Temnocidaris sceptrifera sceptrifera possesses some of the largest and most spectacular primary spines of the chalk cidaroids.  They are elongate, with coarse, well developed spiny ornament and a flared tip.  Mostly they possess a swollen proximal portion, which distinguishes them from the superficially similar Temnocidaris intermedia whose primary spines are of a constant width along their length.  However, the adoral primary spines of T. sceptrifera sceptrifera are not swollen and can be indistinguishable from those of T. intermedia.  Ranges from the Coniacian to the Campanian.

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1).  Typical primary spine (x3, Seven Sisters, Seaford Chalk Formation, Randell Collection, RR1185). 

A   B

2).  A remarkable specimen, with a near complete and articulated complement of primary spines and scrobicular spines (White Chalk,  Booth Museum BMB 024370, by kind permission of John Cooper). (A) Adoral view, x1.4; (B) Detail of articulated primary spine and the associated scrobicular spines, x4.0.

A     B

3).  (A) Partial test with spines (x1.3, White Chalk, Booth Museum BMB 024387).  (B) Crushed test with spines (x1.3, White Chalk, Booth Museum BMB 024368).  Both by kind permission of John Cooper.

4).  Small and exceptionally preserved individual; a significant proportion of the peristomal plating is retained, and the Aristotle's Lantern (jaw-parts) is seen protruding through them; (A) general view of the test (x4); (B) magnified view of peristome (x7) (White Chalk, HCCMS (Hampshire County Council Museum's Service) collection, stored at Gosport Museum, G.1983.393 by kind permission of Dave Kemp, HCCMS).

A               B     

5).  (A) Adapical view of a fragment from a very well preserved individual, retaining the apical plating (x4, Beachy Head, White Chalk, Randell Collection, RR1692).   (B) A large, complete test lacking articulated spines (x1.3, White Chalk, probably Lewes Nodular Chalk, from the Willett Collection, Booth Museum, by kind permission of John Cooper).

  A     B B

6).  (A) Detail of a peculiar branched spine, perhaps regrowth after a predatory attack (x3.0, White Chalk, Booth Museum BMB 024368).  A Detail showing an isolated hemipyramid (x4.5, White Chalk, Booth Museum BMB 024368).  Both by kind permission of John Cooper).

7).  Lateral view (upside-down) of a small (juvenile?) individual with some spines (x2.6, White Chalk, HCCMS (Hampshire County Council Museum's Service) collection, stored at Gosport Museum, G.1983.393, by kind permission of Dave Kemp, HCCMS).

LINKS

                   *  BMNH guide to Temnocidaris.

                  *  A very well preserved specimen from the BMNH.