Research Note A New Devonian Lamellibranch from Reefton, New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 84, 1956-57, Page 943

Research Note A New Devonian Lamellibranch from Reefton, New Zealand By C. A. Fleming N.Z. Geological Survey [Received by Editor, October 12, 1956.] The following preliminary description of a new genus and species is given to allow citation of the name in lists in N.Z. Geol. Surv. Bull. 56, now in the press. Fuller descriptions and figures are in preparation. Family Solenomorphidae Paul Genus Paleodora nov. Type Species: Paleodora reeftonensis n. sp. Small, thin, compressed, elongate, inequilateral; beaks anterior, low; anterior margin rounded, posterior margin long and truncated, posterior dorsal margin concave. Hinge edentulous. Beaks strengthened internally by an oblique radial clavicle, and by weaker nymph ridges on either side. An internal posterior siphonal rib delimits an external triangular posterior area. Muscle scars and pallial line unknown. Paleodora reeftonensis Fleming n. sp. 1953. Palaeoneilo sp. ind., Allan, N. Z. Geol. Surv. Pal. Bull. 14: 25, P1. 3, Fig. 9. Characters as for the genus. Sculpture of concentric folds on the disc, back to a well-defined umbonal ridge reflecting the internal posterior rib, and of close spaced growth lines on the posterior area. Length 24 mm, height 11 mm, inflation 2 mm (holotype). Holotype and several paratypes in New Zealand Geological Survey. Localities. Reefton Mudstone (Coblenzian, Lower Devonian) of Rainy Creek (G.S.3755, holotype; G. S.129) and Lankey Creek (G. S.130), Reefton district, New Zealand. Remarks. Classification in the Solenomorphidae is tentative. Paleodora agrees with the Solenomorphidae in its well defined posterior area, but differs in its clavicle and oblique internal buttress ridges, which may show relationship to the Solemyidae. Dr. C. A. Fleming, N.Z. Geological Survey, The Terrace. Wellington, C:1.