Gemmocolus


Gemmocolus is an extinct genus of sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Fasciolariidae. The genus includes two species, G. ectypa and G. gemmata, both known from the Miocene of New Zealand.

Description

The genus has a differing gemmate sculpture compared to other closely related genera such as Falsicolus.

Taxonomy

Gemmocolus was first described by Phillip A. Maxwell in 1992 as a subgenus of Falsicolus. By 2009, it was raised to genus level.

Distribution

Fossils of the genus date to the early Miocene and middle Miocene of New Zealand. Fossils found in the Westland District may represent a third, undescribed species.

Species

Species within the genus Gemmocolus include: