Bryozoa from the Much Wenlock Limestone (Silurian) Formation of the West Midlands and Welsh Borderland

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Bryozoa of the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation (Homerian Stage, Wenlock, Silurian) in the West Midlands and Welsh Borderland have been known for approximately 150 years, but until now, remained poorly studied and little understood. In total, 26 genera and 47 species, representing all five orders of the Class Stenolaemata (Cryptostomata, Cyclostomata, Cystoporata, Fenestrata and Trepostomata), were identified and complete systematic diagnoses and descriptions of these bryozoans are presented for the first time. Two taxa, Reteporina psygma and Favositella texturata, are new. An identification key to the species is provided as an appendix.