Occurrence of Meyeria magna M’Coy, 1849 in Colombia: a widely distributed species during Aptian times

Abstract

Occurrence of the mecochirid decapod Meyeria magna M'Coy 1849 is documented based on numerous articulated specimens collected from upper Aptian strata of Colombia. This report represents the fi rst record in America for the species, previously reported from Aptian deposits of Europe. The numerous specimens of a relatively uniform size found in a single stratigraphic level suggests a mass mortality event, favorable conditions for the development of the community, or both. The stratigraphic range for the genus Meyeria is confi rmed to be Lower to Upper Cretaceous.