Murospirifer (butterfly shells)

Object/Artifact

-

Crater Rock Museum

Name/Title

Murospirifer (butterfly shells)

Entry/Object ID

2011.57.98

Description

Description: Phylum: Brachiopoda Family: Murospiriferidae Genus: Mucrospirifer Species: mucronatus Common Name: Butterfly Shells Age: Mid-Devonian Location: Unknown Description: Highly detailed brachiopod with two convex, symetrical halves. Color is light tan to gray with no matrix. Physical Characteristics: Mucrospirifer is a genus of extinct brachiopod in the class Rhynchonellata (Articulata) and the order Spiriferida. They are sometimes known as "butterfly shells". Like other brachiopods, they were filter feeders. Fossils occur mainly in middle Devonian strata.The biconvex shell was typically 2.5 cm, but they could grow to 4 cm long. It has a fold, sulcus and costae. It was greatly elongated along the hinge line, which extends outward to form sharp points. This gave them a fin- or wing-like appearance. The apex area (umbo) of the pedicle valve contains a small fold for the pedicle. They lived in muddy marine sediments, and were attached to the sea floor via the pedicle.They sometimes look like two seashells stuck together. Family: Mucrospiriferidae Genus: Mucrospirifer Kingdom: Animalia (Animals) Phylum: Brachiopoda

Collection

Museum Collection of Fossils

Acquisition

Accession

2011.57

Source or Donor

Museum Collection of Fossils

Acquisition Method

Long-term Loan

Dimensions

Width

3/4 in

Depth

3/8 in

Length

1-1/4 in

Location

Location

Container

Center

Drawer

2nd Shelf

Shelf

Center

Cabinet

Case # 51

Wall

North

Room

Delmar Smith Hall

Building

Crater Rock Museum

Category

Permanent