Ichnofossils associated with lingulide shells from the Lower Permian of Brazil

Abstract

Lingulides from Lower Permian of Brazil (24% substrates) showed signs of bioerosion in form of multiple small shallow pits that resemble incomplete Oichnus paraboloides borings. A single lingulide valve showed a centrally located large circular predatory Oichnus simplex boring. Several lingulide shells (c. 21%) show small Arachnostega traces in their interior. The diameter of Arachnostega burrows is relatively constant. These burrows are more similar to juvenile stages of Arachnostega gastrochaena and do not form well-developed meshwork of tunnels. This is the first record of Arachnostega from the interior of lingulide shells and indicates that even very small lingulide shells were suitable substrates for cryptic organisms.