Sphenolithus puniceus
Classification: ntax_cenozoic -> Discoasterales -> Sphenolithaceae -> Sphenolithus -> S. moriformis group -> Sphenolithus puniceus
Sister taxa: S. abies, S. apoxis, S. bipedis, S. neoabies, S. moriformis, S. puniceus, S. grandis 〉〈 S. acervus, S. primus
Bergen et al 2017 fig3 05.JPG
Bergen et al 2017 pl01 21-22.JPG
Sp moriformis NN2 1259A-8-6041crop.jpg
JRYlm-Sp moriformis NN2 1259A-8-6010.jpg
Bergen et al 2017 pl01 19-20.JPG
Bergen et al 2017 pl01 23-24.JPG
JRYlm-Sp moriformis NN2 1259A-8-6019.jpg
JRYlm-Sp moriformis NN2 1259A-8-6033.jpg
JRYlm-Sp moriformis NN2 1259A-8-6041.jpg
Taxonomy:
Citation: Sphenolithus puniceus Bergen & de Kaenel, in Bergen et al. 2017Rank: SpeciesTaxonomic discussion: Very large moriformis-like sphenoliths are a sporadic but distinctive component of Early Miocene sphenolith assemblages. Separating them as S. puniceus seems worthwhile [JRY my obs 2018]
Distinguishing features: Hemispherical, like S. moriformis but larger (7-11 µm) and therefore more birefringent
Farinacci & Howe catalog pages: S. puniceus *
Morphology:
Medium to large, hemispherical sphenolith with a compound apical spine. The species is distinguished by its very high birefringence - exhibiting first order blue to red interference colors at its core in both plan and lateral view. [Bergen et al. 2017].
Search data:
Tags | LITHS: nannolith-radiate, circular, cylindrical, CROSS-POLARS: R-prominent, |
Metrics | Lith size: 7->11µm; |
The morphological data given here can be used on the advanced search page. See also these notes
Geological Range:
Last occurrence (top): within NN4 zone (14.91-17.95Ma, top in Langhian stage). Data source: Bergen et al. 2017
First occurrence (base): within NP19-20 zone (34.44-36.97Ma, base in Priabonian stage). Data source: Bergen et al. 2017
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
- (NB There is no histogram as there are no occurrence records for the taxon in the Neptune database) Parent: S. moriformis group
References:
Bergen, J. A., de Kaenel, E., Blair, S. A., Boesiger, T. M. & Browning, E. (2017). Oligocene-Pliocene taxonomy and stratigraphy of the genus Sphenolithus in the circum North Atlantic Basin: Gulf of Mexico and ODP Leg 154. Journal of Nannoplankton Research. 37(2-3): 77-112. gs V O