Camunites, a new genus of Hungaritinae (Ammonoidea, Ceratitida) and its meaning for the Anisian (Middle Triassic) biostratigraphy

Abstract

Based on ammonoids collected in the uppermost part of the Prezzo Limestone (middle Illyrian, Anisian) in the Losine section (Camonica valley, Eastern Lombardy, Southern Alps), the new genus Camunites is described. Camunites gen. nov. comprises highly involute ceratitids characterized by a phragmocone with wedge-shaped whorl section, a distinct but rounded keel, a juvenile shell without nodes, and a smooth ventrolateral margin. The flanks show serried, weak, and scarcely elevated or barely visible ribs. The genus comprises Ceratites inconstans Reis, 1901, selected as the type species, and Ceratites lenis Hauer, 1896. We believe that the first appearance of Camunites (i.e. C. inconstans, here considered as the forerunner of the Subfamily Hungaritinae) can be used to define the base of the Hungarites Zone - reitzi Subzone (upper Anisian).