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A lectotype for the Scottish Middle Devonian (Givetian) fish Osteolepis panderi and the historical problems of the genus Osteolepis

Michael J. Newman
A lectotype for the Scottish Middle Devonian (Givetian) fish Osteolepis panderi and the historical problems of the genus Osteolepis
Scottish Journal of Geology (August 2024) 60 (2)

Abstract

In 1860 Pander described a new species of fish from the Givetian of Scotland using the invalid name Osteolepis microlepidotus which was a synonym of Osteolepis macrolepidotus. In 1948 Jarvik published a monograph on this fish giving it the name Osteolepis panderi. However, he did not designate a type specimen or a type locality. This was due to Jarvik's mistake in thinking he had to choose a specimen from one of the specimens used by Pander and being unable to view Pander's collection in Saint Petersburg (then Leningrad) due to World War II and the subsequent Cold War. O. microlepidotus first appeared in print in 1829, but Sedgwick and Murchison's description was inadequate for erecting a species. Shortly after, Agassiz described specimens of O. microlepidotus, which were later shown to be specimens of O. macrolepidotus. Jarvik should have chosen one of the specimens he used as he erected the species O. panderi. After a seven-decade delay NMS G.1903.130.35 in the National Museums of Scotland is chosen as the lectotype from the many specimens used by Jarvik in his description of the species. Skinnet Farm Quarry in Caithness, Scotland is also chosen as type locality for this species.


ISSN: 0036-9276
EISSN: 2041-4951
Coden: SJGEAX
Serial Title: Scottish Journal of Geology
Serial Volume: 60
Serial Issue: 2
Title: A lectotype for the Scottish Middle Devonian (Givetian) fish Osteolepis panderi and the historical problems of the genus Osteolepis
Author(s): Newman, Michael J.
Affiliation: Vine Lodge, Vine Road, Haverfordwest, United Kingdom
Published: 20240801
Text Language: English
Publisher: Geological Society Publishing House for the Geological Societies of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Bath, United Kingdom
References: 41
Accession Number: 2024-063394
Categories: Vertebrate paleontology
Document Type: Serial
Bibliographic Level: Analytic
Illustration Description: illus.
N58°10'00" - N58°40'00", W03°49'60" - W03°00'00"
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Secondary Affiliation: GeoRef, Copyright 2024, American Geosciences Institute. Reference includes data from The Geological Society, London, London, United Kingdom
Update Code: 202437
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