Veeversaspis (IPA: [ˌvɪvəzˈæspɪs]) (meaning "Veevers' shield") is an extinct genus of bathyurid trilobite from the Nambeet Formation in Western Australia; Australia. The type species is M. jelli, known from multiple partial specimens.[1]

Veeversaspis
Temporal range:
Tremadocian, 485.4–477.7 Ma
Specimens of Veeversaspis and Tanybregma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Trilobita
Order: Proetida
Family: Bathyuridae
Genus: Veeversaspis
Smith, and Allen, 2023
Type species
Veeversaspis jelli
Patrick M. Smith, and Heidi J. Allen, 2023

Description edit

Veeversaspis is known from multiple specimens which were described in 2023 by Smith, and Allen, (2023). The holotype, GSWAF55755 measures at around 14 mm (0.6 in), and is a partial cranidium.[1]

Etymology edit

The generic name, Veeversaspis (IPA: [ˌvɪvəzˈæspɪs]), is named in honour of J.J. Veevers (Macquarie University; Sydney), for the initial documentation of trilobites from the Canning Basin. And the Greek word "aspis" which means shield and is also a common component of trilobite generic names. The specific name, jelli (IPA: [dʒɛlaɪ]), was named in honour of P.A. Jell (University of Queensland; Brisbane), for his extensive contribution to Australian trilobite studies.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Smith, Patrick; Allen, Heidi (7 August 2023). "Early Ordovician trilobites from Barnicarndy 1 stratigraphic well of the southern Canning Basin, Western Australia". Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology. 47 (1): 234–291. Bibcode:2023Alch...47..234S. doi:10.1080/03115518.2023.2226194.