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Distatodinium pilosum

Distatodinium pilosum Heilmann-Clausen and Van Simaeys, 2005, p.163, pl.3, figs.3–4,6.

Holotype: Heilmann-Clausen and Van Simaeys, 2005, pl.3, fig.3.
Age: middle Eocene.

Original description (Heilmann-Clausen and Van Simaeys, 2005):
Distatodinium pilosum sp. nov. Plate 3, figs. 3, 4, 6
Description. A species of Distatodinium characterized by an oval or elongate cyst body with a finely granular surface. The processes are typically slender, solid, simple or branched. Proximally they are slightly expanded. In cross-section, the processes are usually flattened and bladelike. Distally they may be pointed or have small widenings, usually bifurcations. Small groups of processes may be connected by high septa. The processes are often aligned into rows parallel to the long axis of the cyst body, but some take a more random position, and others are arranged in arcuate complexes. The number of processes exceeds 80. The archeopyle is apical.
Derivation of name. From Latin pilosus, meaning with wiry hair.

Designation of holotype. Plate 3, fig. 3, Slide 2654 K5, England Finder coordinates W26. MGUH 27769. Kysing- 4 borehole, sample 2654, Middle Eocene. Specimen dimensions: Total length 110 µm; total breadth 79 µm; central body length 66 µm; central body breadth 42 µm; length of processes 18–24 µm.
Designation of paratype. Paratype 1: Plate 3, fig. 4, Slide 2654 K5, England Finder coordinates B50. MGUH 27770. Kysing-4 borehole, sample 2654, Middle Eocene. Specimen dimensions: Total length 108 µm, total breadth 82 µm; central body length 62 µm, central body breadth 40 µm; length of processes 20–24 µm. Paratype 2: Plate 3, fig. 6, Slide 2654 K5, England Finder coordinates S38/3. MGUH 27771. Kysing-4 borehole, sample 2654, Middle Eocene.
Dimensions of measured specimens. Total length (excysted) 63 (93) 112 µm. Total breadth 48 (73) 89 µm. Central body length (excysted) 54 (62) 67 µm. Central body breadth 31 (40) 44 µm. Length of processes 12–31 µm. (14 specimens measured).

Comparison. Distatodinium pilosum sp. nov. differs from all other species of the genus by the numerous solid, slender processes which have no distal expansion. Distatodinium pilosum sp. nov. differs from Distatodinium virgatum Stover 1977 by having solid processes and from Distatodinium ellipticum (Cookson & Eisenack) Eaton 1976 in having no distal expansion. Distatodinium pilosum sp. nov. differs from Distatodinium solidum Châteauneuf 1980 in having a much higher number of processes that are often aligned into rows parallel to the long axis of the cyst body
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