Abstract
Hyoliths have a sparse fossil record worldwide in the Devonian, with only one Devonian hyolith from Australia - the orthothecid Costulatotheca schleigeri - treated systematically to date. The material described here, from the Connemarra Formation of central New South Wales, comprises disarticulated conches and opercula showing a range of sizes. Since all have the same proportions and structural features, they are considered a growth series from a single species Australolithes troffsensis gen. et sp. nov., characterized by a smooth external surface on the conch and operculum, as well as a pair of smooth straight hollow clavicles with a circular cross-section on the operculum. The specimens described here are unusual in being completely replaced by goethite (iron oxide-hydroxide), allowing their preservation in residues from acetic acid etching of a limestone sample.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 49-56 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Linnean Society of New South Wales |
| Volume | 146 |
| Early online date | 30 Aug 2024 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.Keywords
- Australolithes troffsensis
- Connemarra Formation
- Devonian
- Hyolithida
- Remineralization