First record of the Odontopleurid trilobite Koneprusia from the Lower Eifelian of Vireux-Molhain (northern France), with remarks on the associated trilobite fauna
Graaf van Loonstraat 25, NL 6121 JS, Born, The Netherlands.
Abstract
ABSTRACT. Koneprusia sp. A is recorded from the lower Eifelian (Jemelle Formation) of Vireux-Molhain, northern France. The taxon is exceedingly rare and was hitherto not known to occur here. Two articulated carapaces as well as a fragmentary specimen are described. Koneprusia sp. A is closely related to several Eifelian Koneprusia species from the Rhenohercynian. All of these forms share (1) a triangular positioning of tubercles (two on anterior band and one in between behind these on posterior band) on the pleurae of (at least) the five posteriormost thoracic segments and (2) obliquely and backwardly curved thoracic posterior pleural spines with swollen and pustulose bases. Observations on the cephalic and thoracic morphology of Koneprusia suggest that the recently emended diagnosis of this genus needs slight modification. Lastly, the co-occurrence in Vireux-Molhain of Koneprusia sp. A and a second odontopleurid trilobite belonging to the genus Kettneraspis is discussed. Contrary to some previous reports, the genus Leonaspis is not assumed to occur here also.