Invertebrate Fossils of NJ |
Oleneothyris harlani (Morton)
Oleneothyris harlani is a
large
brachiopod from the
Paleocene Epoch averaging about 2 inches in length. These shells are
found in abundant in what is known as the Oleneothyris
biostrome, a
well-known
stratigraphic marker at the top of the Hornerstown Formation.
One of the few brachiopods found in New Jersey, Oleneothyris harlani
has a distinctive elongated-oval
body with an incurved beak that flattens. There is an obvious opening at
the end of the beak.
Brachiopods, or “lamp shells”, are actually made up of two different
halves, or valves, the pedicle valve and the brachial valve. When viewed
from the side the brachiopod is not symmetrical.
Oleneothyris harlani.
Profile view.
Left - Internal view - Right - Partial internal cast.
A cluster of
the brachiopod
Oleneothyris harlani. |