A revision of the inoceramids in Henry Woods’ monograph of the Cretaceous Lamellibranchia of England (1899-1913)

Henry Woods’ monograph of the Cretaceous Lamellibranchia of England (1899-1913), with its highquality illustrations, remains to this day a principal reference for the identification of marine Cretaceous Bivalvia, not just in northwest Europe, but also globally. Subsequently, many researchers have split the taxa and based type specimens upon the figures, frequently even without recourse to the specimens themselves. After nearly a century, much new data is becoming available especially concerning the stratigraphy and provenance of Woods’ material, which was originally derived from museum labels, some of which were incorrect. In recent years the lithostratigraphy, especially of the English Chalk, has been very considerably refined. The present authors are attempting to revise the whole monograph for the Palaeontographical Society and present here a first draft working copy of re-identifications from the inoceramid section. The aim here is to recognise the works subsequent to Woods’ study which have cited or revised the taxa treated in his monograph. Supplementary synonymies, principally of 20th century works, are being prepared. Original specimens will be examined and their localities, lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy will be reviewed as far as possible.

The following inoceramid genera or subgenera are recognised in the monograph: Actinoceramus (syn. Birostrina), Anopaea, Cataceramus, Cladoceramus, Cordiceramus, Cremnoceramus, Endocostea, Inoceramus, Mytiloides, Neocomiceramus, Platyceramus, Selenoceramus, Sphenoceramus and Volviceramus. The bulk of Woods’ taxa are from the Late Cretaceous Chalk, but also included are Aptian and Albian forms and unfigured Berriasian material.

In the poster display selected Text-figures and Plates are shown with both the original and revised names, together with new stratigraphic data. A full draft copy of the revised Text-figure and Plate descriptions is attached for consultation. This study is at an early stage, but the authors will supply any interested parties with a working copy of this text and would welcome in return any comments on the revision.