A Pleistocene spiny anteater from Tasmania (Monotremata: Tachyglossidae, Zaglossus)

Abstract

A partially articulated skeleton of a fossil Zaglossus from a cave located near Montagu, Tasmania, differs sufficiently from Zaglossus bruijni to warrant its assignment to another species. The Montagu specimen is probably conspecific with "Echidna (Proechidna)" robusta Dun, 1895 which includes the misnomer "Ornithorhynchus maximus" Dun 1895. The Montagu fossil is also conspecific with Zaglossus harrissoni Scott and Lord, 1921, from King Island Tasmania. Echidna owenii and Echidna ramsayi are suggested to be nomina vana because they are represented by undiagnostic fragments. Comparison of the cranium and certain postcranial elements of the Montagu Zaglossus with Zaglossus bruijni reflect possible differences in feeding behavior between the two species.