Thericium lapugyense (Mayer, 1878)

Thericium lapugyense (Mayer, 1878)

Figs 53A–B View FIGURE 53

* Cerithium Lapugyense Mayer— Mayer 1878b: 179 View in CoL , pl. 4, fig. 7.

Cerithium (Thericium) michelotti View in CoL [sic] Hörnes, 1856— Popa et al. 2014: 7, pl. 1, fig. 4 [non Pithocerithium michelottii ( Hörnes, 1855) ].

Type material. Lectotype designated herein: specimen illustrated by Mayer (1878b: pl. 4, fig. 7), SL: 17 mm, MD: 9 mm, Lăpugiu de Sus ( Romania), Badenian (Middle Miocene), Figs 53A View FIGURE 53 1 –A View FIGURE 1 2 View FIGURE 2 . The two syntypes, which were part of a collection now stored at the ETH Zürich ( Switzerland) cannot be found and might be lost (pers. comm. Iwan Stössel , June 1 st, 2022).

Illustrated material: MCM 426, SL: 19.0 mm, MD: 10.0 mm, Lăpugiu de Sus ( Romania), illustrated in Popa et al. (2014: pl. 1, fig. 4), Figs 53B View FIGURE 53 1 –B View FIGURE 1 2 View FIGURE 2 .

Revised description. Small, stout shell of about seven teleoconch whorls; apical angle ~45°. Teleoconch whorls with weak mid-whorl angulation and wide subsutural ramp. Sculpture of narrow, widely spaced, fold-like axial ribs and poorly defined subsutural spiral cord and mid-whorl cord, causing roughly cancellate sculpture. Delicate secondary and tertiary spiral cords most prominent in interspaces between axials. Low tubercles developed at sculptural intersections on mid-whorl angulation. Last whorl ovate, attaining 55% of total height. Base strongly constricted with two spiral cords of small beads and several delicate spiral threads. Apertural features not fully developed.

Discussion. This species is based on subadult material. The syntypes are lost but Popa et al. (2014: 7, pl. 1, fig. 4) illustrated another specimen of this rare species. Consequently, this species is characterized by a somewhat irregular cancellate sculpture and poorly defined fold-like axial ribs and spiral cords. Thericium lapugyense is unique within the Paratethyan cerithiids and does not seem to be closely related to any of the other species.

Paleoenvironment. Unknown.

Distribution. Occurring only in Central Paratethys. Central Paratethys. Badenian (Middle Miocene): Făget Basin: Lăpugiu de Sus ( Romania) ( Mayer 1878b).