The phymosomatid echinoid Trochalosoma taeniatum from the Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) of southeast Poland

Abstract

The phymosomatid Trochalosoma taeniatum (von Hagenow, 1840) is recorded for the first time from upper Maastrichtian strata exposed at Piotrowice, near Lublin, southeast Poland. Although fragmentary, the single, moderately preserved test is of note in representing one of the larger individuals of this species on record (estimated diameter > 60 mm), and in displaying crenulate ambulacral and interambulacral tubercles, at least adapically. Previous records of T. taeniatum include the lower and upper Maastrichtian of Denmark, northern Germany (Rügen), Alava (northern Spain) and Mangyshlak (Kazakhstan). Trochalosoma corneti (Cotteau, 1875), from the upper Maastrichtian of southern and northeast Belgium (Mons and Liege basins, respectively) and the southeast Netherlands (type area of the Maastrichtian Stage), synonymised by some authors with T. taeniatum, is considered to be distinct.