New records of Lutra simplicidens Thenius, 1965 from Europe

ABSTRACT New material of Lutra simplicidens , a key species for understanding the evolution of Eurasian Lutrinae, is described from the English site of Corton (0.7‒0.6 Ma) and the Polish site of Żabia Cave (1.7‒1.5 Ma). Both records are represented by incomplete mandibles with partially preserved dentition. The record from Żabia Cave documents the presence of an older and more carnivorous Lutra simplicidens tamanensis . A less carnivorous Lutra simplicidens simplicidens was found in Corton. Both findings contribute valuable data on the evolutionary history of the species.