Fragmenta Minerologica et Palaeontologica

Author(s): Vörös, A.
Title: Lessiniella benettii gen. et sp. n., a giant Middle Jurassic rhynchonellid brachiopod from the Southern Alps (Italy)
Year: 1993
Volume: 16
Pages: 51-59.

Abstract: Lessiniella benettii gen. et sp. n. (Rhynchonellida, Brachiopoda) is described on the basis of specimens found in the Callovian of the Lessini Mts. (Southern Alps, Italy). This very large, smooth, gibbose rhynchonellid shows strong external resemblance to certain Early Paleozoic Pentamerida. The internal features (strong dorsal median septum, long, radulifer crura) seem to connect Lessiniella to the family Septirhynchiidae. An apparent episode of gigantism among the rhynchonellids in the late Middle Jurassic is pointed out; each Tethyan faunal province had its own giant rhynchonellid (NW-European - "R." decorata, Ethiopian - Septirhynchia, Mediterranean - Lessiniella).

Journal: Fragmenta Minerologica et Palaeontologica
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 0367-2697
Publisher: Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum, Budapest
Editor(s): Vörös, A.