Craseonycteridae

Craseonycteridae is a family of extinct mammals that lived during the Eocene epoch, approximately 56 to 34 million years ago. They are known from fossils found in Europe, North America, and Asia. Craseonycteridae is characterized by its small size, typically ranging from a few centimeters to about 15 centimeters in length. The family includes several genera, such as Craseonycteris, which is one of the earliest known bats, and Craseonycteris, which is known from fossils found in Europe.

The teeth of Craseonycteridae are unique among mammals, with a combination of incisors, canines, and molars that are adapted for a variety of feeding habits. Some species may have been insectivorous, while others may have fed on small vertebrates or even plants. The family is also notable for its wing structure, which is intermediate between that of early bats and modern bats.

Craseonycteridae is an important group in the study of mammalian evolution, as it represents a transitional form between early mammals and modern bats. The family's fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of flight in mammals and the development of the bat's unique adaptations for aerial life. Despite their small size and relatively simple anatomy, Craseonycteridae played a significant role in the diversification of mammals during the Eocene epoch.