Seeking Assistance from the Public

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS FOSSIL?

On the left is a scan of the type specimen of the trace fossil Pteridichnites biseriatus from Clarke, J. M. and Swartz, C. K., 1913b, Systematic paleontology of the Upper Devonian deposits of Maryland, Maryland Geological Survey, Devonian Plates, Plate XLVI - 6. In the middle and on the right are several examples of Pteridichnites biseriatus collected along US 33, east of Elkins, WV.

As part of ongoing research here at the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, we are trying to determine the geographic and stratigraphic range of an interesting trace fossil, Pteridichnites biseriatus. This track is thought (by us) to have been produced by a marine organism, most probably a brittle starfish. Thus far, we have only found Pteridichnites in Upper Devonian shales of the Brallier, Sherr, and Foreknobs formations in eastern West Virginia and western Virginia. We would be extremely interested in hearing from anyone who has seen this fossil elsewhere, especially from older or younger rocks or from other locations. Pictures and locality information would be welcome. Please contact Ron McDowell, Senior Research Geologist at WVGES, at mcdowell@geosrv.wvnet.edu.

View other "Wanted Fossils" - Unknown Trace Fossil or Bifungites

Page last revised: June 23, 2011

Please send questions, comments, and/or suggestions to webmaster.

Page created and maintained by:
            West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey
  Address:  Mont Chateau Research Center
            1 Mont Chateau Road
            Morgantown, WV  26508-8079
Telephone:  304-594-2331
      FAX:  304-594-2575
    Hours:  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday

Permission to reproduce this material is granted if acknowledgment is given to the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.