DIPLOSPIRELLA BITTNER, 1890 (BRACHIOPODA): MORPHOLOGY AND REVIEW OF THE CARNIAN SPECIES FROM THE SAN CASSIANO FORMATION (CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY)

Abstract

Ali the localities with Upper San Cassiano Formation Brachiopod faunas present in the Am­pezzan valley are described. The genus Diplospirella Bittner, 1890, namely, the species Diplospirella wissmanni (Miinster), Diplospirella sufflata (Miinster), and Diplospirella aureolata (Cornalia) are re-examined. Analysis under SEM and of several transverse sections has revealed new morphologic elements: Cardinal lamina and Cardinal pit in the cardinalia; a complex jugum; the absence of a skeletal connection between spiralia and crura. The proposal advanced by Dagys (1974) attributing the genus Diplospirella to the order Athyridida is accepted.