Menu Close

Key Information

Daeodon

Species Daeodon shoshonensis, Daeodon humerosum
Diet Omnivore
Length 8 to 9 ft
Height 5 ft 10 inches
Weight Up to 2,000 lb
Timescale Mid Oligocene to Middle Miocene
Classification Mammalia > Artiodactyla > Entelodontidae

Learning Point

  • A powerful prehistoric pig-like creature, Daeodon was one of the largest of its kind, and was common in North America. It was initially confused as to what type of animal it was, but more research shows it to be similar to pigs.

Project

  • Draw a picture of a family of Daeodon.
  • Overview
  • X-Ray
Daeodon
Max Bellomio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Daeodon Skeleton
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Location

Fun Facts

  • The name Daeodon means “dreadful teeth” in Greek.
  • Animals like Daeodon are sometimes called “hell pigs” because of their scary design.
  • They are the largest of pig-like prehistoric creatures, with the largest being almost 6 ft tall at the shoulder, and with a skull 3 ft long.
  • They seem to have been omnivores, able to eat vegetation and meat, with strong teeth able to crush bones.

Past Lessons

117 October 30, 2023 (North America)
No Past Lessons

Upcoming Lessons

No Upcoming Lessons