Painten Formation

The Painten Formation is a geologic formation in Germany. It preserves fossils dating back to the Tithonian stage of the Late Jurassic period.

Description

It is roughly contemporary with the Altmühltal Formation (which includes the true Solnhofen limestone), as they both underlay the Mörnsheim Formation. The 12th specimen, or "Schamhaupten specimen", of Archaeopteryx was uncovered in the lower portion of the Painten Formation. Other dinosaurs found here include Juravenator, Ostromia and possibly Compsognathus.

Fossil content

The following fossils have been reported from the formation:

Reptiles

• Schoenesmahl dyspepsia
• Dakosaurus maximus
• Eurysternum wagleri
• Juravenator starki
• Leptosaurus pulchellus
• Solnhofia parsonsi
• Archaeopteryx sp.
• Compsognathus longipes
• Propterodactylus
• Rhamphorhynchus sp.
• Eurysternidae indet.
• Ichthyosauria indet.

Fish

Chondrichthyes

• Paracestracion viohli

Osteichthyes

• Anaethalion zapporum
• Ascalabothrissops voelkli
• Scheenstia zappi
• Undina penicillata
• Voelklichthys comitatus
• Allothrissops sp.
• Gyrodus sp.
• Leptolepis sp.
• ?Elopsomolos sp.

Invertebrates

Echinoids

• Pygaster sp.
• Echinoidea indet.

Crinoids

• Saccocoma tenella
• Millericrinus sp.

Corals

• Muensteria vermicularis
• Scleractinia indet.

Flora

• Crescentiella morronensis
• Cycadopteris jurensis
• Araucarites sp.
• Brachyphyllum sp.
• Goniolina sp.
• Sphenopteris sp.
• Phaeophyceae indet.

See also

• List of fossiliferous stratigraphic units in Germany

References

Bibliography