Phylum Annelida Lamarck, 1809
Class Polychaeta Grube, 1850
Family Phragmochaetidae nov.
Remarks.—A monogeneric family, diagnosis as for genus.
Genus Phragmochaeta nov.
Derivation of the name: An oblique reference to the thatch−like appear− ance of the chaetae, hence reeds (Greek phragmites).
Type and only species: Phragmochaeta canicularis.
Diagnosis.—As for species.
Phragmochaeta canicularis sp. nov.
Figs. 2–6.
Derivation of the name: From the Latin for dog (canis), an oblique refer− ence to Sirius (hence dog−star) Passet. Holotype: MGUH 28.886. (Fig. 3C); complete specimen preserved in dorsal view.
Type locality: Peary Land, central North Greenland, at the south−west− ern end of the broad valley connecting J.P. Koch Fjord and Brainard Sund (Fig. 1). Latitude 8247.6’ N, longitude 4213.7’ W, altitude of 450 m above sea level.
Type horizon: Lower part of Buen Formation (Lower Cambrian, provi− sional Series 2, Stage 3).
Material.—The holotype and MGUH 28.880–28.885, 28.887–28.899.
Diagnosis.—Medium−sized polychaete, ca. 20 segments. Notochaetae, simple, transverse across dorsum. Neuropodia lobate, neurochaetae oblique to body axis, otherwise similar to notochaetae. Chaetae possibly flattened, otherwise simple. At anterior both notochaetae and neurochaetae reduced in size, at posterior neurochaetae somewhat more elongate. De− tails of head not known. No jaws. Gut straight, flanked by massive musculature.
Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Buen Formation (Stage 3 of provisional Cambrian Series 2, equivalent to Nevadella Zone), Peary Land (North Greenland).
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