Mendicodinium brunneum Bucefalo Palliani, et al. 1997a

Holotype: Bucefalo Palliani, et al. 1997a: Plate II, 2
Type locality: Colle d"Orlando section, Marne di Monte Serrone Formation, central Italy.
Stratigraphic horizon: Lower Toarcian, middle and upper D. tenuicostatum Zone.

Original Diagnosis: Bucefalo Palliani, et al. 1997a, p. 110
Ellipsoidal, proximate, small dinoflagellate cysts which are generally elongate equatorially. Autophragm relatively thick, dark brown in colour, ornamented by small, nontabular granules which are frequently fused into short, sinuous elements. The granules are variable in size, from about 0.5 to 1.0Ám. The frequency of fusion into the characteristic short, curved ridges is also variable. The hypocyst may be significantly larger than the epi-
cyst.

Dimensions: Holotype: Length 22Ám, width 34Ám.
Overall cyst length: minimum 17Ám; mean 22.8Ám; maximum 29Ám. Overall cyst width: minimum 28Ám; mean 32Ám; maximum 37Ám (20 specimens measured).

Discussion: Bucefalo Palliani, et al. 1997a, p. 110
Mendicodinium brunneum is superficially similar to M. microreticulatum Kumar, 1986 and M. reticulatum Morgenroth, 1970. However, Mendicodinium microreticulatum and M. reticulatum are larger in overall size than Mendicodinium brunneum. Mendicodinium brunneum is never bi-layered which Mendicodinium microreticulatum can be according to Kumar (1986). The short, sinuous ridges of Mendicodinium brunneum rarely form a true reticulum, which is a characteristic feature of Mendicodinium microreticulatum Kumar,
1986 and Mendicodinium reticulatum Morgenroth, 1970.