Lapillocystites BARRANDE is the edrioasteroid Stromatocystites POMPECKJ (Cambrian, Echinodermata)

International audienceReexamination of the type material of the enigmatic echinoderm Lapillocystites fragilis BARRANDE, 1887 from the Jince Formation (Drumian) of the Barrandian area (Czech Republic) shows that its original description is based on several accumulations of isolated plates representing several echinoderm thecae and two poorly preserved external moulds representing oral and aboral surface of one specimen of an edrioasteroid. Dimensions and morphology of plates established in all these specimens agree with thecal plates known in the widely distributed species Stromatocystites pentangularis POMPECKJ, 1896. S. pentangularis is known at all outcrops from which L. fragilis was reported by BARRANDE and all other authors. Lapillocystites fragilis BARRANDE, 1887 probably represents a subjective synonym of Stromatocystites pentangularis POMPECKJ

Data from: Evolutionary implications of a new transitional blastozoan echinoderm from the mid Cambrian of Czech Republic

The primitive blastozoan Felbabkacystis luckae n. gen. n. sp. is described from the Drumian Jince Formation, Barrandian area (Czech Republic) based on eleven fairly well-preserved specimens. Its unique body plan organization is composed of a relatively long stalk-like imbricate structure directly connected to the aboral imbricate cup of the test and of an adoral vaulted tessellate test supporting the ambulacral and brachiolar systems. Its bipartite test, called prototheca, highlights the evolution of the body wall among blastozoans. Felbabkacystis n. gen. shows the combination of plesiomorphic (imbricate stalk-like appendage) and derived features (highly domed peristome, elongate epispires). The new genus is interpreted as a transitional form between calyx-bearing and theca-bearing blastozoans, and is attributed to the new Family Felbabkacystidae. The lithology, the associated fauna and the possession of a long stalk suggest that Felbabkacystis was probably a low-level suspension feeder in relatively deep settings

Evolutionary implications of a new transitional blastozoan echinoderm from the middle Cambrian of the Czech Republic

International audienceThe primitive blastozoan Felbabkacystis luckae n. gen. n. sp. is described from the Drumian Jince Formation, Barrandian area (Czech Republic) from eleven fairly well-preserved specimens. Its unique body plan organization is composed of a relatively long, stalk-like imbricate structure directly connected to the aboral imbricate cup of the test and of an adoral vaulted tessellate test supporting the ambulacral and brachiolar systems. Its bipartite test, called prototheca, highlights the evolution of the body wall among blastozoans. Felbabkacystis n. gen. shows the combination of plesiomorphic (imbricate stalk-like appendage) and derived features (highly domed peristome, elongate epispires). The new genus is interpreted as a transitional form between calyx-bearing and theca-bearing blastozoans, and is attributed to the new family Felbabkacystidae. The lithology, the associated fauna, and the possession of a long stalk suggest that Felbabkacystis was probably a low-level suspension feeder living in relatively deep settings

Supplementary data

Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article: S1. List of taxa and sources of data for the phylogenetic analysis S2. Idealized reconstruction of Felbabkacystis n. gen