Celliforma Brown, 1934


DESCRIPTION: Flask- to capsule-shaped cells with smooth exterior walls, when weathered out of the outcrop. When still in the matrix, the interior of the cell is also smooth when well preserved. May contain fossilized pollen and spores. Some cells contain a spiral cap. Cells are arranged in a series of architectural morphologies that include radiating from a central shaft in various configurations.

BEHAVIOR(S): Reproduction, calichnia.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS: A wide range of continental settings in all soil types, with the exception of swamps and lakes. These traces occur in the vadose (unsaturated) zone above the water table.

POSSIBLE TRACEMAKERS: Bees, bee-like Hymenoptera. Groups of individual cells occurring together reflect solitary and gregarious individuals.

GEOLOGIC RANGE: Triassic-recent

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: Hasiotis, et. al., 1995; Hasiotis, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008

REMARKS: 3D anaglyphs of Celliforma can be found here. The geologic range indicates that these formed before the first known flowering plants.