Ptychopariid trilobites in the Middle Cambrian of Central Bohemia (taxonomy, biostratigraphy, synecology)

Abstract

A revision of ptychopariid trilobites from the Middle Cambrian of central Bohemia is presented. With a few exceptions, they were previously referred only to Ptychoparia striata. Three genera are recently distinguished: Ptychoparia Hawle & Corda, 1847, Ptychoparioides Růžička, 1940, and Mikaparia gen. nov. Seven species are described: three are revised, four are new, and two is left in open nomenclature; their stratigraphical ranges and significance are discussed. A new stratigraphical subdivision of the Middle Cambrian of the Skryje-Týřovice area is suggested, including three assemblage zones and three barren zones. Four substrate and bathymetrically controlled trilobite associations are recognized in the Skryje-Týřovice area.