On Arthraria antiquata Billings, 1872 and its relationship to Diplocraterion Torell, 1870 and Bifungites Desio, 1940

Abstract

The poorly defined ichnofossil Arthraria antiquata Billings, 1872, is redescribed from its type location, Bell Island, eastern Newfoundland. Historically, the monospecific A. antiquata has been confused with and even placed into synonymy with the related ichnogenera Bifungites Desio, 1940 and Diplocraterion Torell, 1870. Examination of topotype and other material from Bell Island suggests that A. antiquata is a distinctive trace fossil lacking vertical components typical of Bifungites and Diplocraterion.--Modified journal abstract.