Voloshinoides simplex sp. nov. and Cribellopsis? kharaibensis sp. nov. (Foraminifera): new constraints for Lower Cretaceous (upper Barremian–lowermost Aptian) stratigraphy of the Arabian Plate (Kharaib Formation, Hawar Member, UAE)

Abstract

Larger benthic foraminifera such as orbitolinids are particularly important in Lower and mid-Cretaceous biostratigraphy of neritic deposits of the Arabian Plate. These data are supplemented by a few non-orbitolinid taxa. Among these, two new species are described herein as Voloshinoides simplex and Cribellopsis? kharaibensis from upper Barremian–lowermost Aptian inner platform limestones of the Kharaib Formation and the Hawar Member cropping out in Wadi Rahabah, United Arabian Emirates. V. simplex sp. nov. represents the oldest and most primitive species of the genus Voloshinoides Barnard and Banner, exhibiting a simple and poorly developed exoskeleton. C.? kharaibensis represents a rather small species exhibiting a primitive marginal zone that lacks intercalary beams. The assignment of the taxonomic status is provisional awaiting some structural clarifications. While C.? kharaibensis is restricted to the upper Barremian Kharaib Formation, V. simplex reaches into the lower part of the lowermost Aptian Hawar Member.