Cupularostrum prolificum brachiopod from the Silica Shale

Cupularostrum prolificum is a small ryhnchonellid type brachiopod from the Silica Shale (Devonian, Givetian stage). It is similar looking to brachiopods that are referred to as Camarotoechia and it seems as though there has been some name changes/swaps. I have not yet been able to find any papers which explain the reasoning or if both genus are valid or cospecific. The specimen below was collected in Pauldin, OH.

Brachial valve

Anterior

Pedicle valve

Posterior

Profile

I have found a similar looking specimen called Cupularostrum sappho in the Ludlowville Fm. along Lake Erie, NY.

Hercostrophia robusta brachiopod from the Silica Shale

Hercostrophia robusta is a new Strophomenid brachiopod for me. It was part of a lot of fossils from the Silica Shale of Paulding, Ohio but only had the partail, single valve. It has a superficial resemblance to Strophodonta demissa but the valve of H. robusta appears to be flatter and more like Protoleptostrophia perplana. The Silica Shale is Devonian in age (Givetian stage).

Pedicle valve exterior

Pedicle valve interior

Posterior hinge

Longispina lissohybus Brachiopod from the Silca Shale

I have found one specimen that I can ID as belonging to the Genus Longispina and that specimen was found in the Mahantango formation. Below is a specimen I purchased as part of a lot from E-bay that comes from the Silica Shale in Paulding, OH. The label indicates that it is Longispina lissohybus but the shell is missing the tell tale spines that normally extend from the hinge line on the left and right sides. The radial ribs that decorate the surface are a bit muted as well so I'm not sure if this really is L. lissohybus. Interestingly, there appears to be a predatory gastropod boring on the pedicle valve.

Pedicle valve

Anterior

Posterior

Profile

The Silica Shale is Devonian (Givetian stage) in age.