Lithoplaision ocalae: A new trace fossil from the Ocala Limestone (Eocene), Florida

Abstract

The upper Eocene Ocala Limestone of Florida contains an unique and abundant plug‐shaped trace fossil, the origin and paleoenvironmental significance of which remain enigmatic. High‐angle to near‐vertical in‐situ orientations and other field and laboratory data clearly favor formation by biogenic processes over nonbiogenic (physical) processes.

The fossils are elongated, subcylindrical to conical structures possessing an internal central tube surrounded by a thick wall. Skeletal debris, cemented by sparry calcite, composes both the tube and wall components. The burrows, interpreted to have been formed by an organism maintaining a vertical position extending downward from the sediment/water interface, have been given the new ichnogenus and ichnospecies names Lithoplaision ocalae.

Key words:

• trace fossil
• lined burrow
• domichnion
• ethology

Notes

Present Address: ABB Environmental Services, Tallahassee, Florida 32301, USA.