Nodiscala microscopica ( Boettger, 1906 )

Harzhauser, Mathias & Landau, Bernard M., 2025, The Epitoniidae (Gastropoda, Epitonioidea) of the Miocene Central Paratethys Sea-an overwhelming diversity, Zootaxa 5630 (1), pp. 1-142 : 101-103

publication ID	https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5630.1.1
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scientific name	Nodiscala microscopica ( Boettger, 1906 )
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Nodiscala microscopica ( Boettger, 1906)

Figs 35C View FIGURE 35 , 38E–F View FIGURE 38

* Pliciscala (Funiscala) microscopica n. sp. — Boettger 1906: 97.

Funiscala perpusilla de Boury nov. mut.—De Boury in Cossmann 1912: 195, pl. 5, fig. 8.

Opalia (Funiscala) perpusilla (De Boury) — Zilch 1934: 229, pl. 10, fig. 75.

Type material. Lectotype (designated by Zilch 1934: 229), SMF 380176_12.1457a ( XII 1457 a), SL: 3.5 mm, MD: 1.3 mm, CoŞteiu de Sus ( Romania), specimen illustrated in Zilch (1934: pl. 10, fig. 75), Figs 38E View FIGURE 38 .

Illustrated material. NHMW 1862/0007/0287, SL: 3.6 mm, MD: 1.5 mm, Möllersdorf ( Austria), Figs 35C View FIGURE 35 , 38F View FIGURE 38 1 –F View FIGURE 1 2 View FIGURE 2 .

Revised description. Very small, moderately slender conical shell (apical angle 25°). Protoconch turreted of four glossy whorls, last whorl with weak mid-whorl angulation, apically cyrtoconoidal (diameter 300 μm). Teleoconch of four strongly convex whorls with indistinct, weakly convex subsutural ramp and deeply impressed, slightly undulating suture. Sculpture of relatively narrow, weakly prosocline, convex axial ribs separated by wider interspaces, not strictly aligned axially (12: 13: 13). Tips of axial ribs prominent at suture usually separated from preceding whorl. Spiral sculpture of about five primary spiral cords and numerous close-set spiral threads separated by narrow, punctate grooves. Last whorl convex, attaining ~45% of total height, basal angulation moderate with weak peribasal cord delimiting relatively narrow basal disc bearing weak spiral cords. Aperture subcircular with concave columella. Columellar and parietal lip continuous, forming narrow, weakly detached rim.Basal lip truncated. Peristome duplex. Outer lip strongly thickened with radial internal sculpture.

Discussion. This species was placed in Funiscala by previous authors but the punctate microsculpture excludes this placement. It is reminiscent of Nodiscala macilenta (De Boury in Cossmann, 1912) is size, shape and sculpture but differs in its strongly convex whorls, better defined axial ribs and coarser spiral cords.

Cossmann (1912: 195) proposed Funiscala perpusilla as replacement name for Pliciscala (Funiscala) microscopica Boettger, 1906 and stated “ non Cossmann” without referring to a certain species or paper. Zilch (1934) accepted this new name. Indeed, Cossmann (1902: 26) had described Scala (Bouryiscala) microscopica from the Bartonian from Bois-Gouët (Loire-Atlantique) [= Graphis (Bouryiscala) microscopica ( Cossmann, 1902) ] but not a Pliciscala microscopica . Therefore, the replacement name is unnecessary.

‘Funiscala’ imperfecta de Boury, 1891, from the Tortonian of Montegibbio ( Italy), differs in its slightly less convex whorls and much stronger spiral cords (see de Boury 1891: 206, pl. 4, fig. 13) and it does not have a perforated surface and therefore is not congeneric with Nodiscala microscopica ( Boettger, 1906) .

Paleoenvironment. Unknown.

Distribution in Central Paratethys. Badenian (Middle Miocene): Făget Basin: CoŞteiu de Sus ( Romania) ( Zilch 1934).