Cunctichnus Fürsich, Palmer et Goodyear, 1994

Macroboring; substrate calcareous; tracemaker invertebrate

Remarks: Taylor and Wilson (2003, table 2) considered Cunctichnus to be a junior synonym of Vermiforichnus Cameron, 1969. The latter provides no formal diagnosis of Vermiforichnus, but this is provided by Häantzschel (1975, p. W136, fig. 82.1a-d), although there is no mention of sidebranches at tightly curved parts of the boring. Similarly, the illustrations, reproduced by Häantzschel after Clarke (1921), are inconclusive (similarly, see Sando 1984, fig. 2D). We consider it conservative to maintain the integrity of Cunctichnus until a more detailed comparison of these ichnotaxa is available.

Category of architectural design: 2.68. Branched tubular borings.

Branched, bifurcating.

Diagnosis. Cylindrical borings in shells, arcuate tu highly sinuous or planispiral, with thin, short, tapering side-branches at points where tubes abruptly change directions.