Mosirites Explained

Mosirites (pronounced as /ˌmɒrsiˈɾaɪtis/) is a genus of anisoceratid ammonite from Hobetsu in Hokkaido; North Japan. The type species is Mosirites mirabilis, known from multiple partial and complete specimens.[1]

Description

Mosirites is known from multiple specimens which were described in 2023 by Shigeta et al., (2023). The holotype, HMG-2412 has a maximum diameter of 325mm, and consists of a phragmocone and a part of the body chamber with length of about 150°.[1]

Etymology

The generic name, Mosirites (pronounced as /ˌmɒrsiˈraɪtɛs/), is derived from the Ainu word for peaceful land or Hokkaido, and the suffix "-ites" which is common in ammonite genera. The type species' specific name, mirabilis (pronounced as /ˌmiraˈbilis/), is a Latin word for amazing, and refers to its amazing and wonderful form. The second species' specific name, serpentiformis (pronounced as /ˌsɛrpɛntiˈfoːrmis/), derives from the Latin words 'serpens' (pronounced as /sɛrpɛns/) and 'forma' (pronounced as /foːrma/) and refers to its snake-like form.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Shigeta . Yasunari . Nishimura . Tomohiro . Izukura . Masataka . Mosirites, a New Cretaceous Heteromorph Ammonoid Genus from Hokkaido, Japan . Paleontological Research. 23 June 2023 . 28 . 2 . 10.2517/PR220032 . 259579262 . 25 July 2023.