Back
Spiniferites confossus
Spiniferites confossus Davey, 1979
Holotype: Davey, 1979, pl.8, figs.1-3
Age: Aptian
Original description (Davey, 1979):
Spiniferites confossus sp. nov. (Plate 8, Figures 1-4)
Derivation of name: Latin, confossus, full of holes—with reference to the perforate nature of the parasutural crests.
Diagnosis: A subspherical to ovoidal species of Spiniferites possessing a thin, smooth to lightly punctate wall and a clear tabulation defined by high perforate crests. The crests tend to be highest in the gonal areas and generally more strongly developed towards the antapex. The outer limit of the crests is always entire, usually smooth, and sometimes noticeably thickened. The perforations are smooth in outline, vary considerably in size and, when large, the crest may be represented only by a distal trabeculum. A precingular archeopyle is typically developed.
Holotype: MPK 1732, DSDP Leg 48, Hole 400A, Sample 69-1, 84-86 cm. Aptian, northern Bay of Biscay.
Dimensions: Holotype Range Endocyst length 42 µm 36 (39) 42 µm Endocyst width 29 µm 29 (32) 34 µm Height of crests 5-12 µm 9 (11) 14 µm (max.)
Description: Gonal thickenings appear to be well developed and support the crests perpendicular to the cyst surface. Although the crests are generally smooth distally, sometimes a slight notching is weakly developed.
Remarks: This distinctive species is distinguished from other rather similar forms by the presence of high perforate sutural crests. It is considered most comparable to Spiniferites cingulatus (O. Wetzel) although its high crests are reminiscent of Pterodinium aliferum Eisenack which, however, possesses denticulate crests. 5. confossus could possibly have been assigned to Nematosphaeropsis but the latter genus should probably be restricted to species having definite gonal processes.
Holotype: Davey, 1979, pl.8, figs.1-3
Age: Aptian
Original description (Davey, 1979):
Spiniferites confossus sp. nov. (Plate 8, Figures 1-4)
Derivation of name: Latin, confossus, full of holes—with reference to the perforate nature of the parasutural crests.
Diagnosis: A subspherical to ovoidal species of Spiniferites possessing a thin, smooth to lightly punctate wall and a clear tabulation defined by high perforate crests. The crests tend to be highest in the gonal areas and generally more strongly developed towards the antapex. The outer limit of the crests is always entire, usually smooth, and sometimes noticeably thickened. The perforations are smooth in outline, vary considerably in size and, when large, the crest may be represented only by a distal trabeculum. A precingular archeopyle is typically developed.
Holotype: MPK 1732, DSDP Leg 48, Hole 400A, Sample 69-1, 84-86 cm. Aptian, northern Bay of Biscay.
Dimensions: Holotype Range Endocyst length 42 µm 36 (39) 42 µm Endocyst width 29 µm 29 (32) 34 µm Height of crests 5-12 µm 9 (11) 14 µm (max.)
Description: Gonal thickenings appear to be well developed and support the crests perpendicular to the cyst surface. Although the crests are generally smooth distally, sometimes a slight notching is weakly developed.
Remarks: This distinctive species is distinguished from other rather similar forms by the presence of high perforate sutural crests. It is considered most comparable to Spiniferites cingulatus (O. Wetzel) although its high crests are reminiscent of Pterodinium aliferum Eisenack which, however, possesses denticulate crests. 5. confossus could possibly have been assigned to Nematosphaeropsis but the latter genus should probably be restricted to species having definite gonal processes.