Triassic clam shrimps (“Conchostraca”; Branchiopoda: Diplostraca) from Mallorca: Taxonomic description and interregional comparisons

Paleontologists have identified four distinct intervals of Triassic clam shrimp fossils (Conchostraca) in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Mallorca, dating from the upper Lower to lower Middle Triassic. Among these, a species closely related to Hornestheria sollingensis—previously known only from Germany—stands out due to its unique radial sculpture on larval carapace valves, though this trait varies in development. The study also describes three additional morphotypes of clam shrimp carapaces, contributing to the sparse global record of this genus. These fossils were collected from fluvial red-bed units, alongside traces of insects, fish, and other invertebrates, offering insights into Triassic biodiversity. The research employs open nomenclature due to limited prior knowledge of Hornestheria morphology, emphasizing its significance for interregional comparisons in paleobiogeography.

SCHOLZE, F., & MATAMALES-ANDREU, R. (2021). Triassic clam shrimps (“Conchostraca”; Branchiopoda: Diplostraca) from Mallorca: Taxonomic description and interregional comparisons. Zootaxa, 4964(3). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4964.3.3