Sphenolithus heteromorphus Deflandre 1953
Description: Apical spine very well-developed. Lateral elements nearly as large as proximal elements.
Remarks: S. heteromorphus has a well developed quadrate base, in which the the upper part is nearly as large as the proximal part, which distinguishes it clearly from S. belemnos. Also the spine typically has a rather bulbous base in contrast to the straight-sided S. belemnos.
Size: Length 5-15 microns, varies considerably in all populations, possibly in part due to diagenetic overgrowth. Width usually c. 3-5 microns.
Original description:
Neogene: Sphenolithus; Sphenolithus heteromorphus
Sphenolithus heteromorphus group
Description: Sphenolithus species with prominent, apical spines formed from a single element.
Species included:
Remarks: S. heteromorphus and S. belemnos are common species and key bostratigraphic markers. S. delphix, S. capricornutus and S. calyculus are a group of relativel rare small species with well developed apical spines charcteristic of the Earliest Miocene.