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Salenia (Salenia) geometrica (Agassiz, 1838)

 

Members of the subfamily Saleniinae (Agassiz) (e.g. Salenia geometrica and Bathysalenia granulosus) are characterised by small tests, a fused apical disc, and a small, pronounced periproct.  Mature individuals of Salenia geometrica are distinguished from Bathysalenia granulosus by the smooth appearance of the apical disc, whereas that of B. granulosus has a distinctly granular appearance.  Salenia geometrica ranges from the Late Santonian to Early Campanian.

 

A      B

1).  Salenia geometrica (x9, Worthing area, White Chalk, Randell Collection, RR1514); (A) adapical and (B) adoral views.  Small notches (sutural pits) are present between the apical plates.

   

A        B

2).  (A) Lateral (side) view of the above specimen (x9).  (B) Adoral view of a juvenile specimen (x14,  Worthing area, White Chalk, Randell Collection, RR1519).  Notice how the sutural pits are much larger relatively speaking than in the adult specimen (1(A)), giving the apical disc a sieve-like appearance.