First record of siliceous shell plates of Scutiglypha sp. (Amoebozoa: Thecamoeba: Euglyphidae) from Lake Enspel (upper Oligocene, Westerwald Mountains, Germany)

Abstract

The laminated, bituminous sediments of the upper Oligocene (Chattian, MP 28) volcanic crater Lake Enspel preserve a large variety of fossils of the former flora and fauna of the lake and its surroundings. By means of FE-SEM techniques, we have identified the remains of globally rare Cenozoic testate amoebae (Amoebozoa: Thecamoeba) associated with gemmules of freshwater sponges. This is the first record of siliceous shell plates of Scutiglypha sp., an euglyphid testate amoebae from Lake Enspel. The existence of an intermittently swampy and/or near shore habitat of Lake Enspel is discussed.