Subclass PHYLLOCARIDA Packard, 1879

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Introduction

The subclass Phyllocarida is represented by a single Recent order, the Leptostraca with three recognised families, apparently containing less than 40 described species worldwide. The fossil record indicates a much richer earlier fauna, however, and extends back to the Lower Cambrian. Two extinct orders, the Hymenostraca Rolfe, 1969, and Archaeostraca Claus, 1888, are represented by an interesting and diverse array of forms (Rolfe 1969).

Diagnosis

Malacostraca with large carapace of two valves, with or without hinge line dorsally; valves connected by adductor muscle; produced anteriorly into movably articulated lanceolate rostral plate. Thorax of eight short free somites; abdomen of seven somites plus telson; seventh abdominal somite without appendages; telson bearing unsegmented, movably articulated furca. (After Rolfe 1969).

General References

Rolfe, W.D.I. 1969. Phyllocarida. pp. R296-R331 in Moore, R.C. (ed.). Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology. Part R. Arthropoda 4 Crustacea (except Ostracoda) Myriapoda — Hexapoda. Laurence, Kansas : The University of Kansas and The Geological Society of America, Inc. Vol. 1 xxxvi R398 pp.

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