a perimeter of almost totally merged cusps, namely the entoconid, hypoconulid, and hypoconid. The hypoconid is particularly prominent on the m2, although it is hard to determine the exact boundary of each talonid cusp. In m3, which is slightly more worn, the hypoconid is more isolated and forms its own wear facet (Figs. 3, 4). The posterior rim connecting the hypoconulid with entoconid is slightly indented where it intersects with the hypoconid. The hypoconulid is similar to that of Gomphos shevyrevae but smaller than in G. elkema. The hypoconulid forms most distally pronounced portion, which is gently rounded, of the distal rim of the talonid (Fig. 3B₁, C₁). The edge between the entoconid and hypoconulid tends to be flat (Fig. 3B₁, C₁). During the early stages of wear, the hypoconid is aligned with the protoconid, although as wear progresses this alignment becomes distorted because the protoconid “shifts” more buccally as the whole trigonid is more extended buccally, rather unlike in G. shevyrevae and other Gomphos species (see Meng et al. 2004, 2009). The hypoconid and entoconid are aligned in both molars. However, the metaconid and entoconid are aligned in m2 (Fig. 3B₁) but not in m3, in which the entoconid is shifted buccally (Fig. 3C₁).

The lower molars of Gomphos from Wulanhuxiu show no trace of the mesostylid, which is well developed in G. elkema and G. ellae (Meng et al. 2004; Kraatz et al. 2009). The Wulanhuxiu specimens also lack a mesoconid, a feature present in all other Gomphos species including G. shevyrevae (Meng et al. 2009).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Ulan Shireh Formation, Irdinmanhan, middle Eocene, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China.

Type species: Erenlagus anielae Fostowicz-Frelik and Li, 2014; middle Eocene, Huheboerhe, Nei Mongol, China.

Material.—left M1 (IVPP V20260), right m2 (IVPP V20258) from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China, horizon 4, Irdinmanhan (middle Eocene).

Description.—The M1 matches in size that of the type sample (the crown width is 2.37 mm and the crown length 1.47 mm; see Fostowicz-Frelik and Li 2014). The upper molar is worn and the buccal roots are broken (Fig. 5). The occlusal surface is symmetrical and roughly rectangular, which indicates M1 rather than M2. The remains of an almost vanished crescent are asymmetrical (with the anterior arm larger) and shifted anteriorly. There is a narrow and small hypostrial lake positioned diagonally, separating the trigon from the hypoconal shelf. The hypostria is only a shallow indentation. The protocone is slightly larger than the hypocone, and it protrudes farther lingually then the latter. The hypoconal shelf is not inflated, covering roughly 30% of the occlusal surface, it is relatively extended buccolingually but short anteroposteriorly. The tooth curvature is slightly greater than in the upper molars of Erenlagus from Huheboerhe.

The m2 is close (apart from the more strongly bent roots) to the holotype specimen (Fig. 6; see also Fostowicz-Frelik and Li 2014: fig. 2A–J). The occlusal surfaces of the trigonid and talonid are lingually confluent as in the holotype. The length of the occlusal surface is 1.65 mm and the maximum crown height equals 1.98 mm; the trigonid (1.88 mm in width) is oval with flattened anterior and posterior edges. The metaconid is higher than the protoconid, even at this strongly worn stage, and both cusps are aligned. The enamel layer surrounding the protocone is thickened markedly. The anterior wall of the trigonid is concave and displays a wide enamel-less hiatus. The occlusal surface of the talonid (1.41 mm in width) is placed lower than the trigonid one; it is generally rectangular with a tapering buccal side. The entoconid is placed more distally than the hypoconid, but both have a similar height. The poorly distinguished hypoconulid is aligned with the entoconid and both cusps form a straight flat distal margin of the talonid. The anterior margin of the talonid is irregular curving anteriorly. The whole tooth column is slightly bent distally, which is typical of m2 in lagomorphs. The roots are broken apically. The part which is preserved shows a fused condition, with the apical trigonid and talonid part distinct, but having a common root chamber. In this respect the Wulanhuxiu specimen is different from the type specimen, in which the roots have separate dental chambers.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Irdin Manha Forma tion and Ulan Shireh Formation, Irdinmanhan, middle Eocene, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China.

Type species: Strenulagus shipigouensis Tong and Lei, 1987; middle Eocene, Shipigou, Henan, China.

Material.—Right m1 (IVPP V20256.1), fragment of left M2 (IVPP V20264), left calcaneus (IVPP V20256.2), from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China, horizon 4, Irdinmanhan (middle Eocene).

Description.—The M2 (V20264) is partly damaged and worn. The overall dental structure and size is consistent with the morphology and measurements of M2 of Strenulagus solaris from the Erenhot area (Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2015a). The total tooth height is 4.24 mm and the dimensions of the crown are length 1.37 mm and width 2.5 mm. The occlusal surface is oval and almost totally obliterated, apart from the buccally situated remnants of the groove dividing the trigon from the hypoconal shelf.

The m1 (V20256.1) also shows morphology typical of this species (see Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2015a: fig. 6). The total length of the occlusal surface is 1.93 mm. The crown is moderately high (crown height is 2.80 mm at 5.76 mm of the total tooth height) and the roots fused, displaying a common dental chamber (Fig. 7). The trigonid (1.86 mm in width) is elliptical and shorter than the talonid (1.43 mm in width), which is subrectangular in outline. The metaconid is sharp and higher than the protoconid. The occlusal surface of the talonid is much lower than that of the trigonid.

A right calcaneus (V20256.2) with a damaged sustentaculum tali was found together with the right m1 (V20256.1), and the same species attribution is presumed for the bone. The calcaneus total length is 8.1 mm, closely matching the size of the bones from the Irdin Manha Escarpment (Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2015a: fig. 7, table 5) assigned to Strenulagus solaris. The bone is slender and the length of the calcaneal body (3.1 mm) is only slightly shorter than the tuber calcanei (3.9 mm). The ratio of the length of the calcaneal body to the length of the calcaneal tuber (0.80) resembles that of the specimen from the Irdin Manha Escarpment (0.75). Also, the length of the calcaneal eminence bearing the calcaneo-astragalar facet and the calcaneo-fibular facet is relatively short, again resembling the specimens from Irdin Manha. Both apertures of the calcaneal canal are well developed, similar to those of Ochotona (Bleefeld and Bock 2002) rather than those of leporids, in which they are much smaller (Fostowicz-Frelik 2007: fig. 12).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Middle Eocene, Khaychin Formation, Mongolia and Irdin Manha Formation, Nei Mongol, China.

Type species: Gobiolagus tolmachovi Burke, 1941; middle Eocene, Erden Obo, Nei Mongol, China.

Material.—Fragment of right maxilla with M1–M2 (IVPP V20262), fragment of left maxilla with M1–M2 (IVPP V20263.1), m2 in fragment of mandible (IVPP V20263.2), DI2 (IVPP V20265.1), Di2 (IVPP V20265.2), P3 (IVPP V20265.3), fragmentary P3 (IVPP V20265.4), fragmentary P4 (IVPP V20265.5–6), M1 (IVPP V20265.7), M2 juv. (IVPP V20265.8), M2 (IVPP V20265.9–10), M3 (IVPP V20265.11–12), p3 (IVPP V20265.13), p4 (IVPP V20261), m1 (IVPP V20265.14), m2 (IVPP V20265.15–16, IVPP V20257.3), m3 (IVPP V20265.17), humerus fragments (IVPP V20265.18–19), radius (IVPP V20265.20), ulna (IVPP V20265.21), right calcaneus (IVPP V20265.22), fragment of right calcaneus (IVPP V20265.23), fragment of right calcaneus (IVPP V20257.1), fragment of left calcaneus (IVPP V20257.2), fragment of left pelvic bone (IVPP V20265.24), proximal part of left metatarsus III (IVPP V20265.25), distal part of metatarsus III (IVPP V20257.4). All material from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China, horizon 2, Sharamurunian (late middle Eocene).

Description.—Gobiolagus is by far the most abundant lagomorph at the Wulanhuxiu locality. The cranial elements are fragmentary; a specimen V20262 (Fig. 8) is a maxillary part showing the characteristic Gobiolagus morphology of having a lingually bent distal part of the tooth row (see Meng et al. 2005, Lopatin and Averianov 2006; Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2012). The zygomatic process is well-defined with an anteriorly pointed masseteric spine. The jugal, detached from the specimen, shows a clear suture reaching far anteriorly beyond the anterior margin of the zygomatic process of the maxilla. The anterior margin of the zygomatic falls at mid-length of P4, while its distal margin is at the M1–M2 interseptum. The remains of the mandible are even more fragmentary; the specimen IVPP V20263.2 displays a knoblike masseteric tubercle under the trigonid of m2 (Fig. 8).

The dental remains of Gobiolagus found in Wulanhuxiu (Figs. 9, 10) closely resemble in morphology and size (Table 3) G. aliwusuensis from the Aliwusu locality in the Erden Obo area (Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2012) in the western part of the Erlian Basin.

There are upper and lower incisors (dI2 and di2) present in this sample, tooth loci that has not been described previously for this species. The DI2 is typical of stem lagomorphs in having a heart-shaped cross-section (Fig. 9). However, the tooth is relatively longer (labiolingual measurement, see Table 3) than Strenulagus from the Irdin Manha Fm. (Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2015a). The mesial lobe is narrower and protrudes slightly labially. The lower incisor is roughly triangular in cross-section and slightly longer than wide. The labial border is gently rounded, while the lingual one is straight. In both incisors the enamel layer is restricted to the labial side of the tooth.

The P3 is derived from a relatively young individual, thus the central and buccal lobes are almost unworn (Fig. 8). The buccal lobe is semicircular. The anterior margin of the P3 has a slight trace of a small additional cuspule which may appear in Gobiolagus aliwusuensis, but is unknown for other Gobiolagus species from Nei Mongol.

Two P4 are fragmentary but their occlusal surfaces indicate that there was a fully formed anteroloph and it was coalesced with the central lobe, thereby being more advanced than that of Strenulagus.

The M2 is represented by teeth at different stages of wear. The juvenile poorly worn specimen show a deep hypostria separating the trigon from talon. The trigon has a deep and round trigon basin in the center. The paracone is the highest cusp, but it is poorly defined and joined with protocone by the anterior loph (an anterior arm of the protocone—preprotocrista). The metacone is slightly smaller and placed more lingually, closer to the tooth center. The hypocone and the hypoconal shelf are placed more dorsally than the trigon, and these structures fail to protrude lingually more than the protocone. The hypoconal shelf is elongated and oval, and it is approximately as long as the “anterior loph” of the protocone.

The M2 has two roots slightly asymmetrically placed on the shaft (distal root is more strongly attached to the shaft). The M3 has one buccal root of roughly circular cross-section, clearly detached from the main shaft and slightly shorter than it. The trigon is well-developed, triangular and has a deeply excavated basin in the center (Fig. 9). The protocone is more prominent than the paracone or metacone, but is not well defined because of its strong anterior and posterior arms, which together define the trigon. The hypoconal shelf is much more reduced than in M2. It is strongly compressed mesiodistally and matches only about 40% of the total width of the trigon; its occlusal surface is not on the same plane as the occlusal surface of the trigon. The hypocone is placed more buccally than the protocone and is much weaker and smaller than it.

The p3 trigonid has two cusps of which the protoconid is larger and protrudes more anteriorly, while the metaconid is placed close to the talonid (entoconid). The entoconid and hypoconid form slightly higher eminences of the enamel rim enclosing the talonid basin. The entoconid is higher than the hypoconid. The hypoconulid is absent. The talonid basin at this early stage of development is filled with small dentine rugosities.

The lower dentition includes worn p4 with almost obliterated talonid and a large pear-shaped trigonid, the feature characteristic for the genus (Meng et al. 2005). The size and shape match Gobiolagus aliwusuensis, although none of the specimens from the Aliwusu sample is worn to such a degree (Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2012).

The m1 and m2 are similar in structure. They differ subtly by the distal bending of the fused roots and in the size of the talonid, which is more rounded and larger in m2 (Table 4). The occlusal surface of the talonid is not joined to that of the trigonid until the buccal bridge is formed which is slightly later in ontogeny than in Gobiolagus tolmachovi.

The m3 is similar to but smaller than m2. The trigonid is compressed mesiodistally and the talonid longer and rounder (Fig. 10D₅), the roots are fully fused and have a joint root chamber (Fig. 10D₁–D₄, D₆). The talonid portion of the root is extended mesiodistally in comparison to its counterpart in m2, which is rounded (Fig. 10B₆, D₆).

The postcranial elements were found associated with the dentition of Gobiolagus aliwusuensis, thus such attribution is the most plausible for these fragmentary remains.

The humerus fragments preserve the complete distal articular surface. The proximal extremity of the humerus is strongly weathered specimen. The head is rather short and relatively wide; it tapers slightly caudally, thus it is less round than in Ochotona. The overall morphology of the proximal extremity of the humerus resembles that of Rhombomylus, especially in dorsal view (see Meng et al. 2003: fig. 57A₃). The greater tubercle is low, similar to the condition in Ochotona. On the other hand, the lesser tubercle is slightly larger and thicker than in Ochotona. The distal extremity of the humerus is narrower than in Ochotona and closely resembles that of Rhombomylus. The medial epicondyle is large and prominent, although it is less extended medio-laterally and much thicker (craniocaudally) than in Rhombomylus, the latter feature being characteristic for lagomorphs. The trochlea is wide and generally larger and thicker than in Rhombomylus, with a prominent medial crista, which however does not protrude so strongly distally. The radial fossa is deep and large and the supratrochlear foramen is open and relatively large.

The proximal part of the radius (V20265.20) with a half of the shaft preserved, has a relatively wide head (width 3.3 mm, length 1.85 measured craniocaudally) and a thick neck. The articular circumference is weaker developed than in leporids and the whole head is flatter than in leporids, although the fovea is well developed.

The proximal part of the ulna (V20265.21) is well preserved with a large and slightly elongated (height 4.5 mm, width 4.0 mm) olecranon (Fig. 11). In general morphology it does not differ significantly from the bone of the European rabbit. The trochlear notch (incisura trochlearis) is welldeveloped, in lateral view, open about 80°, which is slightly less than in leporids. The lateral and medial coronoid processes are also well developed and unreduced.

The calcaneus of Gobiolagus closely resembles that of Strenulagus, but the bone is larger (length 12.4 mm). The length of the tuber is 5.8 mm and the length of the body, 4.9 mm, yielding a slightly shorter tuber in relation to the body than in known Strenulagus specimens (Fostowicz-Frelik et al. 2015a), although the difference is not significant. The calcaneal eminence seems to be more robust and slightly longer than in Strenulagus, but the most important difference in the morphology of the calcaneus is the diameter of the calcaneal canal, which is very large in Gobiolagus (Fig. 11D), larger than in any other Eocene lagomorph.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Middle Eocene, ?Irdinmanhan to Sharamurunian, Nei Mongol, China.

Type species: Asiomys dawsoni Qi, 1987; middle Eocene, Irdin Manha area, Nei Mongol, China.

Material.—Left P4 (V20828.1), left M1 (V20828.2–3), right M1 (V20828.4), right M2 (V20828.5), left dp4 (V20828.6), left m3 (V20828.7) from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China, middle and upper part of horizon 4, middle Eocene.

Description.—P4 (Fig. 12A) lacks the hypocone, but has a prominent protocone. On M1 (Fig. 12B, C) and M2 (Fig. 12D) the four main cusps are prominent, the crests are low, and the paracone and metacone are subequal in size and widely separated from one another. The hypocone is less-developed, being smaller than the protocone. The protoloph is complete, and the metaloph is weaker than the protoloph. The metaconule is large and V20828.5 has two metaconules (Fig. 12D). The anterior and posterior cingula on M1 and M2 are prominent, and the entoloph is distinct. The sinus is shallow.

The trigonid of dp4 is narrower than the talonid. In dp4 (Fig. 12E) the metaconid is close to the protoconid and is slightly anteriorly placed, the entoconid is separated from the hypoconulid by a notch, the distinct hypoconulid extends transversely along the posterior margin of the tooth, and the short hypolophid extends from the entoconid. The m3 (Fig. 12F) has a weak hypoconulid, and a short hypolophid. The protocristid on m3 is absent, so that the trigonid basin is open posteriorly.

Asiomys dawsoni was first described by Qi (1987) based on three teeth from the Irdin Manha area. Li and Meng (2013) reported many specimens of Asiomys from the Irdin Manha Formation of the Huheboerhe area, which adds substantially to our knowledge of this ischyromyid. The new specimens from Wulanhuxiu show several diagnostic features, including the absence of a hypocone on P4, the presence of a small hypocone on M1–M2, a complete protoloph, an enlarged (or dual) metaconule on M1–M2, and a short hypolophid on dp4 and m3. All of these features identify these specimens as Asiomys dawsoni. The size of the new specimens also falls within the range of variation of A. dawsoni (Li and Meng, 2013) (see Table 5).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Middle Eocene, Irdinmanhan, Nei Mongol, China.

Type species: Gobiomys neimongolensis (Meng, Ye, and Huang, 1999); middle Eocene (Sharamurunian), Bayan Ulan, Nei Mongol, China.

Material.—Right M2 (V20827.1), right M3 (V20827.2), left lower jaw with m1 (V20827.3), right m2 (V20827.4) from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China, upper and middle part of horizon 2, middle Eocene.

Description.—The M2 is square (length 1.50 mm, width 1.50 mm) in crown outline (Fig. 13A). The protocone, paracone, and metacone are all well-developed. A distinct hypocone is present but smaller than the protocone. The metaconule is subequal and anterolingual to the metacone. The protoloph is complete and the protoconule is absent. A weak metaloph extends from the metacone to the metaconule, whereas the metaconule and protocone are isolated from one another. The anterior cingulum is well developed and reaches the protoloph lingually. The entoloph is absent.

M3 (length 1.60 mm, width 1.50 mm) has a rounded triangular outline in occlusal view (Fig. 13B). The metacone is reduced, and the hypocone is slightly buccally displaced and smaller than that of M2. The metaconule is absent and the well-developed metaloph extends to the protocone. The anterior and posterior cingula are distinct.

The m1 (length 1.30 mm, width 1.20 mm) is oval in occlusal view, with wider posterior side (Fig. 13C). The m2 (length 1.80 mm, width 1.60 mm) is larger than m1 (Fig. 13D). The protoconid and metaconid of m1 and m2 are prominent and connected by a low but complete preprotocristid. The protoconid and hypoconid are larger than the two lingual cuspids. The postprotocristid is short and extends rather posteriorly. In m1 and m2 a distinct hypoconulid is situated at the mid-point of the posterior margin of the talonid. The hypolophid of m1 and m2 is absent. The ectolophid is complete and located buccally with respect to the middle longitudinal line.

Gobiomys was described by Wang (2001), and includes three species, G. neimongolensis, G. exiguus, and G. asiaticus. The new specimen differs from G. neimongolensis in being smaller, in having a weaker metaloph on M2, and a more buccally located ectolophid on m1. In G. asiaticus the lower molars have a complete arm of the entoconid reaching to the hypoconid, but in the new specimens the hypolophid of m1–m2 is absent. Moreover, G. asiaticus differs from the new specimen in having wider and shorter upper molars. The new specimen shares the following features with G. exiguus: small size, absence of protoconule, distinct metaconule and short metaloph on M2, and the absence of the lingual part of the postprotocristid and of entoconid arm on the lower molars. Compared to the holotype of G. exiguus, the specimens reported here are slightly larger.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Middle Eocene, Nei Mongol, China.

Type species: Yuomys cavioides Li, 1975; middle Eocene, Rencun, Mianchi, Henan, China.

Material.—Fragmentary right maxilla with M1 (V20829.1), fragmentary right mandible with m2–m3 (V20829.2) from Wulanhuxiu, Erlian Basin, Nei Mongol, China, upper part of horizon 4, middle Eocene.

Description.—The M1 (length 3.00 mm, width 3.50 mm; Fig. 14A) has a well-developed hypocone and metaloph directed toward but never in contact with the protocone. On M1 there is no paraconule, but the metaconule is distinct, being larger than the metacone. On m2–m3 (m2, length 2.90 mm, width 2.50 mm; m3, length 3.70 mm, width 2.80 mm; Fig. 14B) the postprotocristid is short, the trigonid basin is open posteriorly, and the transverse hypolophid extends to the complete ectolophid. All these features are similar to those of Yuomys.

Compared to Yuomys cavioides (Li, 1975), the new specimens from Wulanhuxiu are smaller, have a weaker postprotocristid, and lack a conule on the hypolophid on m2–m3. The new specimens differ from Y. eleganes (Wang, 1978) in being smaller, and having a short anterior cingulum on M1 and with the metaconid located no farther anteriorly than the protoconid on m2–m3. Differences from Y. weijingensis (Ye, 1983) include weaker parastyle and metaloph on M1, and lack of mesostylid and conule on the hypolophid. Y. yunnanensis (Huang and Zhang, 1990) differs from the new specimens in larger size, and longer postprotocristid that contacts the base of the metaconid on m2. Differences from Y. huangzhuangensis (Shi, 1989) are: smaller size and smaller ratio of length to width of M1 (length/width 0.86 in new specimens, 1.07 in Y. huangzhuangensis).

In general, the new specimens have morphologically simpler teeth that lack a mesoconid on m2–m3, a mesostylid and a conule on the hypolophid. Among all the known species, the new specimens are most similar to Y. huheboerhensis from the Irdin Manha Formation of the Huheboerhe section, Erlian Basin (Li and Meng 2015) morphologically, but Y. huheboerhensis is smaller than the new specimens, and its M1 and M2 are both approximately as long as wide in occlusal view, and sometimes m3 has an ectomesolophid.