Necrolemur antiquus

fossil primate

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July 16, 2026

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Necrolemur antiquus was an extinct primate belonging to the family Omomyidae, living during the Eocene Epoch, approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago. This small primate is known from fossil remains found in France.1

Necrolemur antiquus is considered a likely ancestor of modern tarsiers. Tarsiers are unique primates known for their large eyes and ability to rotate their heads almost 180 degrees. The Eocene Epoch was a critical period for primate evolution, with the emergence of various families that would eventually lead to modern lemurs, lorises, monkeys, and apes.1

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primate
Eocene
…represented by the European species Necrolemur antiquus, found in the Quercy deposits of France, and Afrotarsius chatrathi, from the Fayum of Egypt, are likely to contain the ancestor of the modern genus Tarsius. The tarsier is indeed a “living fossil” (in the best sense of that overworked term), and teeth…
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…represented by the European species Necrolemur antiquus, found in the Quercy deposits of France, and Afrotarsius chatrathi, from the Fayum of Egypt, are likely to contain the ancestor of the modern genus Tarsius. The tarsier is indeed a “living fossil” (in the best sense of that overworked term), and teeth…
Read More