Genus † Spathochoira gen. nov.

Type species. † Spathochoira calvertense comb. nov. (Berry, 1917).

Diagnosis. As for the species by monotypy.

Derivation of name. The taxon name is formed by the combination of the Latin word ‘ spatha ’ meaning ‘sword’ and the Greek word ‘ choiros ’ meaning ‘pig’, because of the characteristic cross-section at 0.5 L (Fig. 9J), which superficially resembles the nose of a pig in anterior view.

Occurrence. Late Miocene, Eastover Formation, Virginia, USA.