An annotated catalogue of types of Silurian–Devonian brachiopod species from southern Belgium and northern France in the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (1870–1945), with notes on those curated in other Belgian and foreign institutions

Abstract

The type material of 45 Pridolian–Devonian brachiopod species, described in southern Belgium and northern France (1870–1945) and curated at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Brussels), is re-investigated and illustrated in order to facilitate future taxonomic revision; such a catalogue should allow a better assessment of the brachiopod diversity during the considered time span. Furthermore, 28 other Silurian–Devonian species originally described in Belgium (1850–1950), but housed in other Belgian or foreign institutions, are also discussed. For taxonomical purposes, the lectotypes of several species are selected; the latter were described by Asselberghs (Stropheodonta couviniensis, Plethorhyncha percostata var. gdoumontensis, Athyris dorlodoti, Retzia gdoumontensis, Dielasma maillieuxi), Béclard (Orthis dorsoplicata, Orthis musischura, Rhynchonella parvula (non R. parvula Eudes-Deslongchamps)), de Ryckholt (Lingula amayana), Dewalque (Crania corneti), and Maillieux (Discina (Discina) forrierensis, Pholidostrophia extensa, Anoplia theorassensis, Schuchertella durbutensis, Streptorhynchus rahiri, Pentamerus loei). Re-investigation of the ambocoeliid Spirifer pentameroides Stainier highlighted the homonymy between Diazoma Dürkoop, 1970 (Brachiopoda) and Diazoma Lamarck, 1816 (Tunicata); the former genus must be rejected and replaced by a valid synonym, namely Kelusia Mamedov, 1978.