Thericium sp.

Thericium sp.

Fig. 62C View FIGURE 62

Illustrated material. PIN 5904/96, SL: 17.4 mm, MD: 7.8 mm, Dzhgali, Georgia, Middle Miocene, Tarkhanian.

Description. Probably medium-sized, stock conical shell. Earliest preserved teleoconch whorls with densely spaced spiral cords, plus three more prominent cords. Later whorls with subsutural cord with rounded nodes, central cord with larger nodes at angulation slightly above mid-whorl, and third weaker spiral cord of weak nodes distinctly above abapical suture. Up to three broad spiral bands between spiral cords. One more prominent spiral cord above abapical suture. Peribasal cord and mid-basal cord plus several weaker cords intercalated over the base

Discussion. This species is known only by two specimens. Only one of these is well-preserved, but represents an incomplete subadult shells, whereas the second specimen from Khadyzhensk is strongly eroded and incomplete. The sculpture suggests that later whorls bear three broad spiral cords with nodes and several broad, flat spiral bands in the interspaces. The very prominent secondary spiral bands, comparatively weak nodes and stocky outline separate this species from all other species documented herein. Moreover, it is older than congeners from the Chokrakian, although we consider it a new species, the preservation does not allow formal description.

Eastern Paratethys. Tarkhanian (Middle Miocene): Ciscaucasia : Khadyzhensk (Krasnodar Krai, Russia) (hoc opus); Transcaucasia : Dzhgali ( Georgia) (hoc opus).