A coleoid gladius (Mollusca, Cephalopoda) from the Albian of Normandy (France): A new squid genus and species
Résumé
A coleoid gladius (Mollusca, Cephalopoda), well preserved in a phosphate nodule, is described from the lower Albian of Normandy (France). The lateral parts of the gladius are considered as the remains of a primary conus. This fossil is part of a gladius of modern type. It is thought to be included in an evolutionary trend leading to the Recent genera, of narrowing of the gladius associated with greater streamlining of the body. The coleoid gladii are almost unknown from the Cretaceous. This coleoid gladius from the Albian of Normandy differs from any known Mesozoic gladius, and thus is named Normanoteuthis inopinata, new genus, new species, within the family Plesioteuthidae.