Synonymy and stratigraphic ranges of Belemnopsis in the Heterian and Ohauan Stages (Callovian-Tithonian), southwest Auckland, New Zealand.

Belemnopsis stevensi, Belemnopsis maccrawi, and Belemnopsis sp. A (Challinor 1979a) are synonymous; B. stevensi has priority. New belemnite material from Kawhia Harbour and Port Waikato, together with graphical study methods, indicates that many small fragmentary specimens associated with B. stevensi in the lower part of its stratigraphic range are probably the same taxon. B. stevensi has been found only in the Middle and Upper Heterian Stage (Lower Kimmeridgian) at Kawhia and only in the Lower Ohauan Stage (Upper Kimmeridgian) at Port Waikato. This apparently disjunct distribution is attributed to poor exposure in the relevant sections. Belemnopsis kiwiensis n.sp., Belemnopsis cf. sp. B, Belemnopsis sp. B, Belemnopsis sp. D, and Belemnopsis spp. are associated with B. stevensi near the lowest known point in its stratigraphic range. The distribution of stratigraphically useful belemnites within the Heterian and Ohauan Stages is: Conodicoelites spp. (Lower Heterian; correlated with Lower Callovian); Belemnopsis annae (Lower and Middle Heterian; Lower Callovian/Lower Kimmeridgian); Belemnopsis stevensi (Middle Heterian/Lower Ohauan; Kimmeridgian); Belemnopsis keari (Upper Heterian; Kimmeridgian); Belemnopsis trechmanni (Upper Ohauan; Upper Kimmeridgian/Middle Tithonian). The apparently extreme range of Belemnopsis annae remains unexplained. Klondyke Sandstone (new) is recognised as the basal member of Moewaka Formation (Port Waikato area)

Stratigraphy of Tithonian (Ohauan-Puaroan ) marine beds near Port Waikato, New Zealand, and a redescription of Belemnopsis aucklandica (Hochstetter).

Some 1500 m of marine Ohauan and Puaroan strata in the Port Waikato region of New Zealand are restudied in an attempt to resolve lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic anomalies in published works. New correlations are proposed for some units of the Apotu Group. A lower 650 m siltstone, previously correlated entirely with Kinohaku Siltstone, is here regarded as including the interval Kinohaku Siltstone to Lower Puti Siltstone (new member). The Waiharakeke Conglomerate is not represented in the area by coarse sediments. A thin sandstone unit overlying the Lower Puti Siltstone and previously correlated with Waiharakeke Conglomerate is here correlated with the Ruakiwi Sandstone. The overlying 400 m siltstone, regarded previously as the entire Puti Siltstone, is here recognised as a new member, the Upper Puti Siltstone. The Coleman Conglomerate is much thicker in the region than mapped, and located higher in the sequence. Biostratigraphy is a key element in correlating the sequence with named units to the south. The sequence is mostly siltstone, but sandstone units provide some lithostratigraphic control. Belemnites are almost the only fossils found in the Late Ohauan and Early Puaroan part of the sequence and are important in the Late Puaroan. Formal belemnite zones, based in part on their stratigraphic distributions in other parts of southwest Auckland, are erected. Occasional ammonites provide tie points that correlate the succession with the standard stratigraphic column for the Tethyan realm. Belemnopsis aucklandica (Hochstetter) is redescribed and considered to be of full specific status as is its former subspecies, Belemnopsis trechmanni Stevens. Many pre-adult Belemnopsis aucklandica differ in form from adults, some have been previously identified in the field as Hibolithes. Some earlier identifications of belemnites from the Late Puaroan of Port Waikato are incorrect, most are now included in Belemnopsis aucklandica

Complex belemnites of the Puaroan (lower-? middle Tithonian) stage in the Port Waikato Region of New Zealand

Belemnite guards range through 2700 feet of Puaroan strata in the Port Waikato region. All are Belemnopsis of the uhligi-complex. Belemnopsis aucklandica aucklandica (Hochstetter) in its most typical form may be restricted to the lower 700 feet of the sequence. Three species are described, together with what may be transitional forms. The morphology of juvenile guards is in marked contrast with that of mature specimens, and development of the adult guard is revealed by examination of internal sections. Some aspects of belemnite paleoecology are discussed. Belemnite biostratigraphy of the area is outlined and the more important fossil localities are described

Notes on the belemnite content of the Heterian and Ohauan stages at Kawhia Harbour, New Zealand

The belemnite content of the Heterian and Ohauan stages at Kawhia Harbour is described. Six major species or groups are differentiated, each of which ranges through several hundred feet of strata. Other minor elements are also present. Belemnopsis keari Stevens is shown to be present in only a restricted group of beds in the upper part of the Waikutakuta Siltstone, and Belemnopsis alfurica (Boehm) may be present in the upper Waikutakuta Siltstone. A system of informal belemnite zones is suggested. The belemnite succession is well defined throughout most of the Heterian stage, but poorly defined in the Ohauan, and further work is required in the upper and lower parts of this stage