Placosmiliopsis bilobatus

Placosmiliopsis bilobatus

Placosmiliopsis bilobatus is a solitary coral from the Bartonian and Priabonian ages, in the Eocene epoch. It looks like a wider than taller inverted cone with an elliptical or lobed section like a figure of 8 instead of circular. Local circumstances usually determine its growth and shape therefore it is a quite polymorphous species. It measures 2-4 cm in height by 3-6 cm in its longest diameter at the mouth. The lateral ribs are continuous with the radial septa of the mouth.

The images correspond to a specimen from the marine Eocene in Manresa (Bages) in lateral view (photo 1) to show its inverted cone shape, and in oblique view between superior and lateral (photo 2) to show its bilobed upper face. Placosmiliopsis bilobatus has also been found in Eocene terrains in Igualada (Anoia) and in Navarra.

[photos Montserrat Porta and Jordi Badia, identification Josep Biosca]