Back
Spiniferites perforatus

Spiniferites perforatus (Davey and Williams, 1966) Sarjeant, 1970

Originally Hystrichosphaera, subsequently (and now) Spiniferites.

Holotype: Davey and Williams, 1966, pl. 5, fig. 7; Bujak et al., 1980, pl.5, figs.2-3
Locus typicus: Sheppey, Kent, England
Stratum typicum: Early Eocene

Original description: Davey and Williams, 1966a, p. 41: Hystrichosphaera perforata
Diagnosis: A species of Hystrichosphaera with smooth surfaced central body bearing both gonal and sutural processes. Processes either tri- or tetra-linguate, cylindrical and open with net-like perforations distally, or taeniate, being bi- or trifurcate distally. Medial branching of processes may occur. Tabulation typical of genus with plate 6"" having a triangular outline.

Dimensions: Holotype: diameter of central body 40.5 by 50 µm, length of processes up to 26 µm. Range: diameter of central body 28-50 µm, length of processes 15-26 µm. 4 specimens measured.

Description: H. perforata sp. nov. is characterized by two types of processes: 1) gonal processes being open, cylindrical with tri- or tetra-linguate margins and possessing a triangular cross-section, and 2) taeniate processes being sutural in position. The processes are united by proximal membranes, of varying height, often with serrate edges, running along the plate boundaries. The open gonal processes are strongly fenestrate distally on the secae and occasionally along their length. A few of the processes are similar to those of H. ramosa var. ramosa in being closed distally. Each seca is usually distally bifid. The sutural processes are perforate distally where the bi- or trifurcate, and sometimes medially.
Feedback/Report bug