Oligocene pteropods (Gastropoda: Thecosomata) from the Kishima Formation, Saga Prefecture, southwest Japan

Abstract

Five species in two genera of pteropods, Limacina conica (Koenen, 1892), L. hospes Rolle, 1861, L. karasawai new species, Limacina sp. and Creseis kishimaensis new species, are described from the Oligocene Kishima Formation of Saga Prefecture, northwestern Kyushu, southwest Japan. These species constitute the fi rst Oligocene pteropod record from Japan. The pteropod fauna of the Kishima Formation is characterized by the predominate occurrence of the genus Limacina. The Oligocene pteropod fauna from Japan is briefl y discussed.