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Spiniferites primaevus
Spiniferites primaevus (Duxbury, 1977) Monteil, 1991
Originally Spiniferites ramosus ssp. primaevus, subsequently (and now) Spiniferites primaevus.
Holotype: Duxbury, 1977, pl.4, figs.2-3
Age: Valanginian
Original diagnosis: Duxburry 1977, P. 50: Spiniferites ramosus subsp. primaevus
A chorate cyst possessing both gonal and sutural processes. The gonal processes trifurcate terminating in three flat, distally expanded spines. These terminal spines may be of varying form. They are sometimes distally finely denticulate, sometimes laterally joined by thin trabeculae (on a given process-no connection between processes was observed) and sometimes ending in a distinct bifurcation. Sutural processes may be distally bifurcate. Both gonal and sutural processes may be distally perforate, sometimes approaching small-scale fenestration.
Observed dimensions: main body 51(46)42 x 44(37)33 µm; overall 75(69)64 x 73(63)55 µm; Specimens measured: 14.
Observed Range: Valanginian.
Remarks: This subspecies differs from all other subspecies of Spiniferites ramosus in the form of the process terminations, particularly in the tendency towards small-scale fenestration and towards distal trabecular connection of terminal spines on a given process.
Originally Spiniferites ramosus ssp. primaevus, subsequently (and now) Spiniferites primaevus.
Holotype: Duxbury, 1977, pl.4, figs.2-3
Age: Valanginian
Original diagnosis: Duxburry 1977, P. 50: Spiniferites ramosus subsp. primaevus
A chorate cyst possessing both gonal and sutural processes. The gonal processes trifurcate terminating in three flat, distally expanded spines. These terminal spines may be of varying form. They are sometimes distally finely denticulate, sometimes laterally joined by thin trabeculae (on a given process-no connection between processes was observed) and sometimes ending in a distinct bifurcation. Sutural processes may be distally bifurcate. Both gonal and sutural processes may be distally perforate, sometimes approaching small-scale fenestration.
Observed dimensions: main body 51(46)42 x 44(37)33 µm; overall 75(69)64 x 73(63)55 µm; Specimens measured: 14.
Observed Range: Valanginian.
Remarks: This subspecies differs from all other subspecies of Spiniferites ramosus in the form of the process terminations, particularly in the tendency towards small-scale fenestration and towards distal trabecular connection of terminal spines on a given process.