Ericsonia
Classification: Coccolithophores -> Coccolithales -> Coccolithaceae -> Ericsonia
Sister taxa: Coccolithus, Bramletteius, Campylosphaera, Chiasmolithus, Coronocyclus, Cruciplacolithus, Ericsonia, Solidopons ⟩⟨ Birkelundia, Clausicoccus, Craticullithus, Hughesius, Kilwalithus
Taxonomy:
Citation: Ericsonia Black, 1964Rank: GenusType species: Ericsonia occidentalis Black, 1964Taxonomic discussion: The generic name Ericsonia has been used for a wide range of circular and elliptical coccoliths that are now classified within Clausicoccus, Coccolithus, Prinsius, Toweius and Reticulofenestra. The type species, E. occidentalis, is a large, broadly-elliptical, middle Eocene form which is probably a junior synonym of C. pelagicus. Nonetheless the set of taxa included here are normally placed in Ericsonia. So, this usage is followed here pending a revison of the taxonomy.
The genus Diadelithus Aubry & Bord (2009) probably should be used instead, since the type species is E. robusta. However, as described Diadelithus includes a rather different set of species and so the genus would need to be emended, and new combinations proposed [JRY 2016]
Distinguishing features: Coccolithus-like coccoliths that are typically circular and have broad upper tube elements that dominate the distal shield. The dominance of the R-unit cycle results in a bright LM XPL image that is distinct from Coccolithus.
Farinacci & Howe catalog pages: Ericsonia + * , Diadelithus *
Search data:
| Tags | LITHS: placolith, circular, CA: vacant,
CSPH: equant, monomorphic, CROSS-POLARS: rim-bicyclic, V-prominent, R-prominent, |
| Metrics | Lith size: 5->12µm; |
The morphological data given here can be used on the advanced search page. See also these notes
Geological Range:
Last occurrence (top): in lower part of Rupelian Stage (17% up, 32.9Ma, in Rupelian stage). Data source: Total of range of species in this database
First occurrence (base): in lower part of Danian Stage (42% up, 64.2Ma, in Danian stage). Data source: Total of range of species in this database
Plot of occurrence data:
- Range-bar - range as quoted above, pink interval top occurs in, green interval base occurs in.
- Triangles indicate an event for which a precise placement has been suggested
- Neptune data: This is a higher taxon page so Neptune data is not plotted. See also: customisable plot Parent: Coccolithaceae
References:
Aubry, M. -P. & Bord, D. (2009). Reshuffling the cards in the photic zone at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. In, Koeberl, C. & Montanari, A. (eds) The Late Eocene Earth—Hothouse, Icehouse, and Impacts. Geological Society of America, Special Papers. 452: 279-301. gs
Black, M. (1964). Cretaceous and Tertiary coccoliths from Atlantic seamounts. Palaeontology. 7: 306-316. gs V O
