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Glossites cf. lingualis
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Relatively few bivalves have been reported from the Devonian rocks of New Zealand, although it seems likely that more have yet to be identified. Several of those that have been identified in the past have since been reclassified. Amongst these is Glossites, which has now been identified in both the Baton River Formation and in the Reefton Formation. This genus is a deposit-feeder that lives in muddy areas of water. It survived throughout the Devonian, and several species, including Glossites lingualis have been reported from the Late Devonian in the USA.
The specimen of Glossites cf. lingualis shown here is a beautiful example of the species, and was found in the Reefton Formation. The photograph is of the specimen as found, the upper piece showing the inner surface of the shell, the lower the cast of the interior. The specimen is not held in this collection. One half is on display at West Coast Gem and Mineral Club rooms in Shanty Town; the other is with the finder. I hope to cast and mould the now clean specimens in order to provide a positive and negative of one valve for future reference and study. Photographs of the cast and mould will be displayed here when available. |
Further Reading: Spencer, H.G. et al. Mollusca. Chapter 10 in New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity, ed.: D. Gordon. Christchurch: Canterbury University Press, Vol 1. pp 161-254. |