Amphictis

Amphictis is a genus of extinct mammals belonging to the order Miacoidea. Miacoids are an extinct group of carnivorans (or near-carnivorans) considered to be stem-group members of the modern order Carnivora. Amphictis species lived during the Paleogene period, specifically in the Eocene epoch.

Fossil evidence indicates Amphictis was a relatively small, arboreal (tree-dwelling) predator. Its morphology suggests a lifestyle that involved climbing and hunting smaller prey.

The significance of Amphictis lies in its contribution to understanding the evolutionary history of Carnivora. Studying its skeletal structure and dentition provides insights into the characteristics and adaptations of early carnivorans, helping to trace the lineage from miacoids to the diverse array of carnivorous mammals that exist today. The exact phylogenetic placement of Amphictis within Miacoidea is subject to ongoing research and debate as new fossil discoveries and analyses are conducted.