The machaeridian Lepidocoleus sarlei Clarke, 1896, from the Rochester Shale (Silurian) of New York State

44 1 January 113 130 10.1111/1475-4983.00172

HÖGSTRÖM, A. E. S., TAYLOR, W. L. 2001. The machaeridian Lepidocoleus sarlei Clarke, 1896, from the Rochester Shale (Silurian) of New York State. Palaeontology44, 1, 113–130.

Anette E. S. Högström and Wendy L. Taylor Eight new specimens and the holotype of Lepidocoleus sarlei Clarke, 1896 from Lagerstautten deposits within the Rochester Shale (Silurian, Wenlock) of New York are described to elucidate the morphology, function and construction of the scleritome. The material exhibits an unusual type of dorsal hinge with a pronounced antero-posterior displacement between the two sides. Two specimens have an aberrant sclerite on the right side of segment eleven. One tightly enrolled specimen may demonstrate a method of defence with the stronger protected dorsal side oriented outwards. The presence of a segmented body plan is suggested, based on requirements for a functional spiral enrolment. Distinct anterior and posterior morphologies together with the pattern of rugae provide valuable help in reconstructing disarticulated lepidocoleids. Wiley Online Library