Leptictidium - a small mammal from 50 million years ago, just after the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. It lived in the subtropical forests of what is now Europe, resembling modern Elephant Shrews and Bandicoots. Leptictidium showed significant size variation. Leptictidium auderiense (type species, featured in my artworks) was about 60 cm long, while Leptictidium nasutum reached up to 90 cm, showing diversity in sizes within the genus.
The debate continues on whether Leptictidium hopped or ran bipedally. Its long feet and tail, which could act as a counterweight, suggest hopping. (If it didn't hop, it could be one of the few bipedal, non-jumping mammals, having theropod-like posture.) However, its non-fused tibia and fibula (fused in most hopping mammals) imply it might have run instead. Despite this, the bones are close enough to suggest hopping as a form of locomotion, at least occasionally. Kangaroo Rat is animal with very similiar locomotion.
Leptictidium had the second-longest tail among mammals, with 42-43 vertebraes, surpassed only by the Long-tailed Pangolin with 46-47. Some scientists speculate that Leptictidium could be arboreal, using its tail for balance while climbing or even jumping between branches.
