The new Upper Serpukhovian genus Zaphrufimia and homeomorphism in some rugose corals

摘要

A number of nondissepimented Visean and Serpukhovian rugose coral species are morphologically linked to Zaphrentites HUDSON, 1941 and Ufimia STUCKENBERG, 1895. Separate taxonomic positions for these groups of species are suggested by differences in the microstructure of their septa and isolation in time and space of their types (Early Carboniferous of Western Europe vs. Middle Artin-skian of the Ufa River area in Russia). The zaphrentoid early morphology, present in both lineages, is suggested to be the archetype for many Rugosa. Direct linking of the Early Carboniferous Ufimia-like corals to Zaphrentites suggests they evolved independently from Ufimia proper. Therefore they are assigned to the genus Zaphrufimia, newly introduced here. The probable derivation of this new genus suggests its relationship to the Stereolasmatina HILL, 1981, but not to the Plerophyllina SOKOLOV, 1960. Re-investigation of the lectotype of Zaphrentis' disjuncta CARRUTHERS, 1910, from the Arnsbergian (Upper Serpukhovian) of Scotland, allowed Tlerophyllum (Ufimia)' schwarzbachi SCHINDEWOLF, 1942, from both slightly older and equivalent strata of the Silesian Coal Basin to be placed in synonymy with that species. Three subspecies distinguished by SCHINDEWOLF (1952) are revised and re-described, using both the original collection and newly investigated specimens from the Lower Serpukhovian of the Czech Republic.