Sunday, August 16, 2015

Nucleospira ventricosa braciopod from the Kalkberg formation of New York

I have found only one specimen of the fossil brachiopod Nucleospira ventricosa from the Kalkberg formation but it is somewhat easy to recognize. The shell is oval  in shape with a convex pedicle valve and a slightly convex brachial valve. the shell surface appears to be smooth but actually has a number of small bumps where spines would have been attached. No other ornamentation is visible on the shell nor is there any fold/sulcus structure.

Brachial valve
Anterior
Pedicle valve
Posterior
Profile

Compare this fossil to Nucelospira conncinna from the Kashong Shale (Givetian stage of the Devonian). The above fossil was found in a roadcut near Shoharie, NY and came from the Kalkberg formation (Devonian, Lockhovian to Pragian stage).

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