Maryland Geological Survey 451 



Pyropsis whitfieldi Weller 



Pyropsis octolirata Whitfield, 1892, Mon. U. S. Geol. Survey, vol. xviii, p. 



36, pi. ii, figs. 8, 9. (Not P. octolirata Conrad, 1858.) 

 Pyropsis whitfieldi Weller, 1907, Geol. Survey of New Jersey, Pal., vol. iv, 



p. 750, pi. lxxxviii, figs. 14-16. 



Description. — " Shell small, subglobular or subpyriforni in form, with 

 about three ventrieose, rapidly expanding volutions ; the dimensions of a 

 nearly complete internal east being: Height 19.5 mm., which might be 

 increased to 25 mm. if the anterior canal were complete ; maximum diam- 

 eter 16 mm.; height of spire 5.5 mm. Spire low-conical, volutions dis- 

 tinctly flattened adjacent to the suture, marked by from six to nine spiral 

 ridges or costa; upon the casts, which are crossed by vertical ridges at about 

 equal intervals or slightly more distant than the spiral lines, the two sets 

 of markings dividing the surfaces into a number of square, depressed 

 spaces; anterior beak short, apparently straight, and rather pointed; 

 aperture elongate, pointed above and below, about half as wide as long. 

 In the casts the suture is distinct and often strongly marked. 



" Remarks. — This species is of about the same size as P. retifer, from 

 which it may be distinguished by the distinctly flattened band on the 

 upper side of the volutions adjacent to the suture ; the spire is also slightly 

 more depressed, and the lower side of the outer volution contracts a little 

 more rapidly to the anterior beak. The species has only been seen in the 

 condition of internal casts, and by Whitfield was referred to P. octolirata. 

 It differs from P. octolirata, however, in the presence of vertical ribs, and 

 apparently also in the flattening of the upper margin of the volutions." 

 —Weller, 1907. 



Type Locality. — Crosswicks Creek, New Jersey. 



The representation of this small Pyropsis in Maryland is very frag- 

 mentary. 



Occurrence. — Monmouth Formation. Brightseat, Brooks estate near 

 Seat Pleasant, and Friendly, Prince George's County. 



Collections. — Maryland Geological Survey, New Jersey Geological 

 Survey. 



Outside Distribution. — Monmouth Formation. Navesink marl. Xew 

 Jersey. 



