Cretaceous Foraminifera 

From the Greenhorn, Carlile 

and Cody Formations 

South Dakota, Wyoming

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 254-E
Cretaceous Foraminifera 

From the Greenhorn, Carlile 

and Cody Formations 

South Dakota, Wyoming

By STEVEN K. FOX, Jr.

A SHORTER CONTRIBUTION TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 254-E

Significant Foraminifera from a section north 

of the Black Hills and a se ction in the 

eastern Bighorn Basin

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1954
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Douglas McKay, Secretary

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

W. E. Wrather, Director

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office 

Washington 25, D. C. - Price 65 (paper cover)
CONTENTS

	Page 

Abstract_ ________________________________________ 97

Introduction „______________________________________ 97

Previous investigations __________________________ 97

Acknowledgments,__ ___________________________ 98

Belle Fourche area, S. Dak. and Wyo_______________T_ 98

Belle Fourche shale _____________________________ 98

Greenhorn formation ____________________________ 98

Carlile shale___________________________ 98

Niobrara formation.____________________________ 99

Stratigraphic section north of Belle Fourche, S. Dak_ 99

Fossil-collecting localities ____________________ 99

Greybull area, Wyo_______________________________ 102

Frontier formation.______________________________ 102

Cody shale___________________________________ 102

Stratigraphic section near Greybull, Wyo__________ 103

The microfauna____________________________________ 103

Microfaunal zones________-____-_______--_______ 103

	Page 

The microf auna—Continued

Microfaunal analysis_____________-___-__---_-_-_ 107

Check list of species..____________________________ 109

Descriptions of species_____________________________ 110

Reophacidae _____________________-_----_--_-_-_ 110

Lituolidae____________--_---___-----_-_-------- . 110

Textulariidae_______________________-_-_-_-- 112

Verneuilinidae___ _ _______________.____-_---_-_-- 112

Trochamminidae__ _ ___________________________ 112

Placopsilinidae ___._________________-_-___-_---_ 113

Lagenidae ___________-_-_____-_-_-_------------ 114

Buliminidae_ _ ____________________-----------_-_ 118

Rotaliidae_______________________________ 119

Anomalinidae __________________---_-_-_---_---- 119

References _______________-__-__-_-_-_---_-----_---- 121

Index.____________-_-_-_---_---_---------------_-- 123

ILLUSTRATIONS

PLATE 24. Reophacidae, Lituolidae, Textulariidae, Verneuilinidae, and Trochamminidae.

25. Placopsilinidae and Lagenidae.

26. Lagenidae, Buliminidae, Rotaliidae, and Anomalinidae.

Plates follow index.

TABLES

Page 

TABLE 1. Stratigraphic section north of Belle Fourche, S. Dak., where Foraminifera were collected- _____________________ 100

2. Stratigraphic distribution of Foraminifera in the Belle Fourche and Carlile shales and the Greenhorn formation,

near Belle Fourche, S. Dak__________________________________________________________________________ 101

3. Stratigraphic section near Greybull, Wyo., where Foraminifera were collected.__--_____________---___-_--_--_ 104

4. Stratigraphic distribution of Foraminifera in the basal part of the Cody shale near Greybull, Wyo______________ 105

in

A SHORTER CONTRIBUTION TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM THE GREENHORN, CARLILE, AND CODY FORMATIONTS,

SOUTH DAKOTA, WYOMING

By STBVEN K. Fox, JK.

ABSTRACT

The first of a series of analyses of Cretaceous Foraminifera 

from the western interior indicates the presence of several 

useful microfaunal assemblages in the Greenhorn and Carlile 

shale formations north of the Black Hills. Study of Foraminifera from the basal 388 feet of the Cody shale in eastern Bighorn 

Basin, Wyo., reveals that assemblages similar to those of the 

Greenhorn and Carlile, and also to those of the Niobrara formation of the Great Plains, occur in sandy shales far to the west.

Variations in faunal composition across the western interior 

are discussed as evidence of changing ecological conditions. 

The fauna of the lower part of the Carlile shale and equivalent 

formations maintains a more uniform character than faunas 

from the Greenhorn, upper part of the Carlile, and Niobrara. 

Faunas representing the lower part of the Carlile shale are 

essentially arenaceous. Greenhorn faunas are predominantly 

calcareous but vary chiefly in the presence or absence of species 

of the genus Marginulinopsis. Calcareous benthonic forms 

dominate the upper part of the Carlile and Niobrara faunas in 

the Great Plains. Westward, many arenaceous species in the 

sandy shales of the Cody produce the mixed arenaceous-calcareous aspect of these faunas.

Ten new species from the Greenhorn formation, Carlile shale, 

and Cody shale are described. Twenty-one other forms, only 

three referable to previously described species, are illustrated 

and commented on. Additional already known species are included in two tables of distribution.

INTRODUCTION

This paper describes significant Foraminifera from 

the Greenhorn formation and Carlile shale in the area 

north of Belle Fourche, S. Dak., and from the basal 

part of the Cody shale near Greybull, Wyo., in eastern 

Bighorn Basin. During August 1949 about one hundred samples were collected at Greenhorn and Carlile 

localities from detailed sections measured previously by 

W. A. Cobbaii. The 120 samples from several localities 

of the basal 388 feet of Cody shale were obtained from 

sections measured by the writer in August 1949. Particular care was taken to collect channel samples from 

well-exposed sections. The writer expects to expand 

these studies stratigraphically and geographically in 

the western interior in order to analyze the occurrences 

of Foraminifera in the Cretaceous of that area.

PEEVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS

Records of Foraminifera from the Greenhorn formation and Carlile shale in the Great Plains have foen 

scattered and meager. The early reports included the 

names of a few species but did not associate species 

with lithologic units.

The following is a summary of more recent work on 

the microfaunas of the western interior.

Carman (1929, p. 309) figured and described seven 

species from the Benton shale near Centennial, Wyo. 

The Benton includes Carlile and Greenhorn equivalents. Carman's species are long-ranging in the C^etaceous. An eighth form, Anomalina sp., is figured 

but not described.

Applin (1933, p. 215-220) listed five species from the 

Carlile shale and two from the Niobrara formation of 

South Dakota. Of those in the Carlile Haplophragmwides gigas Cushman is probably the only good Orlile guide fossil. The two Niobrara pelagic species, 

Globigerina cretacea D'Orbigny and Gwn^elina alobulosa (Ehrenberg) are well distributed in Cretaceous 

rocks.

Morrow (1934, p. 186-205) figured and descried 

from Kansas 13 species from the Greenhorn format:on, 

3 from the Carlile shale, and 30 from the overlying Fiobrara formation. Six of the Greenhorn species are 

known only from the Hartland shale member, and many 

of the Niobrara forms are apparently restricted in range 

in Kansas. Morrow's three Carlile species, Gwribetina 

globulosa (Ehrenberg), GivnibeUna globifem (Reu^s), 

and Globigerina cretacea D'Orbigny, are typical Cretaceous pelagic species of no index value.

Loetterle (1937, p. 1-73) described and figured 63 

species of Foraminifera from the Niobrara formation 

of Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. He noted 27 

species restricted to the basal Fort Hays limestone member. Many of these forms verify Morrow's results

Fox (1941, p. 1967) reported 94 species of calcareous 

and arenaceous Foraminifera from the Cody shale of 

the type locality in western Bighorn Basin, Wyo. £?v97
98 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

eral faunal zones were recognized within the Cody. 

Many typical Niobrara species of Morrow and Loetterle 

were noted in the basal and middle shales of the Cody. 

The association of arenaceous and calcareous genera in 

the type Cody was noted as an indication of change of 

facies as the Nlobrara formation is traced westward.

Young (1951, p. 35-68) described a new foraminiferal 

fauna from the Frontier formation of southern Montana. The 34 species occur in and immediately below 

the "Vascoceras beds" which have been reported by 

Reeside (1923, p. 25-31) as lower Turonian and the 

equivalent of at least the upper part of the Greenhorn 

limestone of the central Great Plains. Young notes 

that the southern Montana microfossils are distinct 

from other assemblages reported from the Cretaceous 

of the western interior. He suggests differences in 

ecological conditions during the accumulation of the 

Niobrara formation, the Greenhorn limestone, the Eagle 

Ford formation, and the Frontier formation of southern 

Montana. Recent additional data on the relationships 

of Young's microfauna are presented in the present 

paper.

Descriptions of Canadian Cretaceous Foraminifera 

from comparable parts of the section have not been 

wanting. Wickenden (1932b, p. 203-207) described a 

fauna in the lower Alberta shale which is closely related to the basal part of the Cody shale of the type 

locality (Fox, 1941, p. 1967). Wickenden (1932a, p. 

85-91; 1945, p. 33) and Nauss (1945, p. 1605-1629; 1947 

p. 329-343) have recently reported many species from 

the Cretaceous of Mantiboa, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Many of these are apparently restricted geographically to the Canadian area and many have long 

ranges within the Cretaceous. Several species indicate 

relationships with the microfaunas described by Loetterle and Morrow from the Niobrara of the Great Plains 

States.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The writer is indebted to J. B. Reeside, Jr., and W. A. 

Cobban of the U. S. Geological Survey for their cooperation during joint field work in August 1949. 

Without Mr. Cobban's guidance in the field of sampling 

the Belle Fourche shale section previously measured 

by him, the present collections could not have been made 

in so short a time. The field and laboratory aid of 

Richard W. Murphy of Princeton University and 

Georges His and Ogden Nine of Rutgers University 

was invaluable. The writer is indebted to the late Mrs. 

Helen Jeanne Plummer and to Keith Young for many 

suggestions. Ann Shephard Green of the U. S. Geological Survey made the camera lucida drawings. The 

use of the laboratory facilities of Rutgers University 

and Princeton University is gratefully acknowledged.

BELLE FOURCHE AREA, S. DAK. AND WYO.

In the Cretaceous section north of Belle Fourche, S. 

Dak., the present microfossil study concerns part of the 

Belle Fourche shale, the Greenhorn formation, and the 

Carlile shale. At the present time W. A. Cobban is 

engaged in a detailed study of the molluscan fr.unas of 

the entire Cretaceous sequence in the area north of the 

Black Hills. The sections measured by Cobbar for his 

study were used by the writer in obtaining foraminiferal samples for this paper.

BELLE FOURCHE SHALE

The Belle Fourche shale was named by Collier (1922, 

p. 83) for exposures of dark-gray shale underlying the 

Greenhorn limestone along Belle Fourche River near 

Wind Creek, Crook County, Wyo. Rubey (1930, p. 4) 

reported marine fossils from the shale in the Blrck Hills 

region. According to Reeside (Haas 1949, p. 36), the 

fauna is probably Cenomanian. Originally described 

as the upper member of the Graneros formation, the 

Belle Fourche is now accorded formational rank (Reeside. 1944; Dobbin and Horn, 1949).

GREENHORN FORMATION

The Greenhorn formation was described by Gilbert 

(1896, p. 564-565) as alternating limestones and shales 

between the Carlile shale above and the Graneros shale 

below. He named it for Greenhorn Station near Pueblo, Colo., and for Greenhorn Creek in Pueblo quadrangle. Rubey (1930, p. 4) reported 50-350 feet of similar lithology with marine fossils in the Black Hills region. The marine fossils include Inoceramm lahiatus 

(Schlotheim) and Metoicoceras whitei Hyatt of early 

Turonian age (Reeside 1923, p. 25-31; Moreiran 1942, 

p. 195). The Greenhorn is widely distributed in eastern Colorado and Wyoming, southeastern Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, and northeastern New 

Mexico. It is the equivalent of the Britton formation 

of the Eagle Ford group in Texas (Moreman 1942, p. 

195). In Kansas it includes two members older than the 

Greenhorn of the type locality. Rubey and Ba?s (1925, 

p. 47) adopted the Lincoln limestone as the basal member of the Greenhorn in Kansas. Bass (1926, p. 33) 

assigned the name Hartland to the chalky shale member 

above the Lincoln and below the equivalent of the basal 

Greenhorn of the type locality.

CARLILE SHALE

Gilbert (1896, p. 564-565) also named the Carlile 

shale. He described it as 175-200 feet of medium gray 

shale exposed at Carlile Spring and Carlile Station 

west of Pueblo, Colo., where it underlies the Timpas
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 99

(Niobrara) limestone and rests on the Greenhorn limestone. The formation is widely known in the Great 

Plains States where different members are recognized 

locally.

Eubey and Bass (1925, p. 36) noted that the upper 

member of the Carlile shale in Kansas (Blue Hill shale) 

contained Prionocyclus wyomingenms Meek and could 

probably be correlated with an upper sandy unit in the 

Carlile of South Dakota and Wyoming. In the Black 

Hills region Eubey (1930, p. 4) applied the name Turner (150-200 feet) to this upper sandy member of the 

Carlile, but did not name the lower shale member (75- 

125 feet). Eubey reported marine fossils in both members of the Black Hills section, and a distinct faunal 

break between the two units. He identified the overlying Sage Breaks shale as the basal member of the 

Mobrara formation largely on the presence of the typically Niobrara form Ostrea congesta, Conrad. In recent years additional collections of ammonites and species of Inoceraxtnus from the Sage Breaks indicate strong 

Carlile affinities. Furthermore, Ostrea congesta is 

recognized as the only megafossil common to the Sage 

Breaks and to the Fort Hays limestone member of the 

typical Niobrara (Cobban, W. A., personal communication) . The Sage Breaks in the Black Hills area is 

now considered as the uppermost of three members of 

the Carlile on this evidence and also on the lithologic 

similarity between the lower shales of the Carlile and 

the Sage Breaks. It is so recognized by the Geologic 

Names Committee of the Survey. Recently Dobbin 

and Horn (1949) adopted this assignment in Weston 

County, Wyo. The microf ossil evidence is presented in 

this report.

Eeeside (1923, p. 28) identified the Carlile fauna as 

late Turonian and later indicated two major fannul 

zones in the Carlile (Thomas 19>36, p. 1192). The upper 

zone contains Prionoeyclus wyomingensis Meek and 

Scaphites warreni Meek and Hay den; ScapMtes larvaefonnis Meek and Hayden and Collignoniceras woolgari 

(Mantell) characterize the lower zone. The Carlile is 

the equivalent of the Arcadia Park formation of the 

Eagle Ford group in Texas (Moreman 1942, p. 195).

NIOBRARA FORMATION

The Niobrara formation was described by Meek and 

Hayden (1862, p. 419-422) as a chalk and limestone 

formation 200 feet thick lying between the Pierre and 

Benton shales. The type section along the Missouri 

Eiver near the mouth of Niobrara River in Knox 

County, Nebr., consists of yellow-white chalk overlying 

white limestone. In Kansas the chalky member was 

named Smoky Hill by Cragin (1896, p. 51), and the 

lower limestone member above the Carlile was called

Fort Hays by Williston (1893, p. 108-109). The chalks 

and limestones of the Niobrara of the Great Plains 

States are replaced westward by calcareous shales, with 

the upper chalky member persisting farther than the 

underlying limestone.

Faunally, the Fort Hays limestone member of the 

Niobrara formation is characterized by Inoceramus deformis Meek and the Smoky Hill chalk member by 

Inocermrws grandis (Rubey and Bass, 1925, p. 25-32). 

Many other species appear in the Niobrara as it is 

traced westward.

The Niobrara formation of the Black Hills region was 

divided by Eubey (1930, p. 4) into the basal Sage 

Breaks shale member (250-325 feet) and the Beaver 

Creek chalky member (125-200 feet). For reasons o^tlined above, the Sage Breaks is now recognized as the 

uppermost member of the Carlile. The name Niobrr.ra 

has been restored in place of Beaver Creek.

The Niobrara formation is the equivalent of the Austin chalk of Texas. Niobrara faunas also occur in the 

Cody shale of Bighorn Basin, Wyo., (Reeside, 1927b, 

p. 1-18) and in the Canadian Cretaceous formations 

(Wickenden, 1945, p. 42). They represent the European Coniacian and lower Santonian (Eeeside 1928, 

p. 28).

STBATIGBAPHIC SECTION NORTH OF BELLE 

FOURCHE, S. DAK.

A stratigraphic section in Crook County, Wyo., and 

Butte County, S. Dak., north of Belle Fourche, S. Dak., 

was sampled and studied. (See table 1.) Samples 

having roman numbers were collected from the datum 

downward, and those with arabic numbers from the 

datum upward. Wherever possible samples were obtained by channeling unweathered material.

FOSSIL-COLLECTINO LOCALITIES

United States Geological Survey localities at which 

samples were collected are given below. Letters in. 

parentheses indicate the sample designation in table 1, 

and units are those of table. 1.

CABMLE SHAtE

24082. Unit 27. Sage Breaks member (CSB). East-facing 

road cuts south of Windy Hill school on west side of U. S. Highway 85, east edge SE^SE^i sec. 34, T. 10 N., R. 2 E., Bx-tte 

County, S. Dak.

24083. Unit 26. Turner sandy member (CT). West-facing 

cut of south tributary to.Owl Creek, center NE}4 sec. 35, T. 10 

N., R. 2 E., Butte County, S. Dak.

24084. Units 25-17. Turner sandy member (CT). Gentle 

slopes one-half mile west of U. S. Highway 85, center sec. 10, 

T. 9 N., R. 2 E., Butte County, S. Dak.

24085. Unit 16. Turner sandy member (CT). Four miles 

east of U. S. Highway 85, SE^SWM sec. 11, T. 9 N., R. 2 E., 

Butte County, S. Dak.
100 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

TABLE 1.—Stratiffraphic section north of Belle Fourche, S. Dak., where Foraminifera were collected

Formations

Carlile 

shale.

Datum

Greenhorn

Belle 

Fourehe 

shale.

Members 

bers

Sage 

Breaks.

Turner 

sandy

Unnamed.

Faunal assemblage number

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Rofik unit

No.

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

20

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Thickness 

(feet)

195

75

24

5

8

17

15

12

17

30

21

16

13

15.5

0.1

8

26

0.5

6.5

0.5

10

13

61

15

62

224

350- 

1000

Samples and their position in the section

*CSB I-CSB VI, taken from 77 to 92 ft below top of 

Sage Breaks, beginning immediately below a large 

concretion layer.

*CT 25, 12 ft to 17 ft below top. 

*CT 24, 17-22 ft below top.

CT 20-CT 23, taken at base and each 6 ft int above.

Not sampled.

CT19. Top 2 ft of bed.

CT 18, taken 2 ft below top. 

CT 17, taken 8Ji ft above base.

CT 16, taken 10 ft from base. 

CT 15, taken 5 ft from base.

CT 14, taken 6 ft above base.

*CT 13, 5 ft above base.

CT 6-CT 12, taken every 5-ft above base.

CT 5, taken 13 ft above base. 

CT 4, taken 10 ft above base.

*CT 1-CT 3, each 5-ft, measured above ledge.

*CL 12 and CL 13, each 6.5 ft measured above base.

*CL10andCLll.

Not sampled.

*CL8andCL9.

Not sampled.

do.

do.

do.

*CL 6 and CL 7, each 5 ft.

*CL 1-CL 5, equally spaced above datum.

*GU I-GU XX, each 2.5-ft, measured below top of 

Greenhorn.

*GU la-GIT Id, taken at fossiliferous limestone concretions 10-12 ft above base of unit 5.

Not sampled.

do.

*GL I-GL X, each 5 ft, measured below top of unit 2.

*GL 1 and GL 2, each 2.5 ft measured above base of 

unit 2.

*BF I-BF V, each 3-ft measured below top of Belle 

Fourehe.

Distance 

(feet) 

above or 

below 

datum

528.1 

333.1

258.1

234.1

229.1

221.1

204.1

189.1

177.1

160.1

130.1

109.1

93.1

80.1

64.6

64.5

56.5

30.5

30

23.5

23

13

0

0 

61

76

138

362

712-

1362

Lithology of units

Shale, gray, noncalcareous, containing light-gray 

calcareous septarian concretions.

Shale, light weathering, containing 3 by 5 ft limestone 

concretions, 17 ft below top

Shale, dark, with fossliferous rusty conc-etions.

Shale, sandy, with conspicuous ledge foming orange 

concretions.

Shale, dark, weathering buff, gray, containing small 

concretions.

Shale, dark, with some rusty concretions; small 

brown concretions at top.

Shale, dark, with a few conspicuous rusty concretions.

Shale, dark.

Shale, dark, containing yellow concretions.

Shale, dark, containing concretions and C in of brown 

bentonite at top.

Shale, dark, containing concretions at top.

Basal Turner sandy member. Shale, gray, with 1 

ft sandstone ledge and shark tooth conglomerate at 

base.

Shale.

Shale, containing iron concretions.

Nodules, small, yellow.

Shale, containing iron concretions.

Shale, poorly exposed.

Bentonite.

Shale.

Bentonite.

Shale.

Shale, gray.

Shale, brown, calcareous, containing limestone concretions and bentonites.

Shale, gray, noncalcareous, unfossilifercus.

Shale and mudstone, with rusty concretions.

Shale, gray-weathering, calcareous. Limestone, 

containing shark teeth, at base.

Shale, black, fissile; and mudstone.

* Indicates composite sample from vertical channel whose length is given.
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 101

TABLE 2.—Stratigraphic distribution of Foraminifera in the Belle Fourche and Carlile shales and the Greenhorn formation

near Belle Fourche, 18. Dak.

• Limestone concretions 

• Small ironstone concretions

Neobulimina canadensis 

Bulimina exigua

Planulina kansasensis

Hdglundina caracolla 

Ammobaculites subplanatus

Haplophragmoides calcula

Frondicularia sp.

Lenticulina kansasensis

Vaginulina texana

Haplophragmoides carlilensis, n. sp.

Ammobaculites fragmentarius

Flabellammina sp. 2

Gaudryina bentonensis

Gaudryina cobbani, n. sp.

Trochammina sp. 3

Globigerina cretacea 

Trochammina sp. 2 

Ammobaculites humei

Gumbelina moremani 

Globorotalia? youngi, n. sp.

Dentalina basiplanata 

Virgulina tegulata

Bulimina wyomingensis, n. sp.

Buliminella fabilis

Flabellammina sp. 1

Gumbelina pseudotessera

Planulina dakotensis, n. sp.

Bigenerina sp.

Anomalina bighornensis

Palmula sp.

Ammobaculites tyrrelli

Vaginulina sp. 1

Haplophragmoides sp.

Dentalina catenula

QuinquelocuLina moremani

Flabellammina sp. 3

Dentalina sp.

Globorotalia cushmani

Marginulina sp. 2

Planularia sp.

Robulus sp.

Marginulina sp. 1

Saracenaria reesidei, n. sp.

Vaginulina sp. 2

Valvulineria plummerae

Marginulinopsis amplaspira

Trochammina sp. 1

Faunal assemblage number

Carlile

Sage Breaks Turner sandy Unnamed

Rock unit number and distance, in feet. Si'i 1 •' i|

Hi ,M M CO 1 •it sl Ij II 1

i

11 i

i * i i

l!ll

9

27

EXPLANATION: • Not sampled, • Abundant, 1000+

J;|l

!> ll • "<

4.

26

*

11 n

specimens

Ik Ml, XM VKI:'

l;L

1 c

i «

i r

25-19

•• —————

10

Vk'i hi' 1

18rl6

—————— ^

———————

———————

m

9

'h 1

-1 1 |U

•»|* « Vi "

1H2

--

• ——

— —

—

8

'

' 

>

1

Greenhorn

above and below datum .

If

Ilr7

7

i

6

•

6

f* -f^i""''

5

"*

^^TM~ "

- —— .

•—•I

- —

• — "•

———

•Ml

•

•

•

———

. ———

——

—

—

-n:

5 4|||

• L

^

&

If

3

.. —

m

——

jfiiiifl.rilf'lW-llii $$m

Belle

Fourch«

\

ill- 

«

%

2

-

i f mm,,nm»

——

IB 3

•-

2

CO 4)

rH DO

' ft

1

"

J HP

IK Common, 100-500+ specimens — Rare, 1-10+specimens — Inferred occurrence

2WS158—54-
102 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

24086. Units 15-12. Unnamed member (CL). The same place 

as locality 24085.

24087. Units 11-6. Unnamed member (CL). West-facing 

cut, NWVtNE% sec. 16, T. 9 N., R. 2 E., on north tributary of 

Crow Creek.

GREENHORN FORMATION

24088. Samples GU I, II of unit 5. The same place as 

locality 24087.

24089. Samples GU III-VII of unit 5. West-facing cut, center 

NE44 sec. 16, T. 9 N., B. 2 E., Butte County, S. Dak.

24090. Samples GU VIII-XX of unit 5. North-facing scarp 

on southwest-flowing tributary to Crow Creek in SW^NE1^ 

sec. 16. T. 9 N., B. 2 E., Butte County, S. Dak.

24091. Samples GU la-d of unit 5. Ey2 sec. 15, T. 57 N., 

R. 62 W., Crook County, Wyo.

24092. Samples GL I-X of unit 2. Upper 50 feet of SW% 

sec. 10, T. 57 N., R. 62 W., Crook County, Wyo.

24093. Samples GL 1-2 of unit 2. Basal 5 feet, center sec. 9, 

T. 57 N., B. 62 W., Crook County, Wyo.

BELLE FOUKCHE SHALE

24094. Unit 1. Samples BF I-BF V. The same place as locality 24093.

GREYBULL AREA, WYO.

Upper Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in the Bighorn 

Basin consist of several thousand feet of alternating 

marine shales and nonmarine or beach sandstones. The 

upper part of these rocks includes the Cody shale and 

the Frontier, Mesaverde, Meeteetse, and Lance formations. The last two formations complete the Upper 

Cretaceous sequence and are entirely terrestrial in 

origin.

In the vicinity of Greybull, Wyo., the present study 

concerns the upper 25 feet of the Frontier formation 

and the basal 388 feet of the overlying Cody shale.

FRONTIER FORMATION

The Frontier formation in the Bighorn Basin is a 

series of ledge-forming lenticular sandstones and interbedded black and carbonaceous shales that underlie the 

Cody shale. The formation averages 450-600 feet in 

the basin, as compared to the thickness of 2,000 ± feet 

recorded by Knight (1903, p. 542) in the type section 

in Lincoln County, Wyo. The sandstones thin northeastward across the basin.

The Frontier formation contains both marine and 

terrestrial faunas of Colorado age. Marine fossils from 

the upper part of the Frontier near Cody (Reeside 

1927b, p. 2) indicate correlation with the Niobrara formation of the Great Plains. Southeastward in 

Laramie Basin, Wyo., (Thomas 1936, p. 1194) and near 

Salt Creek oil field, Wyoming (Reeside, J. B., Jr., personal communication), the upper part of the Frontier 

is equivalent to the Carlile of the Great Plains. A recent report by Haas (1949, p. 37) of a late Cenomanianearly Turonian ammonite fauna from the Cody shale 

in the Greybull area would indicate that the underlying 

Frontier in this area is the equivalent of the Greenhorn 

of the type locality and probably older (Hartland) elements of the Great Plains sections.

CODY SHALE

The name Cody was applied by Lupton (1915, pp. 

171-173) to dark shales above the top of the Frontier 

formation and below the base of the Mesaverde formation along Shoshone River at Cody. Lupton also described as Cody 3,360 feet of similar shales southeast 

at Basin, Wyo. He reported marine fossils of late 

Colorado age in the lower two-thirds of the formation 

at Basin, and invertebrates of Montana age in tl °- upper 

1,000 feet.

The Cody shale is characteristically comjosed of 

dark-gray shales at the base and of sandy shales and 

medium-gray thin shaly sandstones which increase in 

number toward the top. Limestone concretions and 

bentonites are numerous in the lower part of tH Cody. 

The base of the first massive sandstone of tie Mesaverde formation marks the upper conformable contact; 

the ledge-forming sandstone of the Frontier formation 

lies below the Cody. The Cody ranges in thickness in 

the Bighorn Basin from 1,715 feet at the Garland anticline to 3,600 feet in the west-central part of tl ^ basin. 

In the Greybull area it is about 3,000 feet.

Age determinations of Cody strata have been based 

principally on marine molluscan faunas. The larger 

invertebrates indicate that the Cody of the type- locality 

is the equivalent of part of the Niobrara (Coniacian) 

of the Great Plains and the Telegraph Creek formation 

(Santonian) and Eagle sandstone (lower Campanian) 

of southern Montana (Reeside, 1927b, p. 1-2). Foraminif eral evidence sustains this view (Fox, 1941, p. 1967).

In the Bighorn Basin south and east of the type area 

the Cody shale has been defined as the equivalent of that 

of the type area (Lupton, 1915, p. 171-172; Reeside, 

1927a). Recently, however, Haas (1949, p. 1-39) described a late Cenomanian early Turonian ammonite 

(Dunveganocera~s) fauna from the Cody shale near 

Greybull, in eastern Bighorn Basin. Detailed section 

measurements throughout this area in August 1949 have 

revealed that the Duiweganoceras fauna also occurs in 

place in large concretions in the upper sandstone of the 

Frontier formation in a zone 20-25 feet in thickness below the base of the Cody shale. The basal Coiy itself 

in eastern Bighorn Basin is believed by Reeside to be 

older than that in the type area and to be the equivalent 

of the Belle Fourche (late Cenomanian) shale of the
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHQRN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 103

Great Plains (Haas, 1949, p. 37). Foraminiferal material presented herewith is in line with the molluscan 

evidence.

STRATIGRAPHIC SECTION NEAR GREYBULL, WYO.

The basal part of the Cody shale (388 feet) was measured above the Frontier formation on the slopes of 

Greybull dome about 3 miles southeast of Greybull in 

NE. 1/4 sec. 27, T. 52 N., R. 93 W., Bighorn County, 

Wyo., USGS loc. 24095. The section was completed 

to the fourth prominent ledge above the Frontier. 

Wherever possible, samples were channelled from unweathered material and represent all but 22 feet of the 

basal 388 feet of Cody. Table 3 shows the detailed section, and table 4 the distribution of the Foraminifera.

THE MICROFAUNA

Forty-seven species of Foraminifera are reported 

from the Great Plains region, representing 12 families, 

and 27 genera (see tables 2 and 4). Calcareous species 

total 31. Sixteen forms are arenaceous. The families 

Lagenidae and Lituolidae have 15 and 11 species, respectively. The Greenhorn assemblage comprises the 

bulk of the calcareous species (26) and has only 5 

arenaceous types. The Carlile contains 10 arenaceous 

and 9 calcareous species.

In the basal 388 feet of the Cody 49 species are recorded; these represent 14 families and 31 genera. 

Fourteen arenaceous and 35 calcareous species constitute the fauna. The Lagenidae are most common, having 18 species. Representing the Lituolidae are 7 species. The basal shale unit (30 feet) of the Cody carries 

an overwhelming Calcareous-arenaceous ratio of 13-2, 

which is similar to the ratio in the Greenhorn. The 

succeeding 63 feet show a 7-1 arenaceous-calcareous 

ratio, resembling the lower and middle members of the 

Carlile shale. The ratio of 23 calcareous to 8 arenaceous species in the remaining shales of the basal part 

of the Cody (295 feet) suggests a relationship with the 

upper part of the Carlile shale and with the Niobrara 

formation. Individuals af arenaceous species, however, are more abundant than calcareous individuals in 

this part of the Cody.

This general faunal resemblance between the major 

units in the Great Plains with the divisions in the basal 

part of the Cody shale at Greybull is strengthened by 

the similarities in restricted species between the two 

areas (tables 1-4). Such relationships are significant 

in view of the lithologic variation between sandy shales 

and small sandstones of the Cody and the more calcareous elements of the Greenhorn and Carlile sequence. 

Many of the Foraminifera transcend boundaries of facies and are apparently good indices of differences in

time. It should be stated, however, that wherever calcareous species are greater in number than arenaceous 

species in the relatively sandy basal Cody shale, r,renaceous individuals are usually more abundant than calcareous individuals in any one sample.

The large number (18) of forms not identified specifically is explained entirely by the lack of sufficient 

material to describe new species. Whenever suitr.ble 

populations of 10 or more individuals were not available, new species were not described. Most of s\ich 

forms from the Great Plains section and from the Cody 

shale are probably new. They are in the distribution 

charts (tables 2 and 4), discussed in the systematic 

paleontology, and are figured. Ten new species are 

described, 6 from the Great Plains formations, 4 from 

the Cody.

MICROFAUNAL ZONES

The present study has revealed that useful microf ossil 

zones exist in the Cretaceous formations examined ncrth 

of the Black Hills and that these zones may be recognized west of the Great Plains in great thicknesser of 

dark shale. In the Belle Fourche section at least 12 

microf ossil assemblages can be identified in the succession from the upper part of the Belle Fourche shale to 

the Sage Breaks member of the Carlile shale. The 

major elements of these microf aunas appear in the basal 

part of the Cody shale of eastern Bighorn Basin as five 

distinct assemblages. Tables 2 and 4 show the distribution of species in the two areas. Only four species 

found in the Great Plains region and three in the Cody 

range throughout the section.

The upper 15 feet of the Belle Fourche shale is characterized by a single species Trochwrvnyina, sp. 1.

The Greenhorn formation represents a major faunal 

zone which at present indicates four distinct elements. 

Gunibelina moremani and Globorotalial yowngi occur 

throughout the Greenhorn and are good index fossils 

for the entire formation. They are most abundant in 

the uppermost 50 feet. The former appears rarely in 

the basal 20 feet of the Carlile shale.

The basal few feet of the Greenhorn formation nay 

be identified by the abundance of Globigerina, cretacea 

in association with Globorotalial youngi and Gumbelina m-or&niani. This is an entirely pelagic assemblage. 

In no other part of the Greenhorn are species so fev7 .

The uppermost 50 feet of the lower part of the 

Greenhorn formation (unit 2) contains many restricted 

forms: Dentalina sp., FlcibeUammina sp. 3, Globorotdlw 

cushmani, Marginulina sp. 1, Marginulina sp. 2, Planurlaria sp., Robulus sp., Saracenaria reesidei, n. sp., 

Vaginulina sp. 2, and Marginulinopsis am/plaspira. 

Despite the variety of restricted forms, Globigerina cretacea and Orwnibelina moremani are most' abundant
104 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

TABLE 3.—Stratigraphic section of the Cody shale near Greybull, Wyo., where Foraminifera were collected

Formations

shale.

Datum

Frontier.

Faunal 

assemblage 

number

5

4

3

2

1

No.

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Thickness (feet)

90

110

80

15

10

37

16

30

Samples and their position in the section 

(Measurements represent length of 

vertical channels)

GD 46-54, each 10 ft.

GD 35-45, each 10 ft.

GD 23-34, each 6H ft.

GD 20-22, each 5 ft.

GD 18-19 each 5 ft.

GD 11-17, each approximately 5 ft.

GD 8-10, equally spaced.

GD 1-7, each approximately 4 ft.

Not sampled.

Distance 

(feet) 

above 

datum

388

298

188

108

93

83

46

30

0

Lithology of units 

N

Shale, hard, gray, with interbedded bentonites, silty shale, an I small

sandstones. Small gray-brown silty bentonitic sandstone 3-5 ft 

thick is 7 ft above base and forms third prominent ledge of tin Cody

above Frontier. Section capped by fourth ledge of the Coly, 3-5

ft of hard silty shale and bentonitic sandstone.

Shale, hard, gray, somewhat sandy, measured above barren linestone

concretions of second ledge of the Cody. Belemnites and shark 

teeth 30-40 ft above base. Brown limestone sidei ite concretions with

fragments of Oryphaea and Inoceramus in basal 20 ft.

Shale, soft, gray-brown, sandy. Fossiliferous gray paper sardstone

8-16 in. 30 ft below top. Barren large limestone siderite concretions 

form second prominent ledge of the Cody at the top of unit. Upper

22 ft not exposed.

Shale, gray, interlaminated fissile, and buff sands 1 in. thick.

Shale, massive, hard, gray.

Shale, gray with many light-brown sands as large as 1 in.

Shale, gray, hard, massive, above limestone siderite concretion? which 

form first ledge of the Cody above Frontier.

Shale, gray, massive, hard, with irregular sandy laminations lying

beneath limestone siderite concretions 2 ft by 3 ft. Concretions 

form first ledgo of the Cody above Frontier. Basal 4 in. contain

black chert pebbles }4-l in. in diameter.

Sandstone, massive, olive-drab, shaly; olive-drab sandy shale, thinly

bedded brown sandstone with chert pebbles and yellow, buff to

brown sand. Brown sandstone usually forms ledge 3 ft high but is

often obliterated by wash from overlying Cody. Contact with

Cody sharp. Large brown sandstone concretions 2}£ ft in diameter

bearing Jhtnveganoceras fauna occur in upper 25 ft. Wood, chert

pebbles, Inoceramu? fragments, and small gastropods are also in

concretions.

individually but they are not so common as they are in 

the upper part of the Greenhorn (unit 5). Six of the 

restricted lower Greenhorn species appear in the basal 

30 feet of the Cody.

Unit 5, the uppermost 61 feet of the Greenhorn formation, may be recognized by the restriction of Planulina dakotensis 11. sp., Bulimina Wyomingensis, n. sp., 

Flabellammina sp. 1, Haplophragmoides sp., Vaginulina, sp. 1, Buliminella fabilis, and Gumbelina pseudotessera. Most abundant here are Gumbelina, moremani, 

Globigerina cretacea, Planulina dakotensis, Bulimina 

wyomingensis, and Globorotaliaf youngi, n. sp. Buliminella fabilis and Gumbelina pseudotessera have considerable ranges in the Cretaceous of the Gulf Coast. 

The basal 12 feet of unit 5 is distinguished by Quinqueloculina moremani, a restricted Eagle Ford species. 

Above this, Palmula sp., Anotnalina bighornenis, Bigenenna sp., and Dentalina catenula are characteristic, 

but "floods" of Globigerina cretacea dominate the top 30 

feet. Bulimina wyomingensis is most abundant 30-40 

feet below the top of unit 5. Dentalina catenula has

been reported in both Taylor and Navarro rockr on the 

Gulf Coast and in Lower Cretaceous sedimentary 

rocks in Europe.

The Carlile shale (with the exception of the uppermost part of the Turner sandy member and tl Q. Sage 

Breaks member) may be considered another major 

f aunal zone, and its composition is principally arenaceous. Haplophragmoides carlUensis n. sp., Gaudryina 

cobbani, n. sp., and Trochammina sp. 3 are thel'ey fossils for the unnamed member and the Turner sandy 

member of the Carlile shale. Haplophragmoides carlilensis, n. sp. is most abundant in the middle part of the 

Turner. It does not extend to the lower or upper limits 

of the Carlile. Gaud-ryina cobbani, n. sp. appears in 

the top of the unnamed member and at the base of the 

Turner. Trochammina sp. 3 is most abundant in the 

basal 16 feet of the Turner but occurs throughout its 

67 feet. Both of these new species occur in th°> Cody 

shale 30-94 feet above the base.

The basal 13 feet of the unnamed member of the Carlile shale is distinguished by the presence of several
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 

TABLE 4.—Stratiffraphic distribution of Foraminifera in the basal part of the Cody shale near Greybull, Wyo.

105

• Large limestone concretions 

o Large sandstone concretions 

« Ledge -forming limestone concretions 

v.v Ledge -forming sandstones

Globigerina cretacea 

Gaudryina bentonensis 

Planulina kansasensis 

Gumbelina reussi 

Globotruncana cretacea

Robulus munsteri 

Hoglundina caracolla 

Bulimina reussi 

Spiroplectammina semicomplanata 

Bulimina prolixa

Anomalina ammonoides 

Virgulina tegulata 

Ammobaculites tyrrelli 

Valvulineria plummerae 

Polyphragma codyensis, n. sp.

Bullapora laevis 

Marssonella oxycona 

Dentalina bighornensis, n. sp. 

Bulimina exigua 

Reophax recta

Lenticulina sublaevis 

Lenticulina kansasensis 

Frondicularia undulosa 

Vaginulina knighti 

Palmula? sp.

Eponides shoshonensis, n. sp. 

Ammobaculites fragmentarius 

Frondicularia greybullensis, n. sp. 

Planularia umbonata 

Frondicularia lanceola bidentata

Ammobaculites subplanatus 

Ammobaculites humei 

Haplophragmoides carlilensis, n. sp. 

Gaudryina cobbani, n. sp. 

Planulina eaglefordensis

Haplophragmoides calcula 

Robulus sp. 

Haplophragmoides sp. 

Marginulinopsis amplaspira 

Saracenaria reesidei," n. sp.

Vaginulina sp. 1 

Vaginulina sp. 2 

Globorotalia? youngi, n. sp. 

Dentalina basiplanata 

Gumbelina moremani

Marginulina sp. 1 

Planularia sp. 

Ramulina globulifera 

Pseudoclavulina clavata

Faunal assemblage number

Equivalent formations of the Great Plains

Basal part of the Cody shale (Frontier formation

. Rock units and distance, in feet, above base of Cody shale

•£ 1 f ' 1 ' i ::e 

•fl ' 1 1 1 1 1 '•"

9

———— »-•

Hi

5

'i'l'i 1 '! 1 '!''!

'' ilpl'i'll' 1 !

8

_ ———————

——

*"

. — —

.-Hi_

-

4

iiiji'i- ,! i .<

6-7

m^mm 

— *i •

3

•[ll-l'l'l

Will 

•P'

3-5

—— HHM

wm

2

Niobrara Carlile

*J» - * -£0(base)=

2.

— —

1

a

II

l

EXPLANATION

Abundant, 1000 + 

specimens

Common, 100-500+ 

specimens

Rare, 1-10 + 

specimens

Inferred 

occurrence

(Not sampled)

Belle Fourche (?)
106 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

species of radiolarians, including Dictyomitra sp. 

Many samples contain nothing but radiolarian remains. 

A few specimens of Gwribelina rn-oremani and Ammobaculites subplanatus appear in samples.

The middle part (units 7-11) of the unnamed member of the Carlile shale contains only Trochammina 

sp. 3. Samples from this part of the section are easily 

recognized by the hundreds of crushed specimens of 

this species. A few radiolarians are also present.

The shales in the uppermost 37 feet (units 12-15) of 

the unnamed member of the Carlile shale are recognized 

by the restriction of Ammobaculites humei, in association with Gaudryina cobbani, n. sp., Trochammina sp. 3, 

and Haplophragmoides carlilensis, n. sp.

The lower part of the Turner sandy member of the 

Carlile shale (units 16-18) is relatively unfossiliferous. 

Dozens of unidentifiable crushed specimens appear in 

many samples. Trochammina sp. 3 is common at the 

base. Haplophragmoides carlilensis occurs alone in the 

top 40 feet.

The middle part of the Turner carries the main 

Carlile microfauna. Haplophragmoides carlilensis, n. 

sp. is most abundant here and is associated with the 

restricted Flabellajmndna sp. 2. Gaudryina cobbani, n. 

sp. occurs in the basal 20 feet. The restriction of 

AmmobacuMtes fragmentarius has no stratigraphic 

significance because this form has a long range in the 

Cretaceous.

The upper sandy shales and siltstones in the Turner 

sandy member present an assemblage with strong 

Niobrara and Austin affinities. The abundance of 

Lentic-ulina kansasen^is and the presence of Vagimdina 

texana 17 feet below the top of the Turner indicate 

relationship to the Fort Hays fauna of Kansas and 

Nebraska and to the Austin of Texas. Both species are 

restricted to the Fort Hays in Kansas, Nebraska, and 

South Dakota, and to that part of the Cody shale in the 

type Cody which bears other restricted Niobrara elements. VaginuJina texama is a good index species for 

the Austin chalk on the Gulf Coast. Associated with 

these two Niobrara species are Frondicularia sp., 

Hoglundina caracolla, Haplophragmoides calcuJa, and 

Aminobaculites subplanatus. Frondiciilaria sp. is restricted to this occurrence. H. caracolla and H. calcula 

are long-ranging Cretaceous species. A. subplanatus 

was described from the Austin of Texas but it occurs 

in the lower part of the Carlile shale near Belle Fourche 

and also in the lower part of the Cody shale with other 

Carlile elements. The occurrence in the upper part of 

the Turner of typical Niobrara microfossils may well 

indicate an extension downward of the range of these 

forms. The main Prionocyclws wyomingensis ammonite zone occurs in the middle part of the Turner,

but the upper part of the Turner and the Sage, Breaks 

members still yield the characteristic Carlita genus 

Prionocyclus (Cobban and Reeside, oral communication) . Such an association of Carlile ammonities and 

typical Niobrara Foraminifera is not confusing but 

shows probable transitional Carlile and Niobrara conditions.

The Sage Breaks microfauna is known from a few 

samples representing 15 feet beginning 77 feet below 

the top of the formation. The assemblage of PlmvuMna 

kansasensis, Bulimina easigua, and Neobulimira canadensis is clearly related to the Niobrara formation of 

Kansas and Nebraska. Planulina kansasensis is a restricted Niobrara species in Kansas and Nebraska. It 

has been recognized in the Sage Breaks membe,r of the 

Carlile shale of Laramie Basin (Thomas, 1936, p. 1193) 

and it occurs in the type Cody shale restricted to strata 

which bear other Niobrara species. Bulimina exigua 

is essentially an Austin form on the Gulf Coast. It 

appears with Planulina kansasensis in the Cody. Neobulimina canadensis frequently occurs with these species but its association is of no stratigraphic value. It 

ranges from the Eagle Ford shale to the Nava rro formation on the Gulf Coast. According to Reeside and 

Cobban (personal communication), the Sage Breaks 

carries a molluscan fauna of Carlile type, including the 

genus Prionocyclus. The only megafossil common to 

the Sage Breaks and to the Niobrara (Fort Hays) is 

Ostrea congests, Conrad. Therefore, as in the uppermost part of the sandy member, Turner, it is a pparent 

that the Sage Breaks fauna is a mixture of Carlile molluscan elements and essentially Niobrara-type microfossils.

In the basal 388 feet of Cody shale exposed in continuous section southeast of Greybull, five faunal assemblages in three major faunal zones are clearly recognizable. The major zones are related to the Greenhorn, 

Carlile, and basal Niobrara elements in the Great 

Plains.

The massive hard gray shales in the basal 30 feet of 

the Cody contain an overwhelmingly calcareous fauna 

(table 4, fauna 1) of 16 species, of which If are restricted to this zone at Greybull. Ten species are restricted to the Greenhorn formation in the Belle Fourche 

section. The forms restricted at Greybull, and also to 

the Greenhorn, are Marginulinopis amplaspira, Globorotalial youngi, Vaginulina sp. 1, VaginuZma s> 2, Saracenarla reesidei, Robulus sp., Planularia sp., I^arginulina sp. 1, Haplophragmoides sp., Gumbelina moremani, 

and Dentalina basiplanata, D. basiplanata h?s a long 

range in the Cretaceous on the Gulf Coast. Species restricted at Greybull but with longer ranges elsewhere
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 107

in the Cretaceous are Pseudoclamilina clavata and Ramulina globuJifera.

The succeeding 63 feet of gray massive shales of the 

Cody, containing many interbedded light brown sands, 

bear the dominantly arenaceous Haplophragmoides carlilensis fauna (table 4, fauna 2) of nine species. Restricted to this zone are Haplophragmoides carlilensis, 

n. sp., Gaudryina cobbani, n. sp., Ammobaculites humei, 

Haplophragmoides calc-ula, and Planulina eagle fordensis. The first four are known only from the Carlile 

shale in the Great Plains and the last is an Eagle Ford 

species in Texas. Haplophragmoides calcula ranges 

considerably higher in the Cretaceous both in Canada 

and in Texas. It is apparent that this part of the Cody 

in eastern Bighorn Basin is the equivalent of at least 

part of the Carlile of the Great Plains. The sediments 

at Greybull contain considerably more sand. Longer 

ranging species associated with the Carlile species are 

frequently common. They are Ammobaculites tyrrelli, 

Ammobacidites subplanatus, Reophax recta, and 

Gaud-ryina bentonensis.

The next 295 feet of the Cody (table 4, units 6-9) are 

characterized by gray-brown shales and sandy shales 

which contain three f aimal assemblages, each indicating 

relationship with Foraminifera from the Niobrara of 

Kansas and Nebraska (Morrow, 1934, and Loetteiie, 

1937). The oldest assemblage (table 4, fauna 3) occurs 

in sandy shales with many 1-inch buff sands and is distinguished by the relative abundance of arenaceous individuals, particularly of the species Polyphragma 

codyensis and Reophax recta-. The presence in this 

fauna of Lenticulina kansasensis, Lenticidina sublaevis, 

and Planulina kansasensis in association with Frondicularia lanceola bidentata suggests relationship to the 

Niobrara formation of Kansas and Nebraska where 

these forms are restricted Niobrara species. However, 

the occurrence in the Belle Fourche area of Planulina 

kansasensis in the Sage Breaks and of Lenticulina kansasensis in the upper part of the Turner sandy member 

of the Carlile shale has been noted above.

A strongly calcareous assemblage (table 4, fauna 4) 

appears in the less sandy 110 feet representing unit 8 

(table 4). It is marked by the presence of Vaginulina 

knighti, Frondicularia undulosa, Palmula? sp., Dentalina bighorne'n-sis, BuUmina exigua, Frondicularia greybullensis, Eponides shoshonensis, and Planularia umbonata. Planulina kansasensis, Lenticulina kansasensis, Lenticulina sublaevis, and Polyphragma codyensis 

occur more rarely than in fauna 3. Since Vaginulina 

knighti, Frondicularia wndulosa, Lenticulina kansasensis, Lentwulina sublaevis, and Planularia umbonata are 

restricted in Kansas and Nebraska to the basal (Fort 

Hays) member of the Niobrara formation, this assemblage indicates strong relationship to the Niobrara of 

the central part of the Great Plains.

The uppermost 90 feet (unit 9) of the basal part of 

the Cody shale at Greybull contain fauna 5 (table 4) 

consisting principally of Bulimina reussi, Glcibotrv/ncana cretacea, Gumbelina reussi, and Planulina. kansasensis. Despite the disappearance of the characterfstic Niobrara forms of fauna 4, this assemblage is also 

typical of the Niobrara of the Great Plains.

In considering all species in f aunal assemblages 3 and 

4 (table 4), the relationship to a zone 200 feet thick near 

the top of the Alberta shale in Canada (Wickencfen 

1932b, p. 203-207) is evident. The presence of the 

arenaceous species Polyphragma codyensis (Clavuliwa? 

sp. of Wickenden), Reophax recta, Marssonetta oxycona, Ammobaculites tyrrelli, and the calcareous form, 

Bullopora laevis, suggests affinity with Wickenden's essentially arenaceous fauna. The mixed arenaceouscalcareous nature of the Cody fauna is thus effective in 

indicating the relationship between the highly c**lcareous Niobrara assemblages of the Great Plains and 

the more arenaceous suites of the Canadian section.

MICROFAUNAL ANALYSIS

The 24 genera reported in this paper from the Greenhorn formation represent a new American Cretaceous 

microfauna. Sixteen of the 31 species are either n<vw 

or are not referable to previously described forms. 

Comparisons with other faunas in the western interior 

which are equivalent to the Greenhorn of the Blr.ck 

Hills suggest the varying ecological conditions during 

the deposition of the Greenhorn and other formations 

of the same age. Lithologically, shales equivalent to 

the Greenhorn formation contain less calcareous material as they are traced westward.

Faunas most closely related to the new Greenhorn 

assemblages are from the basal 30 feet of the Ccdy 

shale at Greybull, Wyo., from similar shales in the Ccdy 

near Buffalo, Wyo., and from shale 900 feet above the 

base of the-Colorado formation at Mosby, Mont. The 

samples from Buffalo were collected by R. K. Hose a nd 

W. J. Mapel, those from Mosby by W. A. Cobban. As 

in the Greenhorn, these faunas are characterized by the 

absence of several species of the genus Marginulinop?is. 

Twelve of 14 genera and 14 of 16 species in the basal 

30 feet of the Cody at Greybull occur also in the Greenhorn, and the 10 genera in the Buffalo fauna and 9 

of 10 species appear in the Greenhorn. The relationship of the fauna at Mosby to the fauna of the Gre^nhorii is demonstrated by the presence in the latter of 

8 of 10 genera and species from Mosby.

In contrast, other faunas equivalent in age to those of 

the Greenhorn formation suggest varying ecological
108 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

conditions. Young (1951, p. 35-68) described 34 species 

assigned to 17 genera from the Frontier formation of 

southern Montana. Eight of Young's genera and only 

four of his species appear also in the Greenhorn. Furthermore, the genus Marginulinopsis, so characteristic 

of the Frontier in southern Montana, is of a minor significance in the Greenhorn. Eecently the writer examined a microfauna collected by W. A. Cobban and J. B. 

Eeeside, Jr., from the Frontier formation at Cumberland Gap in western Wyoming. Nine of the 13 genera 

and 8 of 15 species occur also in the Greenhorn, but 

the presence of many species characteristic of the Frontier of southern Montana, including abundant specimens of Marginulinopsis, suggests closer environmental 

relationship between these two faunas than either maintains with the faunas of the Greenhorn of the Black 

Hills. In Kansas, the Jetmore and Pf eif er members of 

the Greenhorn have yielded no benthonic Foraminif era 

for comparison with the faunas above. Morrow (1934, 

p. 188) reported two pelagic genera from these beds. 

As more material is examined, it should be possible to 

set a clearer pattern of f aunal variations in the Greenhorn and its equivalents throughout the western interior.

The Greenhorn formation contains seven species reported by Cushman (1946, p. 9-13) and Moreman (1942, 

p. 195) from the Eagle Ford group of Texas. Only two 

pelagic species are restricted Eagle Ford forms on the 

Gulf Coast. However, the ecological difference between 

the Greenhorn and Eagle Ford assemblages is indicated 

by the presence in the Greenhorn of only 15 of 31 Eagle 

Ford genera and 7 of 34 species.

Records of the Carlile and equivalent faunas, either 

published or otherwise known to the writer, are not so 

extensive as those of the Greenhorn. However, reports 

that are available do indicate more uniform conditions 

during much of the time represented by the deposition 

of the Carlile and sediments of the same age.

The Carlile fauna in the Belle Fourche area is best 

described as comprising three principal elements. The 

first is found in the unnamed member of the Carlile and 

the lower and middle parts of the Turner sandy member (table 2, faunas 6-10). It consists of 11 species referable to 7 genera, Its five benthonic genera are arenaceous. The upper part of the Turner contains a mixed 

arenaceous and calcareous fauna (table 2, fauna 11) of 

six species assigned to six genera. The Sage Breaks 

fauna of three calcareous genera and three species (table 

2, fauna 12) is the youngest Carlile assemblage.

The fauna of the Carlile shale below the upper part 

of the Turner sandy member consists of arenaceous 

benthonic genera, with several associated calcareous 

pelagic types. The arenaceous character of the benthonic forms in equivalent sediments in the western interior and the presence of many of the same genera and 

species suggest the essential similarity of ecological conditions over a wide area during this time. Four of six 

genera and seven of nine species in f aunal assemblage 

2 (table 4) of the Cody shale occur also in the Carlile 

below the upper part, of the Turner. The four comparable genera are arenaceous. The writer has roted the 

occurrence of faunas containing one arenaceous (benthonic) and one calcareous (planktonic) species in the 

basal part of the Cody shale near Buffalo, Wyo., and in 

the Frontier formation as far west as Cumberland Gap 

in western Wyoming. In each instance the faunas occur just above Greenhorn species, and the b'aithonic 

arenaceous species are identical with restricted types 

from the unnamed part of the Carlile. Applin (1933, 

p. 219) reported three species of the arenaceous genus 

Haplophmgmoides and two calcareous planktonic forms 

from the Carlile of Meade County, S. Dak. Only in 

Kansas, where Morrow (1934, p. 188) described two 

pelagic genera from the lower (Fairport) member of 

the Carlile, are the typical arenaceous species absent.

The faunas in the upper part of the Turner and in 

the Sage Breaks (table 2, fauna assemblages II and 12) 

in the Belle Fourche area, and the Niobrara fauna of. 

Kansas and Nebraska (Morrow, 1934, p. 188; Loetterle, 

1937, p. 1-73) are overwhelmingly calcareous. Traced 

westward the units bearing these faunas reveal an increase in coarse clastic material. At Greybull, in the 

sandy shales of the Cody the association of arenaceous 

genera with many of the typical calcareous forms of 

the Great Plains reflects the changing environments.

Faunal assemblages 3-5 (table 4) at Greybull contain, 

in addition to eight arenaceous species referred to seven 

genera, many of the calcareous species restricted in 

Kansas and Nebraska to the Niobrara. The writer suggests that f aunal assemblage 3 in the Cody shale may 

well represent the westward equivalent of the upper 

part of the Turner and Sage Breaks faunas. As in the 

upper part of the Turner and in the Sage Breaks, fauna 

3 contains the Niobrara forms Lenticulina kansasensis 

and Planulina kansasensis but lacks several of the other 

typical Niobrara species which first appear in the Cody 

in fauna 4. It does, however, contain Lenti&ulina svJblaevis and Frondicularia lanceola bidentata, two species 

restricted to the Niobrara in Kansas but unknown from 

the Carlile in the Belle Fourche area. Faunas 4 and 5 

are clearly related to the Niobrara of the Grer.t Plains, 

as shown by the presence of calcareous species restricted 

to that formation in Kansas and Nebraska and absent 

from the Carlile of the Belle Fourche area. The associated arenaceous species serve to link thes« faunas 

with Canadian Foraminifera described by Wickenden
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 109

(1932b, p. 203-207) from part of the Alberta shale. 

Studies of additional sections throughout the western 

interior should clarify these relationships and indicate 

the extent to which arenaceous forms may be used in 

correlation. It is apparent that microf aunas of Greenhorn and Niobrara affinities vary more in generic composition throughout the western interior than do those 

of the Carlile.

CHECK LIST OF SPECIES

Arenaceous 

Trocliammina sp. 1

BELLE FOUECHE SHALE

(1 species)

GKEENHOBN FORMATION

(24 genera, 31 species) 

Arenaceous (4 genera, 5 species) 

Haplophragmoides sp. 

Ammobaculites tyrrelli Nauss 

Flabellammina, sp. 1

sp. 3 

Bigenerina sp.

Calcareous (20 genera, 26 species) 

Quinqueloculina moremani Cushman 

Robulus sp. 

Planularia sp.

Saracenaritt reesidei Fox, n. sp. 

Marginulina sp. 1

sp. 2

Marffinulinopsis amplaspira Young 

Dentalina basiplanata Cushman

catemtla Reuss

sp. 

Taffinulina sp. 1

sp. 2

Palmula, sp. 

Gumbelina moremani Cushman

pseudotessera Cushman 

Buliminella fabiUs Cushman and Parker 

Bulimina wyomirtgensis Fox, n. sp. 

Neobulimma canadensls Cushman and Wickenden 

Virgulina tegulata Reuss 

Valvulineria plummerae Loetterle 

Iloglundina oaracolla (Roemer) 

Globigerina cretacea D'Orbigny 

Globorotalia cusJwnani Morrow 

Globorotaliat youngi Fox, n. sp. 

Anomalina bighornenis Young 

Planulina daJcotensis Fox, n. sp.

CASLTLE SHALE

(14 genera, 19 species) 

Arenaceous (5 genera, 10 species) 

Haplophragmoides calcula Cushman and Waters 

Haplophragmoides carlilensis Fox, n. sp. 

Ammobaculites fragmentariws Cushman 

hwnei Nauss 

subplanatus Cushman and Deaderick

2B515S—54———n

Flabcllammina sp. 2

Gaudryina bentonensis (Carman)

cobbani Fox, n. sp. 

Troohammina sp. 2

sp. 3

Calcareous (9 genera, 9 species) 

LenticuUna kansasensis Morrow 

Vaginulin-a texana Cushman 

Frondicularia sp. 

Ownbellna moretnani Cushman 

Hoglundina caracolla (Roemer) 

G-lobigerina cretacea D'Orbigny

SAGE BREAKS MEMBER

(3 genera, 3 species)

Calcareous

Bulimina exigua Cushman and Parker 

Neobtilimina canadensis Cushman and Wickenden 

Planulina Jcansasensis Morrow

CODY SHALE (BASAL C.88 FEET)

(31 genera, 49 species)

Arenaceous (8 genera, 14 species) 

Reophax recta (Beissel)

HaplO'phraffmoides calcula Cushman and Waters 

Haplophragmoides carlilensis Fox, n. sp.

sp. 

Ammobaciilites tyrrelli Nauss

fragmentarius Cushman

liumei Nauss

subplanatus Cushman and Deaderick 

Spiroplectammina semicomplanata (Carsey) 

Gandryina, bentonensis (Carman)

cobbani Fox, n. sp.

Pseudoclamillna clavata (Cushman) 

Harssonella oxycona (Reuss) 

Polyphrapma codyensis Fox, n. sp.

Calcareous (23 genera, 35 species) 

Lenticulina Jcansasensis Morrow

sublaevis Morrow 

Rol>ulus mtmsteri (Roemer)

sp. 

Planularia umbonata Loetterle

sp.

Saracenaria reesidei Fox, n. sp. 

Harginulina sp. 1 

MarffinuUnopsis amplaspira Young 

Dentalina, basiplanata Cushman

bighornensis Fox, n. sp. 

Vaginulina Jcnighti Morrow

sp. 1

sp. 2

Palmula? sp. 

Frondicularia greybullensis Fox, n. sp.

Janceola bidentata Cushman

nnditlosa Cushman 

Bullopora laevis (Sollas) 

Ramulina globnUfera Brady 

GumbeUna moremani Cushman

reussi Morrow
110 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

Bulimina exigua Cushnian and Parker

prolixa Oushman and Parker

reussi Morrow 

Virgulina teffidata Reuss 

Valvulineria plummerae Loetterle 

Eponides sJiosJionensis Fox, n. sp. 

Hofflundina caracolla (Eoemer) 

Globifferina cretacea D'Orbigny 

Globotruncana cretacea Cushman 

Globorotaliat ymingi Fox, n. sp. 

AnomaUna ammonoides (Reuss) 

Planullna eaglefordensis (Morenian)

leansasensis Morrow

DESCRIPTIONS OF SPECIES

Order FORAMIWIFERA

Family REOPHACIDAE 

Genus REOPHAX Montfort, 1808

Reophax recta (Beissel) 

Plate 24, figure 1

Trocliammina recta Beissel, 1891, Preuss. geol. Landesanstalt

Abh., n. ser., v. 3, 1891, p. 22, pi. 5, fig. 1-3. 

Reophase recta Franke, 1928, Idem. n. ser. v. 3, p. 19, pi. 2, fig. 3. 

Brotzen, 1936, Sveriges seol. Undersokning, ser. C, no. 396,

p. 30, pi. 1, fig. 2. 

Cushnian, 1942, Cushnian Lab. Foram. Research Contr., v.

18, p. 3, p. 50-66.

Rropliax te.rana Wickenden, 1932, (not Cushnian and Waters), 

Jour. Paleontology, v. 6, no. 2, p. 203-207, pi. 29.

From 30-268 feet above the base of the Cody shale, at 

Greybull, Wyo., Reophax recta (Beissel) is rare to 

abundant in most samples.

The Cody specimens agree very well with Franke's 

topotypes. They differ from Reophax texana Gushman and Waters in their generally smaller size, the 

greater height of their chambers relative to the breadth, 

and in less overlap of chambers. Reophax constricta 

(Reuss) has fewer chambers, and more constricted 

sutures.

Reophax recta (Biessel) has been identified by the 

writer throughout the Cody shale in the type section 

and seems to be associated at Greybull with forms which 

are diagnostic of the Carlile shale and the basal part of 

the Niobrara formation of the Great Plains. Cushman 

has reported it from the Brownstown marl of Arkansas, and Wickenden (1932b) from a zone in the Alberta shale which is presumably equivalent to part of 

the Niobrara of the Great Plains. Hundreds of specimens appear in the Greybull material, but none has 

been observed in the Belle Fourche section.

Length of figured specimen 0.90 mm; breadth 0.30 

mm. Other specimens from 0.60-1.00 mm in length.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106805) from sample 

GD 8 about 30 feet above the base of the Cody shale.

Family LITUOIIDAE

Genus HAPLOPHRAGMOIDES Cushman, 1910

Haplophragmoides carlilensis Fox, n. sp.

Plate 24, figures 2, 3

Test close coiled, planispiral, deeply umbilicate; 

periphery broadly rounded; chambers distinct usually 

10 in the final whorl, of uniform shape, gradually increasing in size, last 2 or 3 slightly inflated; sutures 

straight, slightly curved toward periphery, limbate, 

flush with surface between early chambers, depressed 

between last 2 or 3 producing slightly lobulate periphery; wall finely arenaceous, with much cement; color 

usually light; aperture a low opening at the base of 

the last chamber.

Diameter of holotype 0.72 mm; thickness C.30 mm. 

Other specimens from 0.50-0.90 mm in diameter, and 

from 0.20-0.40 in thickness, depending largely on distortion. The holotype represents the average for undeformed specimens.

Remarks.—The distinguishing features cf Haplophragmoides carlilensis are its large size, broad 

periphery, deep umbilicus, inflation of last few chambers, limbate sutures flush with the surface in the early 

portion, and the depressed last 2 or 3 suturee,

Haplophragmoides gldbra Cushman is similf.r in side 

view, in being umbilicate, and in having the same number of chambers, but it is one-half to two-thirds the size 

and does not have so broadly rounded a periphery or 

limbate early sutures. The new form may b^ distinguished from Haplophragmoides sp. in the Greenhorn 

formation by its greater diameter and smaller number 

of chambers. A great many of the Carlile and Cody 

specimens are so badly crushed that proper identification would be impossible without the presence in the 

same sample of perfect individuals. In general, the 

greater the crushing, the more lobulate the periphery. 

A number of the deformed specimens closely resemble 

Haplophragmoides giga-s Cushman, a large compressed 

form often reported from the Carlile shale of the Great 

Plains (Applin, 1933, p. 215-220). The writer has 

been unable to identify any of the numerous flattened 

Carlile and Cody forms as Haplophragmoides gigas 

Cushman which normally shows sigmoidally curved 

sutures.

Haplophragmoides carlilensis is common in the middle part of the Turner sandy member of the Carlile 

shale. Its rare occurrence in all other Carlile strata 

except in the unnamed member would appear to indicate that the new species is a good index fossil for the 

Carlile. At Greybull it is common from 30-60 feet 

above the base of the Cody shale where it is associated 

with Gaudryina cobbavd, n. sp. Hundreds of speci-
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 111

mens from the Cody and Carlile samples have been 

examined. Of these, several dozen are perfect, undeformecl individuals.

Types and occurrence.—Holotype (USNM 106806) and unfigured paratypes (USNM 106808) from sample CT 15. Figured 

paratype (USNM 106807) and unfigured paratypes (USNM 

10G809) from sample CT 16. All types are from the middle 

part of tho Turner sandy member of the Carlile shale.

Haplophragmoides sp. 

Plate 24, figures 4, 5

A few poorly preserved specimens of Haplophragmoides are reported because they are distinctive and 

occur in both the upper part of the Greenhorn and the 

basal part of the Cody samples.

Distinguishing features of the species are the close 

coiled deeply umbilicate test, broadly rounded periphery, and many (12-13) chambers. The sutures are 

indistinct and only slightly depressed. The wall is 

finely arenaceous, with a smooth finish. Color is light 

gray.

Diameter of figured specimens 0.33 mm, thickness 

0.18 mm.

Remarks.—The specimens are similar to Haplophragmoides glabra Cushman and Waters, but they are considerably smaller, have more chambers, and are more 

deeply umbilicate. They resemble Haplophragmoides 

carlilensis n. sp. in general form and in being deeply 

umbilicate but the Carlile species is more than twice as 

large and has fewer chambers.

Occurrence.—Figured specimens (USNM 106810,106811) from 

sample GU XV. Other individuals are known only from units 

of the Greenhorn formation and from the basal 30 feet of the 

Cody at Greybull.

Genus AMMOBACULITES Cushman, 1910 

Ammobaculites tyrrelli Nauss

AmmobacuUtcs coprolithiforme (Schwager). Cushman, 1927, 

Royal Soc. Canada Trans., 3d ser., v. 21, sec. 4, p. 130, pi. 

1, figs. 6, 7; 

Cushman and Jarvis, 1932, U. S. Natl. Mus. Proc., v. 80, art.

14, p. 13, pi. 3, figs. 4, 5. 

Ammobaculites coproUthiformis (Schwager). Wickenden, 1932,

Jour. Paleontology, v. 6, no. 2, p. 204, pi. 29, fig. 2 

Cushman, 1946, U. S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 206, p. 22,

pi. 3, figs. 7-9. 

Ammobaculites tyrrelli Nauss, 1947, Jour. Paleontology, v. 21,

no. 4, p. 333, pi. 48, fig. 2.

Tappan, 1951, Cushman Lab. Foram. Research Contr., v. 2, 

pt. 1, p. 3, pi. 1, figs. 12-14.

Many specimens from the upper unit of the Greenhorn formation and from the basal part of the Cody 

shale agree with the species described by Nauss from 

the Lloydminster shale of Alberta, Canada. The circular outline of the coiled portion, the sutures at right

angles to the long axis, the apertural necks, and the 

nearly parallel sides of the uniserial portion are typical. 

Specimens in the upper Alberta shale referred by 

Wickenden to A. coproUthiformis (Schwager) are believed to be of the same species as those in the Greenhorn and Cody material.

Genus FLABELLAMMINA Cushman, 1928 

Flabellammina sp. 1

Plate 24, figure 6

A few specimens from unit 5 of the Greenhorn formation indicate a large, strongly compressed Flabellammina similar to Flabellammina compressa (Beisrel) 

in shape and in the curvature of the sutures. The test 

is broadly oval, with the greatest breadth in the middle.

The Greenhorn forms are longer and wider than BQissel's species and possess 4 or 5 chambers in the uniserial 

portion instead of 3. Furthermore, chambers and sutures both are indistinct. There is no evidence of sutural depression. Because of the variations which most 

species of this genus show, a few specimens do not justify the description of a new species.

Length of figured specimen 2.82 mm; breadth 2.0 nm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen USNM 106812 from sarrple 

GU VII in the uppermost unit of the Greenhorn formation

Flabellammina sp. 2 

Plate 24, figure 7

A few specimens found about 80 feet below the top 

of the Turner sandy member of the Carlile shale indicate an elongate, compressed Flabellammina which is 

different from other species in the Belle Fourche section 

and from Flabellammina compressa (Beissel).

The specimens agree in shape and size with Beiss^l's 

species but the coiled portion is umbilicate and the uniserial portion shows a rough uneven surface, with sutures and chambers both indistinct. They differ from 

Flabellammina sp. 1 in being narrower and more rectangular, and from Fldbellammina sp. 3 in the greater 

elongation and compression of the test. The peripli ery 

is bluntly rounded. Uniserial chambers are usually 3 

in number and increase rapidly in size. The wall is 

coarsely arenaceous.

Length of figured specimen 1.9 mm; breadth 1.1 mm. 

Other specimens, length as much as 2.2 mm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen USNM 106813 from sample 

CT 23 in the upper part of the Carlile shale.

Flabellammina sp. 3 

Plate 24, figure 8

A single specimen of a large Flabellammina is figured 

for reference. It is easily distinguished from other
112 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

Cretaceous species of this genus by the compressed 

coiled portion which constitutes nearly one half of the 

test, and by the inflation and thickness of the two uniserial chambers which increase rapidly in size toward 

the aperture. The sutures are indistinct and the wall 

is coarsely arenaceous, composed of light colored sand 

grains.

The greatest breadth 1.7 mm, occurs in the middle of 

the last formed chamber. The length is 2.6 mm, and 

the thickness of the inflated uniserial portion 0.55 mm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106814) from sample 

GL I in lowermost unit (2) of the Greenhorn formation.

Family TEXTTJLARIIDAE 

Genus BIGENERINA D'Orbigny, 1826

Bigenerina sp. 

Plate 24, figure 9

In the uppermost unit of the Greenhorn formation 

a single specimen of Bigenerina appears with other 

species, such as Anomalina bighornensis Young and 

Fldbellammiina sp. 1, that are restricted to this part 

of the Belle Fourche section. It is associated with 

thousands of individuals of Globigerina cretacea 

D'Orbigny.

The Greenhorn specimen is not compressed. The 

elongate, cylindrical test consists of an early biserial 

portion which tapers gradually toward the initial end. 

The uniserial portion occupies about one half of the 

test and has parallel sides and chambers that are wider 

than high. Throughout the gray test the sutures are 

distinct and depressed. The wall is finely arenaceous 

and the aperture terminal.

Bigenerina sp. is easily distinguished from Bigenerina hastata Cushman by its circular transverse section, 

the gently tapering uniserial portion, and its depressed 

sutures.

Length of figured specimen 0.78 mm; breadth and 

thickness 0.18.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106815) from sample 

GU V in the uppermost unit (5) of the Greenhorn formation.

Family VERNEUILINIDAE

Genus GAUDRYINA D'Orbigny, 1839

Gaudryina cobbani Fox, n. sp.

Plate 24, figure 10

Test large, only slightly compressed; early portion 

triserial, comprising less than one-third of test; biserial portion long, usually with 4 pairs of chambers 

and parallel sides; chambers fairly distinct, increasing 

in size only slightly in the biserial portion, about as high 

as broad, gently inflated, frequently giving lobulate

outline on both sides; sutures in smoother specimens 

distinct, limbate, depressed, horizontal, often becoming 

oblique toward apertural end; wall coarsely arenaceous 

with a roughened finish; color usually light; aperture 

elongate and at the inner margin of the last-formed 

chamber.

Length of liolotype 0.75 mm; breadth 0.80 mir ; other 

specimens are from 0.60-0.75 mm in length, and from 

0.25-0.30 in breadth.

Remarks.—Gaudryina cobbani is distinguished principally by the small triserial portion, the great breadth 

relative to the length of the test, the parallel rides of 

the biserial end, the almost equal size and configuration 

of the slightly inflated biserial chambers, and the relatively small number of pairs of chambers. The species 

is associated in the Carlile shale and in unit 3 of the 

Cody shale with Gaudryina bentonensis (Carman) 

from which it differs in being longer and broader and 

in having fewer and inflated chambers in both biserial 

and triserial portions. The later chambers of Gaudryina foeda (Reuss) resemble those of the new species, 

particularly when specimens are crushed. However, 

the tapering initial portion of Reuss's species and the 

greater number of chambers are diagnostic.

Gaudryina cobbani occurs rarely in the upper part 

of the unnamed member of the Carlile shale with 

Gaudryma bentonensis (Carman) and also in the middle of the Turner sandy member of the Carlile where 

it is associated with Haplophragmoides carlilensis n. 

sp. Its appearance at Greybull with these same species 

30 feet above the base of unit 8 in the Cody is helpful 

in relating these strata to the Carlile. Several dozen 

uncrushed specimens of Gaudryina cobbani have been 

studied from the Belle Fourche and Greybull exposures.

Types and occurrence.—Holotype (USNM 106816), unfigured 

paratypes (USNM 106817 and 106818) from sample CL 8, unit 

]5, about 30 feet below the top of the unnamed member of the 

Carlile shale.

Family TROCHAMMINIDAE 

Genus TROCHAMMINA Parker and Jones, 185r

Trochammina sp. 1 

Plate 24, figures 11-13

The top 15 feet of the Belle Fourche shale (unit 1) 

have yielded hundreds of crushed specimens of a small 

white species. Several of the specimens are well 

enough preserved to indicate that the entire assemblage 

may be referred to Trochamonina. Until additional 

good specimens are available, the writer will not attempt description of a new species.

The test is small and delicate, trochoid, and slightly 

compressed. The periphery is slightly lobulate. 

Chambers are usually 5 in number, and are inflated
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 113

ventrally but not dorsally. They increase in size dorsally, with the last chamber being much enlarged. 

Sutures are oblique, flush, and slightly curved dorsally, 

but depressed and radial on the ventral side. The wall 

is finely arenaceous, with much cement. The aperture 

is narrow and on the ventral side at the inner margin 

of the last-formed chamber.

Length of figured specimens 0.30 mm; breadth 0.25 

mm; thickness 0.15 mm. Other specimens are from 

0.28-0.32 mm in length. .

Remarks.—Trochammina sp. 1 is distinguished by its 

small size, oblique dorsal sutures, radial depressed ventral sutures, and the ventraLiiiflation of the chambers. 

It differs from Trochammina albert ensis Wickenden in 

the lack of a high dorsal spire and in the lack of curved 

ventral sutures. It is smaller and less compressed than 

Trochammina texana Cushman and Waters. Crushed 

specimens of Trochammina sp. 1 are easily confused 

with those of Trochammina sp. 3 from the Carlile shale. 

The Carlile form is generally larger, more inflated dorsally, has straight, depressed dorsal sutures, and is more 

coarsely arenaceous.

In the present study Trochamrnina sp. 1 is found only 

in the top 15 feet of the Belle Fourche shale where it 

occurs alone. Hundreds of crushed specimens have 

been examined.

Occurrence.—Figured specimens (USNM 106819-106821) 

from sample BF II about 10 feet below the top of the Belle 

Fourche shale.

Trochammina sp. 2 

Plate 24, figures 14-16

A compressed, many-chambered Trochamrnina is represented by a few individuals in the uppermost part of 

the unnamed member of the Carlile shale.

The test is trochoid, with 8 uninflated chambers and 

limbate radial sutures on both sides. It differs from 

Trochammina ribstonensis Wickenden in being less evolute, larger, and in having straight sutures. Trochammina diagronis (Carsey) is larger and has a lobulate 

periphery. Another Carlile form, Trochammina sp. 3, 

may be distinguished by the inflation of the chambers, 

the smaller number of chambers, and the lobulate 

periphery.

Length of figured specimen 0.50 mm; breadth 0.41 

mm; thickness 0.18 mm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106822) from sample 

CL 13 in the uppermost part of the unnamed member of the 

Carlile shale.

Trochammina sp. 3 

Plate 24, figures 17-19

The basal 15 feet of the Turner sandy member and 

the upper part of the unnamed member of the Carlile

shale frequently contain nothing but hundreds of'flattened tests of a small white arenaceous species. The 

few identifiable individuals indicate an inflated, coarsely 

arenaceous Trochammina different from the associated 

Carlile form and from the smaller delicate tests in the 

Belle Fourche shale.

The test is rounded with lobulate periphery and 5 or 

6 inflated chambers which increase progressively in size. 

Sutures are limbate, radial, and depressed on both sic'es. 

The wall is distinctly arenaceous, with the rather uniformly sized sand grains firmly cemented. The aperture is ventral at the inner margin of the last formed 

chamber.

Diameter of figured specimen 0.40 mm; thickness 

0.21 mm. Other specimens are from 0.28-0.42 mm in 

diameter.

Remarks.—Trochammina sp. 3 is distinguished from 

the Belle Fourche form by its larger size, dorsal inflation of chambers, its radial dorsal sutures, and its more 

coarsely arenaceous test. Trochammina albetrterxis 

Wickenden has oblique dorsal and curved ventral sutures, and a higher dorsal spire.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106823) from sacaple 

CL 13 in the unnamed member of the C'arlile shale.

Family PLACOPSILINIDAE 

Genus POLYPHRAGMA Reuss, 1871

Polyphragma codyensis Fox, u. sp. 

Plate 25, figures 1-4'

ClaruUnal sp. Wickenden, 1932b, Jour. Paleontology, v. 6, p. 205,

pi. 29, fig. 5. 

Polyphragma sp. Cushman, 1946, U. S. Geol. Survey Prof. Prper

206, p. 15, pi. 15, figs. 15,16.

Test large, elongate, cylindrical, tapering slightly toward initial end which is always broken; chambers numerous, often arranged irregularly, inflated, usually 

twice as wide as long, all about the same height except 

the last formed which is enlarged; sutures depressed, 

straight; walls thick, of coarse sand grains with variable amount of cement; light gray or brown; aperture 

terminal, cribrate, usually indistinct.

Length of holotype 1.95 mm; diameter 0.8 rim. 

Other specimens as much as 2.5 mm. in length.

Remarks.—Polyphragma codyensis is one of the most 

easily recognized species in the Cody shale at Greyl'ull 

and throughout the Bighorn Basin. The irregular, 

slightly tapering, cylindrical form; the wide, inflated 

chambers of uniform size; and the broken initial portion characterize the hundreds of specimens examined. 

The species is apparently an attached form. Its a]">ertural end has an enlarged, rounded final chamber. 

Many tests are twisted and contorted.
114 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

The species occurs abundantly in the Cody shale at 

Greybull in a 200-foot zone beginning about 115 feet 

above the base of the formation. It is associated with 

species which appear in the basal 200 feet of the type 

Cody at Cody, Wyo. (Fox, 1941, p. 1967) and also with 

forms which Wickenden (1932b, p. 203-207) has reported from a zone 200 feet thick in the Alberta shale 

of Canada. The forms in the Cody of the type locality 

and Wickenden's Alberta specimens occur in sediments 

equivalent in age to part of the Niobrara formation of 

the Great Plains. Greybull species restricted to the 

basal type Cody include Bulimina eseigua Cushman and 

Parker, Bullapora laevis (Solla,s),Dentalina bighomensis, n. sp., Frondicularia lanceola Mdentata Cushman, 

Marssonetta ooeycona (Reuss), Palmulal sp., Lenticulina kansasensis Morrow, Lenticulina sublaevis Morrow, and Vaginulina knighti Morrow. Most of Wickenden's restricted Alberta shale species occur with 

Polyphragma codyensis at Greybull. The widespread 

occurrence of the Polyphragma codyensis fauna suggests the existence of a well-recognized faunal zone in 

the Cretaceous of the western interior from Canada 

south into the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming.

Types and occurrence.—Holotype (USNM 106824) ; figured 

paratypes (USNM 106825 and 106826) from sample GD 41, 

about 268 feet above the base of the Cody shale at Greybull; 

figured paratype (USNM 106827) from sample GD 25 in the 

Cody shale.

Family LAGENIDAE 

Genus ROBULUS Montfort, 1808

Robulus sp. 

Plate 25, figure 5

Several fragmentary specimens of Robulus are reported because they occur only in the upper part of the 

lower unit of the Greenhorn formation and in the basal 

part of the Cody shale at Greybull. One specimen is 

figured.

The specimens are similar to Robulus munsteri 

(Roemer) in size and in the tendency to become evolute 

in the adult. However, the prominent keel disappears 

in the last 4 chambers, the gently curved limbate sutures 

are slightly raised and curve back as they near the 

periphery, the chambers are more numerous (13 in final 

whorl), and the prominent umbonal boss is more irregular than in Robulus munsteri (Roemer). The aperture 

is radiate at the peripheral angle. The writer has examined many individuals of Robulus munsteri 

(Roemer) from exposures higher in the Cretaceous of 

the western interior. They are very easily distinguished from the Greenhorn and basal Cody material.

Length of figured specimen 0.90 mm; breadth 0.68 

mm; thickness 0.32 mm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106828) fro^n sample 

GL -I in lowest unit (2) of the Greenhorn formation.

Genus PLANULARIA Defrance, 1824

Planularia sp. 

Plate 25, figure 6

A few specimens of this distinctive form appear in 

samples from the upper part of the basal unit of the 

Greenhorn formation and also in the basal part of the 

Cody shale at Greybull. Although the features are 

constant in individuals from the two areas, it seems wise 

to inspect additional material before describing the 

species.

This form may be easily distinguished by the large 

compressed test, with a prominent boss covering the 

early portion, initial close coiling followed by a loose 

coiling, the sharp peripheral keel which disappears in 

the last 2 chambers, the inflation of the last chamber, 

limbate and raised sutures except for the depressed suture between the last 2 chambers, and the strong curving 

back of the otherwise gently curved sutures as tHy near 

the periphery. The truncate apertural face is sharply 

bordered. The wall is smooth, and the aperture is terminal, radiate, and at the peripheral angle.

Length of figured specimen 0.95 mm; breadth 0.7 mm; 

thickness across boss 0.3 mm, across last chamber 0.18 

mm. Other specimens from 0.45-0.7 mm in length.

Remarks.—This form is a good index fossil for the 

Greenhorn formation. At present it has been noted 

only in the basal unit of the Greenhorn. It appears 

10-15 feet above the base of the Cody at Greybull.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106829) from sample 

GIi I in the lowest unit (2) of the Greenhorn formation.

Genus SARACENARIA Defrance, 1824

Saracenaria reesidei Fox, n. sp.

Plate 25, figures 7-9

Test elongate, early portion coiled, later chambers uncoiled, triangular in transverse section; periphery often 

sharply keeled; chambers distinct, 4 or 5 in uncoiled 

portion, gradually increasing in size as added, inflated 

on apertural face; sutures limbate, flush with the surface, perpendicular to periphery, curving strongly toward initial end as they approach the apertual face; 

wall smooth with carinae at the sides of the apertural 

face; apertural face and sides often with variable longitudinal costae which are broken by sutures on apertural
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 115

face but independent of sutures on the sides; aperture 

at the angle of the upper end, radiate.

Length of holotype 0.62 mm, breadth 0.21 mm. Other 

specimens are from 0.35 mm to 0.8 mm in length, and 

as much as 0.3 in breadth.

Remarks.—Saracendria reesidei is a variable species. 

Distinguishing features are the elongate test, relatively 

small size, sharply keeled edges of the apertural face 

and periphery, and the frequent presence of longitudinal costae on the sides and on the apertural face. In 

these features it differs from Saracenaria tnangularis 

(D'Orbigny).

The species is fairly common in the upper 20 feet of 

the basal unit (2) of the Greenhorn formation in the 

Belle Fourche area. It is apparently a good index fossil 

for this basal unit. At Greybull it occurs rarely in the 

lowermost 30 feet of the Cody shale (unit 2) where it is 

associated with other Greenhorn species. Several dozen 

specimens have been examined.

Types and occurrence.—Holotype USNM (106830) and figured 

paratype (USNM 106831) from sample GL I; figured paratype 

(USNM 106832) from sample GL II. All types from lowest 

unit (2) of the Greenhorn formation.

Genus MARGINULINA D'Orbigny, 1826 

Harginulina sp. 1 

Plate 25, figure 11

Several fragmentary specimens of a large arcuate 

Marginulina appear in the material from the top of the 

lowest unit of the Greenhorn formation and also from 

the basal 30 feet of the Cody shale. They probably 

represent a new species. A Greenhorn individual is 

figured for the record.

Characteristic of the fragments is the large size, the 

arcuate form of the test with concave dorsal and convex 

ventral margins, slight compression, the narrow coiled 

portion with initial uncoiled chambers broadening rapidly, and the limbate, slightly curved sutures heavily 

thickened and raised in the middle portion of the uncoiled part. The aperture is radiate, and at the peripheral angle. The specimens differ from Marginulina 

plummerae Cushman in the arcuate shape of the test 

and in the excessive sutural thickening in the middle 

portion. From Marginulina silicula (Plummer) they 

may be distinguished by the lack of spinose, early coiled 

stages and by the narrow initial portion.

Marginulina sp. 1 is known only from the top of the 

basal unit of the Greenhorn formation and from the 

lowermost part of the Cody shale (unit 2) at Greybull.

Length of the figured fragment 1.8 mm; diameter 

0.42 mm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106833) from sample 

GL I in the Greenhorn formation.

Marginulina sp. 2 

Plate 25, figures 10, 12

Three specimens of a small, costate, easily recognizable Marginulina are from the uppermost part of the 

basal unit of the Greenhorn formation. They resemble 

Marginulina nftvarroana Cushman in general form and 

in possessing longitudinal costae independent of sutures. However, they are smaller; the periphery is not 

lobulate; the costae are fewer, more uniform in coarseness, and less twisted initially; and the earliest portion 

is not compressed. The 4 uncoiled chambers increase 

gradually in height. The sutures are distinct, oblique, 

not depressed. The aperture is radiate, projecting at 

the peripheral angle.

Length 0.52-0.61 mm; diameter 0.18-0.2 mm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimens (USNM 106834) from sample 

GL I at the top of the basal unit of the Greenhorn formation.

Genus MARGINULINOPSIS Silvestri, 1904

Marginulinopsis amplaspira Young

Plate 25, figures 13, 14

MargimiUnopsis amplaspira Young, 1951, Jour. Paleontology v. 

25, no. 1, p. 54-55, pi. 11, figs. 15, 17-21; pi. 12, figs. 1-4, 

6, 8-14; figs. 5, 14-16, 18-21, 23-25; figs. 6, 2-16, 20

A few specimens referred to this species appear 30 

feet above the base of the Cody shale at Greybull and 

also in the upper part of unit 2 in the Greenhorn formation north of Belle Fourche.

The specimens agree with Young's species in the circular to polygonal peripheral outline of the coiled series, 

the angles at the junctions of the sutures with the periphery, the closely appressed early chambers of the uniserial series, and in the more loosely joined later uniserial chambers. The aperture is radiate, protruding.

Length 0.65-0.90 mm; minimum diameter of coiled 

series 0.35-0.42 mm.

Remarks.—This species is abundant in the Frontier 

formation of southern Montana where Young reports 

it from the "Vascoceras beds." A few individuals rave 

been observed from the Greenhorn formation of the 

Belle Fourche section. The writer has also identified 

the species from the Frontier formation below the 

Oyster Ridge sandstone member in the Cumberland 

Gap section, Lincoln County, Wyo., where it is arso-
116 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

elated with other species characteristic of the "Vascoceras beds" of southern Montana.

Occurrence.—Figured specimens (USNM 106835) from sample 

30 feet above the base of the Cody shale (unit 2) at Greybull.

Genus DENTALINA D'Orbigny, 1826

Dentalina bighornensis Fox, n. sp.

Plate 2, figures 16-18

Test large, elongate, tapering to a pointed initial end 

in the microspheric form, megalospheric form tapering 

slightly with enlarged proloculum, greatest width 3 or 

4 chambers from apertural end; chambers wider than 

high in early stages, increasing in height as added, last 

4 or 5 becoming increasingly inflated; sutures distinct, 

limbate, slightly oblique in early portion, depressed 

only between last few chambers; wall ornamented by 

strong longitudinal costae which become progressively 

fainter from the middle of the test toward the apertural 

end, and which also die out toward the proloculum in 

microspheric forms, last 1 or 2 chambers at both ends 

often without costae; aperture protuberant at the inner 

angle of the terminal face of the last formed chamber.

Length of holotype (with initial chambers missing) 

3.4 mm; greatest diameter 0.58 mm. Other specimens 

as much as 3.8 mm in length and 0.60 mm in diameter.

Remarks.—This large distinctive species is easily recognized by the strong longitudinal costae which fade 

toward both ends, the initially oblique sutures, the wider 

than high chambers in the early stages, the inflation of 

the final chambers, and the position of the radiate aperture at the inner angle of the terminal face. Microspheric forms are distinctly more tapered, with megalospheric chambers relatively uniform in width. Although hundreds of specimens have been studied by the 

writer from the Cody shale of the type locality and from 

the Greybull section, no complete individuals are 

known. Fragments of the central portion may be confused with Nodosaria affinis Reuss. The uniformity of 

costae across the sutures, the oblique early sutures, and 

the position of the aperture are all useful in distinguishing Dentalina bighornensis. The new form is easily differentiated from all known Cretaceous species of 

Dentalina.

Dentalina bighornensis is restricted to the upper half 

of unit 8 in the Cody shale at Greybull where it occurs 

commonly and is associated with forms characteristic 

of the basal part of the Mobrara formation of the 

Great Plains. The species appears with the same assemblage in the type section at Cody in the basal 100 

feet. It has not been reported from the Canadian Cretaceous or from the basal Niobrara of the Great Plains.

The writer noticed several specimens in Brownstown 

marl (sample 222) (Cushman 1942 p. 50-66) during recent studies at the Cushman laboratory. The form is 

apparently a good index fossil for rocks equivalent in 

age to the Austin chalk of the Gulf Coast an^ to the 

basal Mobrara of the Great Plains.

Types and occurrence.—The types of this species are from the 

type locality of the Cody shale on the south bank of Shoshone 

River 2 miles east of Cody, Wyo., in sec. 29, T. 53 N., R. 10 W., 

USGS loc. 24096. Holotype (USNM 106836) and figured paratypes (USNM 106837), (USNM 106838) from a channelled 

sample 20-25 feet above the base of the Cocly and the top of the 

Frontier formation.

Dentalina sp. 

Plate 25, figure 15

A single specimen of Dentalina is recorded from, the 

top of the basal unit (2) of the Greenhorn formation.

The test is elongate, with initial end broadly rounded. 

The greatest breadth is in the middle of the next to the 

last-formed chamber, tapering rapidly toward the aperture. Chambers are 6 in number, indistinct, not inflated. The last chamber is twice as long as broad. 

Sutures are slightly oblique in the early portion, indistinct, flush with surface. The aperture is terminal, 

radiate.

Length of figured specimen 0.7 mm; greatest diameter 

0.18 mm.

Remarks.—Dentalina sp. is much smaller than Dentalina basiplanata Cushman. It lacks the inflation 

of the final chambers and it tapers rapidly f ~om the 

greatest width toward the aperture.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106839) froTM, sample 

GL I in lowermost unit of the Greenhorn formation.

Genus VAGINTTLINA D'Orbigny, 1826

Vaginulina sp. 1

Plate 25, figure 21

The uppermost unit (5) of the Greenhorn formation 

and the basal 30 feet of the Cody shale at Greyfrill have 

yielded several specimens of what is probably a new 

Vaginulina. Several specimens have been noted from 

shale 900 feet above the base of the Colorado formation 

at Mosby, Mont., in association with other Greenhorn 

forms. The one complete specimen is figured and additional notes 011 others are recorded.

Diagnostic features of this form are the nearly parallel sides, the truncate periphery on both margins, and 

the upturned acute dorsal and ventral edges which create the impression of a deeply concave surface on both 

.sides. The test is small, flattened, with a straigh t dorsal 

and an uneven, almost parallel ventral margin. The
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 117

bulbous proloculum bears the continuation of the acute 

dorsal and ventral edges. Chambers and sutures are 

distinct, the latter limbate, gently curved, and only 

slightly raised. Specimens with as many as 8 or 9 

chambers have been observed. The surface is smooth 

and without ornamentation. The aperture is radiate 

on the dorsal margin.

Length of figured specimen 0.72 mm; breadth 0.25 

mm; thickness 0.12 mm. Other specimens as much as 

0.90 mm in length and 0.28 in breadth.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106840) from sample 

GU VIII in the uppermost unit (5) of the Greenhorn formation.

Vaginulina sp. 2 

Plate~25, figures 19, 20

A few specimens of Vaginulma from the uppermost 

part of the basal unit of the Greenhorn formation and 

from the basal part of the Cody shale apparently represent a new species. Until more individuals are available for study, it seems unwise to select types from these 

variable forms for species description.

Characteristic of all specimens is the initially curved 

dorsal side which becomes straight after the second 

chamber; the uneven ventral edge which parallels the 

dorsal margin in the middle of the test; strongly oblique, straight, or gently curved sutures flush with the 

surface; and the small initial spine.

Several specimens are less compressed and bear -i to 

6 clear costae which are more strongly oblique than the 

sutures and do not cross the entire test. Other specimens are smaller, strongly compressed, and lack costae. 

Such forms may be young individuals or perhaps may 

eventually be referred to a species of Citharina.

Length of figured specimen 1.17 mm, width 0.26 mm; 

smaller specimens from 0.30-0.58 mm in length, and 

from 0.10-0.20 mm in breadth.

Remarks.—Specimens of Vaginulina multicostata 

Cushman are similar, but they lack the parallel sides 

in the middle of the test, the oblique costae, and the 

initially curved dorsal margin.

Vaffmufina sp. 2 is apparently restricted to the top 

15 feet of the basal unit of the Greenhorn formation 

in the Belle Fourche section. It occurs rarely in the 

basal 30 feet of the Cody shale at Greybull.

Occurrence.—The two figured specimens (USNM 106841 and 

106842) are from sample GL I in the lowest unit (2) of the 

Greenhorn formation.

Genus PALMULA Lea, 1833

Palmula sp. 

Plate 26, figure 1

A single fragment of a strongly compressed distinctive Palmula, is figured as a member of the uppermost 

Greenhorn assemblage.

The specimen resembles Palmula pilulata Cushman in 

shape, compression, in the relation between coiled and 

uncoiled portions, and in the fact that the adult 

chevron-shaped chambers do not extend backward on 

the sides to include much of the coiled portion. It may 

be distinguished from Cushman's species by the rounded 

rather than truncate and carinate periphery of tl °i 

coiled portion, by the smaller size, and by the lack of a 

raised bead at the inner end of the earlier sutures. Tl ^ 

early sutures are limbate, gently curved, slightly raised, 

and faintly beaded. Later sutures are depressed.

Length of figured specimen 0.75 mm; breadth 

0.50 mm.

Occurrence.-—Figured specimen (USNM 106843) from sample 

GU VIII in the uppermost unit (5) of the Greenhorn formation

Palmula? sp. 

Plate 26, figures 2, 3

Several fragmentary specimens of a large compressed 

Palmula occur in the upper part of the PolypJvragrra 

codyensis zone at Greybull. The apertural ends are 

broken so that positive generic designation cannot H 

made. Nevertheless, the early portions of the test are 

so distinct that they cannot be confused with other 

species.

The periphery is subacute, with a thick keel. Tl ^ 

early portion is coiled and the later chambers exterd 

back on the inner margin to include much of the coiled 

chambers. Adult chambers are broken and the f eatur ?,s 

of the last-formed chambers cannot be observed. Sutures are indistinct, limbatej flush with the surface or 

gently raised, and strongly curved between both coiled 

and uncoiled chambers. The wall is smooth; some individuals have a prominent boss over the coiled portion.

Length of the longest fragment 1.80 mm; breadth 

1.82 mm. Length of complete specimen is probaWy 

3,00 mm.

Remarks.—This species is similar to Palmula pibulata 

Cushman in size, general form, and curvature of early 

sutures. However, the peripheral keel is much thicker 

than that of Cushman's species, the tests lack the raised 

beads at the inner ends of the early sutures, and tl °> 

sutures are indistinct.

Palmulaf sp. occurs only in the upper part of unit 8 

about 268 feet above the base of the Cody shale. TH 

writer has examined similar fragments from the basil 

100 feet of the Cody shale of the type locality where tl ^ 

form is also associated with species representing tl °> 

basal part of the Niobrara formation of the Great 

Plains.

Occurrence.—Figured specimens (USNM 108844) from sample 

GD 41, about 268 feet above the base of the Cody shale (urlt 

8) at Greybull.
118 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

Genus FRONDICTTLABIA De France, 1826

Frondicularia greybullensis Fox, n. sp.

Plate 26, figures 4-6

Frondicularia aclis Cushman 1942 [not Morrow] Cushman Lab. 

Foram. Research Contr., v. 18, pt. 3, p. 60, pi. 13, fig. 4.

Test elongate, tapering, strongly compressed, greatest breadth near the base of the last-formed chamber in 

the approximate middle of the test; periphery truncate, 

slightly undulating below last chamber; chambers distinct, slightly inflated toward apertural end; both ends 

bluntly pointed; proloculum bulbous; sutures distinct, 

straight, depressed between last 2 or 3 chambers; wall 

smooth with no ornamentation; aperture radiate, 

slightly projected.

Length of holotype 1.41 mm; greatest breadth 0.55 

mm. Other specimens as much as 2.20 mm in length 

and 0.95 mm in diameter.

Frondicularia greybullensis is similar to Morrow's 

two species Frondicularia dunbari and Frondicularia 

aclis from the basal part of Niobrara formation of the 

Great Plains. It differs from the latter in its greater 

breadth and length, depressed later sutures, and in the 

absence of lirae. Frondicularia dunbari is generally 

shorter, less than half as broad, with the greatest 

breadth nearer the apertural end.

This species occurs only in one sample in the upper 

part of unit 8 about 268 feet above the base of the Cody 

shale. It is associated with species characteristic of 

the basal part of the Niobrara formation of the Great 

Plains. Only six specimens represent the species, but 

in each individual the diagnostic features listed above 

are constant. The species is not known from the Great 

Plains section but Cushman has reported it from the 

Brownstown marl of Arkansas.

Types and occurrence.—Holotype (USNM 106845) and figured paratypes (USNM 106846) from sample GD 41, about 268 

feet above the base of the Cody shale (unit 8) at Greybull.

Frondicularia sp.

Plate 26, figure 7

A single specimen found 17 feet below the top of the 

Turner sandy member of the Carlile shale is figured. 

The compressed, nearly elliptical, flattened test bears a 

truncate periphery, a slightly projected apertural neck, 

and gently curved, limbate, raised sutures which in the 

later chambers are broken by short vertical costae. The 

chambers reach back and form a prominent wedgeshaped base with the central part produced. The surface of the test, other than the costae on the sutures, is 

smooth.

The Carlile specimen is similar to Frondicularia hebronensis Moremaii in shape, and in the backward projection of its early chambers. However, its sutures are 

less curved, raised instead of depressed, and b^ar vertical costae in later stages.

The Carlile specimen differs from Frondicularia austinana Cushman in having raised sutures, in lacking 

vertical costae on the chamber surfaces, and in the backward projection of the basal central portion. It is distinguished from Frondicularia goldfussi Reus^ by the 

lack of a rounded proloculum and by the limbate, raised, 

and often costate sutures. It is associated principally 

with Vaginulina texana Cushman, Lenticulina, Jcansasensis Morrow, and Htiglundina caracolla (Boemer).

Length of figured specimen 2.95 mm; breadth 1.0 

mm; thickness 0.8 mm.

Occurrence.—Figured specimen (USNM 106847) from sample 

CT 24, about 20 feet below the top of the Turner sandy member 

of the Carlile shale.

Family BULIMINIDAE

Genus BTJLIMINA D'Orbigny, 1826

Bulimina wyomingensis Fox, n. sp.

Plate 26, figures 8-11

Test small, about twice as long as broad, tapering 

sharply, broadest at apertural end, triangular in transverse section, with angles broadly rounded; chambers 

regularly arranged, 4 or 5 whorls, globular, particularly 

in last 2 whorls, increasing rapidly in size after second 

or third whorl; sutures distinct, strongly depressed in 

later portion; wall smooth, perforate; aperture broad, 

with a faint lip at the inner margin of the last-formed 

chamber.

Length of holotype 0.27 mm, diameter 0.15 mm. 

Other specimens are from 0.2-0.42 mm in length, and 

from 0.12-0.17 mm in diameter. The average length 

is 0.3 mm.

Remarks.—Bulimma wyomingensis is similar to 

Bulimina, prima Terquem but may be distinguished 

from that species by the tapering test and the rapid 

increase in chamber size. It differs from Pulimina 

prolisoa Cushman and Parker in having globular chambers and a broader aperture. The distinguishing 

features of the species are the tapering test, the regular 

arrangement of the globular last chambers, the rapid 

increase in chamber size after the second or third whorl, 

and the broad aperture.

This species is probably a good index fossil for the 

upper unit of the Greenhorn formation wli-^re it is 

common in many samples. Several hundred specimens 

were examined from the Belle Fourche exposures.of the
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 119

Greenhorn but no individuals have as yet been collected 

from the Cody shale. The writer has noted its occurrence 900 feet above the base of the Colorado shale 

at Mosby, Mont., in association with other typical 

Greenhorn species.

Types and occurrence.—Holotype (USNM 106848), figured 

paratype (USNM 106850), and unfigured paratype (USNM 

106849) from sample GU XIX; figured paratypes (USNM 

106851 and USNM 106852) from samples GU XVIII and GU Id, 

respectively; all from the uppermost unit (5) of the Greenhorn 

formation.

Family ROTALIIDAE 

Genus EPONIDES Montfort, 1808 

Eponides shoshonensis Fox, n. sp.

Plate 26, figures 12-14

Test trochoid, biconvex, dorsal side slightly more convex, umbilical plug on ventral side; periphery rounded, 

slightly lobulate; chambers indistinct in most specimens, 6 to 9 in the adult, usually 6 or 7, inflated on ventral side, last 2 or 3 inflated dorsally; sutures limbate, 

usually indistinct, gently curved, slightly oblique, the 

last 2 depressed on the dorsal side; ventral sutures depressed, gently curved; wall smooth, finely perforate; 

aperture elongate, with a prominent lip, on the ventral 

side between the periphery and the umbilicus.

Diameter of holotype 0.52 mm; thickness 0.25 mm. 

Other specimens from 0.50-0.75 mm in diameter and 

as much as 0.40 mm in thickness.

Remarks.—This species is differentiated from 

Eponides haidingerii (D'Orbigny) by less oblique and 

less distinct sutures, and by fewer perforations.

Eponides shoshonensis is rare in the Cody shale at 

Greybull. It occurs with the typical basal Niobrara 

species in the upper part of unit 8 about 270 feet above 

the base of the formation. In the Cody of the type locality the writer has identified hundreds of specimens 

in all but the uppermost beds of the formation. It is 

apparently restricted to beds equivalent to the entire 

Niobrara formation of the Great Plains.

Types and occurrence.—The types of Eponides shoshonensis 

are from the type locality of the Cody shale on the south bank 

of the Shoshone River, 2 miles east of Cody, Wyo., in sec. 29, 

T. 53 N., R. 10 W. Holotype (USNM 106853) from a channelled sample 510 feet above the base of the Cody, USGS loc. 

24097. Figured paratypes (USNM 106854 and 106855) from 

channelled sample 726 feet above the base of the Cody, USGS 

loc. 24098.

Genus GLOBOROTALIA Cushman, 1927

Globorotalia? youngi Fox, n. sp.

Plate 26, figures 15-18

Test small, trochoid, biconvex; chambers distinct, inflated, last 3 considerably enlarged, 6 or 7 in final

whorl; periphery broadly rounded; sutures strongly 

depressed, gently curved; umbilical area deep; aperture umbilical at the base of the last chamber.

Diameter of holotype 0.20 mm, thickness 0.1 mm. 

Other specimens from 0.18 to 0.2 mm. in diameter ar«l 

from 0.09 to 0.1 mm in thickness.

Remarks.—This species is distinguished by its smr.U 

size, the 6 or 7 chambers of the last whorl, and by the 

greater size of the last 3 chambers. In general form it 

resembles the larger Gldborotalial multttoculata Morrow but the chambers in Morrow's species are equal in 

size throughout.

Globorotalia^. youngi is common in unit 5 and appears rarely at the base of unit 2 in the Greenhorn formation north of Belle Fourche. A few specimens have 

been noted from the basal 30 feet of the Cody shale at 

Greybull where they are associated with other Greenhorn species. The species has not been reported from 

the Frontier formation of southern Montana or from 

other exposures of rocks known to be equivalent to the 

Greenhorn.

Types and occurrences.—The types of Glotorotalial younqi, 

n. sp. are from unit 5 of the Greenhorn formation North of BeHe 

Fourche. Holotype (USNM 106856), figured paratypes (USKM 

106857 and P2147), and unfigured paratypes (USNM P214<>) 

from channelled sample GU XX, about 50 feet below the top of 

the Greenborn on north-facing scarp on southwest-flowing trit itary of Crow Creek in SW%NE% sec. 16, T. 9 N., R. 2 E. Paratype (USNM 106858) and unfigured paratypes (USNM P2148) 

from channelled sample GU la, about 10-12 feet above base of 

unit 5 on southwest flank of Bull Creek anticline in EVa sec. 15, 

T. 57 N., R. 62 W., Crook County, Wyo.

Family ANOMALINIDAE

Genus PLANULINA D'Orbigny, 1826

Planulina dakotensis Fox, n. sp.

Plate 26, figures 19-21

Test small, much compressed, slightly biconvex, dc^- 

sal side partly evolute, often with small central boes; 

ventral side mostly involute, often somewhat umbilics te 

in the center; periphery rounded, lobulate in the later 

chambers; chambers distinct, the last 3 or 4 inflated, 

usually 7 to 9 in the final whorl, increasing gradually 

in size as added, inner margin on ventral side raised in 

small ring of clear shell material; sutures distinct, 

gently curved, limbate and slightly raised in early portion of last whorl, later depressed; wall smooth, finely 

but distinctly perforate; aperture low, and at the base 

of the last formed chamber onto the ventral side.

Greatest diameter, holotype 0.3 mm; paratypes 0.3 

mm; least diameter, holotype 0.21 mm, paratypes 0.2 

mm; thickness, holotype 0.09 mm, paratypes 

0.08-0.1 mm.
120 SHORTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL GEOLOGY

dakotensis, n. sp. is easily distinguished 

by its relatively small size, the raised and limbate early 

sutures, the depressed nonlimbate later sutures, and by 

the inflation of the final 3 or 4 chambers. It differs 

from Plccnulma kansasensis Morrow in its smaller size, 

fewer chambers, and in the lack of a calcareous deposit 

over the central area on both sides.

This species is common throughout the uppermost 

unit of the Greenhorn formation to which it is restricted 

on present evidence. Specimens are particularly well 

developed in the basal part of this unit where the species

is associated principally with &uembelina moremam 

Cushman, Globorotalw\ youngi^ n. sp., Grlobig&rwa 

Gt'etacea D'Orbigny, and Bidiminaioyomingensis, n. sp. 

Several hundred specimens have been studied. Samples from shale 900 feet above the base of the Colorado 

shale on the bank of the Mussellshell River at Mosby, 

Mont., have yielded several dozen specimens of this 

species.

Types.—Holotype (USNM 106859) and figured paratypes 

(USNM 106860 and 106861) from sample GU la; unfigrred paratypes (USNM 106862) from sample GU Id; all types are from 

the upper part of the Greenhorn formation (unit 5).
CRETACEOUS FORAMINIFERA FROM GREENHORN, CARLILE, CODY FORMATIONS 121

REFERENCES

Applin, B. R., 1933, A micro-fossiliferous Upper Cretaceous 

section from South Dakota: Jour. Paleontology, v. 7, no. 

2, p. 215-220.

Bass, N. W., 1926, Geologic investigations in western Kansas: 

Kansas Geol. Survey, Bull. 11, p. 33.

Beissel, I., 1891, Die Foraminiferen der Aachener Kreide: 

Preuss. Geol. Landesanstalt, Abh., n. ser., v. 3, 1891, p. 22, 

pi. 5, figs. 1-3.

Brotzen, F., 1936, Foraminiferen aus dem Schwedischen Untersteten Senon von Eriksdal in Sahonen: Sveriges geol. undersokning, ser. C, no. 396, p. 30, pi. 1, fig. 2.

Carman, Katherine, 1929, Some Foraminifera from the Niobrara 

and Benton formations of Wyoming: Jour. Paleontology, 

v. 3, p. 309.

Collier, A. J., 1922, The Osage oil field, Weston County, Wyo.: 

U. S. Geol. Survey Bull. 736.

Cragin, F. W., 1896, On the stratigraphy of the Platte series, or 

Upper Cretaceous of the Plains: Colorado Coll. [Univ.] 

Studies, v. 6, p. 50-52.

Cushman, J. A., 1942, Cretaceous Foraminifera from the Brownstown marl of Arkansas: Cushman Lab. Foram. Research 

Contr., v. 18, pt. 3, p. 50-66.

———— 1946, Upper Cretaceous Foraminifera of the Gulf Coastal 

region of the United States and adjacent areas: U. S. Geological Survey Prof. Paper, 206, p. 1-241.

Dobbin, C. E., and Horn, G. H., 1949, Geologic map of Mush 

Creek and Osage oil fields and vicinity, Weston, County, 

Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Oil and Gas Inv. Prelim. Map. 103.

Fox, S. K, Jr., 1941, Relationship of Late Cretaceous Cody shale 

Foraminifera from northern Wyoming and southern Montana to Great Plains and Canadian faunas: Geol. Soc. 

America Bull., v. 52, no. 12, pt. 2, abs.; p. 1967.

Franke, A., 1928, Die Foraminiferen der Oberen Kreide Nordund Mitteldeutschlands: Preuss. Geol. Landesanstalt Abh., 

n. ser. v. Ill, 1928, p. 19, pi. 2, fig. 3.

Gilbert, G. K., 1896, The underground water of the Arkansas 

valley in eastern Colorado: U. S. Geol. Survey, 17th Ann. 

Rept. pt. 2.

Haas, Otto, 1949, Acanthocerated Ammonoidea from near Greybull, Wyo.: Am. Mus. Nat. History Bull., v. 93, art. 1, 39 p.

Knight, W. C., 1903, Coal fields of southern Vinta County, Wyo., 

(Abs.) Geol. Soc. America Bull., v. 13, p. 542-544.

Loetterle, G. J., 1937, The micropaleontology of the Niobrara 

formation in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota: Nebraska Geol. Survey Bull. 12, p. 1-73.

Lupton, C. T., 1915, Oil and gas near Basin, Big Horn County, 

Wyo., U. S. Geological Survey Bull. 621, p. 159-190.

Meek, F. B., and Hayden, F. V. 1862, Descriptions of new Lower 

Silurian, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Tertiary fossils: Acad. 

Nat. Sci. Philadelphia Proc., v. 13, p. 419-422.

Moreman, W. L., 1942, Paleontology of the Eagle Ford group of. 

north and central Texas: Jour. Paleontology, v. 16, no. 2, 

p. 192-220.

Morrow, A. L., 1934, Foraminifera and Ostracoda from the Upper

Cretaceous of Kansas: Jour. Paleontology, v. 8, no. 2, p.

186-205. 

Nauss, A. W., 1945, Cretaceous stratigraphy of Vermilion area,

Alberta: Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Bull., v. 29, no.

11, p. 1605-1629.

———— 1947, Cretaceous rnicrofossils of the Vermilion area, 

Alberta : Jour. Paleontology, v. 21, no. 4, p. 329-343.

Reeside, J. B., Jr., 1923, A new fauna from the Colorado group 

of southern Montana : U. S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 132-B, 

p. 25-31.

——— 1927a, the cephalopods of the Eagle sandstone and 

related formations in the western interior of the United 

States: U. S. Geol. Survey, Prof. Paper 151.

——— 1927b, Cephalopods from the lower part of the Cody 

shale of Oregon Basin, Wyoming: U. S. Geol. Survey, Prof. 

Paper. 150-A.

———— 1944, Thickness and general character of the Cretaceous

deposits in the western interior of the United States: U. S.

Geological Survey Oil and Gas Inv. Series Prelim. Mr.p 10. 

Rubey, W. W., 1930, Lithologic studies of fine-grained Upper

Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of the Black Hills rerion:

U. S. Geol. Survey, Prof. Paper, 165-A. 

Rubey, W. W., and Bass, N. W., 1925, The geology of Russell

County, Kans.: Kansas Geol. Survey Bull. 10, pt. 1, p. £5-65. 

Tappan, Helen, 1951, Northern Alaska index Foraminifera,

Cushman Lab. Foram. Research Contr., v. 2, pt. 1, p. 1-8. 

Thomas, H. D., 1936, Frontier-Niobrara contact in Laramie

Basin, Wyo.: Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Bull., v. 20,

no. 9, p. 1189-1197. 

Wickenden, R. T. D., 1932a, New species of Foraminfera from

the Upper Cretaceous of the Prarie Provinces: Royal Soc.

Canada Proc. and Trans., ser. 3, v. 26, sec. 4., p. 85-91, pi. 1.

———— 1932b, A useful Foraminifera horizon in the Alberta 

shale of southern Alberta: Jour. Paleontology, v. 6, no. 2, 

p. 203-207, pi. 29.

——— 1932c, Notes on some deep wells in Saskatchewan: Royal 

Soc. Canada Proc. and Trans., ser. 3, v. 28, sec. 4, p. 177-196, 

figs. 1-2.

———— 1941, Cretaceous marine formations penetrated in wells 

near Lloydminster, Saskatchewan: Royal Canadian Inst. 

Trans., v. 23, p. 147-155.

——— 1945, Mesozoic stratigraphy of the Eastern Plains, Nanitoba and Saskatchewan: Canada Geol. Survey Mem. 2-9, p.

1-87. 

Williston, S. W., 1893, The Niobrara Cretaceous of western

Kansas: Kansas Acad. Sci. Trans. for 1891-1892, v. 13, p.

108-109. 

Young, Keith, 1951, Foraminifera and stratigraphy of the

Frontier formation (Upper Cretaceous), southern Montana:

Jour. Paleontology, v. 25, p. 35-68.

INDEX

A Page

aclis, Frondicularia.--- _— — — —_........... 118

affinis,Nodosaria._-. _-...-.....-...._.__.. 116

Alberta shale.---------------_-.-.--............ 98

albertensis, Trochammina...-----.-.--..-........- 113

Ammobaculites---.---------....-—- __........... Ill

coprolithifor me..................__-.--..._ 111

coprolithiformis---..... ................._... ill

fragmentarius..... __.______.__ 101,105,106

Awmd_----------------------------- 101,105,106,107

subplanatus..—--.----.-—_- — 101,105,106,107

tyrrettL............................. 101,105,107, 111

•ammonoides, AnomaHna.. ------------__--__---_-- 105

amplaspira, Marginulinopsis,- 101,103,105,106, US, pl.25 

Anomalina ammonoides.-..... .--._............. 105

bighornensis-............ ................ 101,104,112

sp.............__-...___.__._-.__, 97

Anomalinidae._..._..._-_........_..... 119

Arcadia Park formation..._...._......._... 99

Austin chalk_._____._____...______ 99 

nustinana, Frondicularia------------...-.--.--.... 118

B

basiplanata, Dentalina - - -. .............. 101,105,106,116

Beaver Creek chalky member. See Niobrara formation. 

Belle Fourche shale, check list of fossils ---------- 1*09

fossil zone.-_--------.------------.-_.____ 103

fossil-collecting locality..____.......__ 102

stratigraphic section. _--_.--_-._-.._...-..-_.- 100 

type locality—_...._____.......___.. 98

Benton shale, equivalents. — . —— _ — ——-—_ — — 97 

bentonensis, Gaudryina ................. 101,105,107,112

bidentata, Frondicularialanceola ____...._ 105,107,108,114

Bigenerina. _— — — — — — — — _——.............. 112

Aatfate—.—— --—————————— — —— - 112

sp._--------------------- 101,104,1 tg, pi. 24

bighornensis, Anomalina,. _............... 101,104,112

bighornensis, Dentalina. -_-.._._-. 105,107, 114,116, pi. 25 

Britton formation................................ 98

Bulimina ........................................ 118

exigua.- —— — - — -... —....... 101,105,106,114

primo -_---_---------.-----.------------------ 118

prolixa.— ---. __-__.______-------- 105,118

reussi__ _____.....__....________ 105,107

wyomingensis.. — ......... .. 101, 104, 118, 120, pi. 26

BuliminellafMUS-... .......................... 101,104

Buliminidae------------------------------------- 118

Buttaporalaevis--.......................... 105,107,114

C

calcula, Haplophragmoides........ ...... 101,105,106,107

canadensis, Neobulimina- _. — - — _- — - — — ...... 101,106

caracolla, Hoglundina..—————— —— 101,105,106,118 

Carlile shale formation, check list of fossils-.------ 109

distribution and equivalents.._.......--..-... 98-99

distribution of fossils. ___...______.. 101 

fossil zones_-..----_____„__-__... 104,106

fossil-collecting localities__ - _____... 99-100,102 

stratigraphic section...--.-- — — ------------ 100

carlilensis, Haplophragmoides-..... 101,104,105,106,107,

JW, 111, 112, pi. 24 

catenula, Dentalina-..--------.----------------- 101,104

Citharina-...... ........————..——- — -—— 117

clavata, Pseudodavlina.......-.--.--_..- ......... 105,107

C7a»wZi7i«sp----------------------------------- 107,113

cobbani, Gaudryina-.- 101,104,105,106,107,110, Hi, pi. 24

[Italic numbers indicate descriptions]

Page

Cody shale formation, character and equivalents..--.---—.—---——--- 102-103 

checklist of fossils-----.-.-................ 109-110

fossils in basal part. _ — — ——— — — — — 105

fossil zones..__.__._.____.____ 106-107 

stratigraphic section....______-....——. 104

codyensis, Polyphragma. _. -____ 105,107, 113, 117, pi. 25 

Collignoniceras woolgari......--------------... .... 99

compreisa, Flabellammina.----------------------- 111

congesta, Ostrea-............. ..______.__ 99,106

coprolithifor me, Ammobaculites... ......-.------... Ill

coprolithiformis, Ammobaculites.................... Ill

cretacea, Globigerina ......... 97,101,103,104,105,112,120

cretacea, Globotruncana— ----------------------- 105,107

cushmani, Globorotalia---...--.------_-------.-. 101,103

D

dakotensis, Planulina. _...........__ 101,104, 119, pi. 26

deformis, Inoceramus—------------------- ...— — 99

----------------_. — ——————.. 116

ta..----------------------- 101,105,106,117

bighornensis-.-- .............. 105,107,114, 116, pi. 25

catenula-.-..—....—..................... 101,104

sp —. — —- — — — — — — — 101,103,116, pi. 25

diagonis, Trachammina...........—. — _._----_- 113

Dictyomitra sp............ ._____.—.„ — — . 106

dunbari, Frondicularia---------------- —— -------- 118

Dunveganoceras.-------....-......--.. ..... — -... 102

E

Eagle sandstone.---.--_.———— — - —— ----- 102

Eagle Ford formation_____________...— 98 

eaglefordensis, Planulina------ ——... —... — — 105,107

EpOTiia'eS-------------------------------------- 119

haidingerii...---........ — ——— — — — — — 119

shoshonensis....-.... —— ....— . 105,107, HP, pi. 26

exigua, Bulimina-.-----.------ — - 101,105,106,114

F

fabilis, Btaiminella.- —................— .—- — 101,104

Flabellammina------... —-——__-------- — — 111

compressa.....— __-_—_—_—_—_—————- — . Ill

sp. 1—- —— __——— —— —— 101, 104,111,112, pi. 24 

sp. 2—— ————_.-————__ — - 101,106, 111, pi. 24 

sp. 3.- —— —— ——— ———— 101,103, 111, pi. 24

foeda, Gaudryina.------.------- ....— ————— — 112

Fort Hays limestone member—-._-_- — —— --.. 99 

fragmentanus, Ammobaculites.----.--------- 101,105,106

Frondicularia-....................... ....——.-... 118

odi«———————— —— ———--- 118

austinana....._.._._...............-----.—--- 118

dunbari.......... .__--------_--------- — - 118

--- — —— —— —— — ——— 118

................... 105,107, 118, pi. 26

hebronensis---------- _----------------- ——, 118

lanceola bidentata................... 105,107,108,114

undulosa___-.----__------.--_------------ 105,107

sp--------- - ----------- 101,106, 118, pi. 26

Frontier formation, character and equivalents. — 102 

fauna in Montana. — —....- — --------- — - 98

Fossils, analysis-.-.--------------------------- 107-109

classification of species found._--—- — — ——— 103

ratio of arenaceous to calcareous ---------- —— 103

Gaudryina...... _-------__------ —— ————. 112

bentonensis--- —— ——— ....—— 101,105,107,112

cobbani........... 101,104,105,106,107,110, lli,$l. 24

foeda—.————— ——— ————————— 112

gigas, Haplophragmoides.——------........ .... 97,110

glabra, Haplophragmoides——.... .-.___ ———— 110,111

globifera, Gumbelina.—.- ____- ——--——— 97 

Globigerina crttacea—------ 97,101,103,104,105,112,120

Globorotalia..-.-- .... _——-_— ——— — - ——— — 119

cushmani____——————-——-—--—--— 101,103

multiloculata....----------- ——— — - —— — — 1"9

youngi——.—....... 101,103,104,105,106, 119, pi. 26

Globotruncana cretacea—~ — — __———------- 105,117

globulifcra, Ftamulina..-—......__----.-.-.--.- 105,107

globulosa, Gumbelina..--- ______--__---—— 97 

goldfussi, Frondicularia- __—— ——-—_——--—— 118

grandis, Inoceramus--- —— _—- — -... — —— _._— 99 

Graneros formation——-——_—- — —..-- — — 98 

Greenhorn formation, check list of fossils——— - - - - 179

distribution and equivalents.—-------------- 98

distribution of fossfls——...._------------- 101

fossil zones—————— —— — —— — — 103-104

fossil-collecting localities. — ——————— 102

stratigraphic section. ______—— —— —. —— — 100

greybullensis, Frondicularia———--- 105,107,1/8, pi. 26 

Gumbelina globifera...........—..............——. 97

globulosa------__-_____-_—__---- 97

morememi.— ———— — .-— 101,103,105,106,120

— ——— ————— — — ————— 101

———— ——— ———— ——— — — 105,107

H 

haidingerii, Eponides..-------------------- —— — 119

Haplophragmoides___.-..._.-----..-_---— 108,110

calcula—— —— — ———————— 101,105,106,107

carlilensis—— 101,104,105,106,107, 110, 111, 112, pi. 24 

flijras—————————— — —— —— —— 97,110

glabra—— —— — — — ————————— 110, 111

sp— ———.... — ——— 101,104,105,106,110, 111, pi 24

Hartland shale——— — —— ———— ——— 98

hastata, Bigenerina.-.......------------------- —. 112

hebronensis, Frondicularia,— —— — -—--—— —. 118

Hoglundina caracolla..-----------.-..- 101,105,106,118

humei, Ammobaculites...-....———.... 101,105,106,107

Inoceramus.. 

deformislabiatus.

K

kansasensis, Lenticulina—— 101,105,106,107,108,114.118 

kansasensis, Planulina.———- 101,105,106,107,10?, 120 

knighti, Vaginulina........ —— — — ———— 105,107,114

labiatus, Inoceramus-...........- — —— ----- — -- 98

laevis, Bullapom—-—.-.—————- 105, UP, 114

Lagenidae__—... ——. —————— -—————— 114

lanceola bidentata, Frondicularia... — . .. 105,107,10!^ 114 

larvaeformis, Scaphites......................-..— 99

Lenticulina kansasensis--... 101,105,106,107,108,114,118 

sublaevis..— ——— ——————— 105,107,103 114

Lithuolidae.------- ————-„——————— 110

Lincoln limestone--------- ——— ——— -———— 98

123
124 INDEX

M Page

Marginulina.... __...___._._..._._...__. 115

navarroana... _._........._---....-....... 115

plumme roe.. .........._.-..-.-....-..__.... 115

sUicula.. -..-.....-...._____.___.__ 115

sp. I..................... 101,103,105,106, 116, pi. 25

sp. 2..- — __-..__._.____.._.__.__ 101,103, 116, pi. 25

Marginulincpsis......____........____ 107,108,115

amplaspira........ ....... 101,103,105,106, 116, pi. 25

Marssonellaoxycona..--.... .......___._ 105,107,114

Metoicoceras whitei.... ............._..._.._.,_._ 98

moremani, Gumbelina.—...... ..... 101,103,105,106,120

moremani, Quinqueloculina..................... 101,104

multicostata, VaginuliHa.......................... 117

multiloculata, Globorotalia.. ......_........._...__. 119

munsteri, Robulus........ ....____..._._.._ 105,114

N

navorroana, Marginulina.............__..__.._ 115

Neobulimina canadensis......... ... .. __ __ __ 101,106

Niobrara formation, character and distribution... 99

equivalents__..._— -___-_-__-___.._...._ 102

Fort Hays limestone member—__________ 97

Hartland shale member..__________..____. 97

Nodosaria affinis.... ...._____._....____._.__.___ 116

O

Ostrea congesta..................... __.__.___ 99,106

oxycona, Marssonella.... __________________ 105,107,114

Palmula....... ... ____._.._.____.__._.__ 117

•pilulata—-..... .___—_— — __- — _______._. 117

sp-......... —..... 101,104,105,107,114, 117, pi. 26

? sp...................................... 117, pi. 26

pilulata, Palmula... .___...._____..___ 117

Placopsilinidae...-_._.__._._____.____ 113

Planularia........... _..___...__.____. 114

sp...—...............———. 101,103,105, 114, pi. 25

Planulina........................................ 119

dakotensis....................... 101, 104, 119, pi. 26

eaglefordensis............................... 105,107

kansasensis_________ 101, 105, 106, 107, 108, 120

Planularia umbonata........................... 105,107

sp............................................ 106

plummerae, Marginulina.......................... 115

Page 

plummerae, Valvulineria........................ 101, 105

Polyphragma.-.__---............................. 113

codyensis................... 105, 107, 113, 117, pi. 25

sp............................................ 113

prima, Bulimina....... ______._____...._. 118

Prionocyclus...................................... 106

wyomingensis............ _____„_.._________ 99, 106

prolixa, Bulimina—....................__.... 105, 118

Pseudoclavulina clavata.,....................... 105, 107

pseudotessera, Gumbelina........................ ,. 101

Quinqueloculina moremani...................... 101,104

B

Ramulina globulifera..________..__... 105, 107

recta, Keophca;....................... 105, 107, 110, pi. 24

recta, Trochammina-.....------------____.__. 110

reesidei, Saracenaria............... 101, 103, 105, 106, 116

Reophacidae- ..........................-....-_. 110

Reophar.......................................... 110

recta.................—......... 105, 107, 110, pi. 24

texana........ _--._.- — __-__-._........... 110

reussi, Bulimina................................ 105, 107

reussi, Oumbelina............................... 105,107

ribstonensis, Trochammina........................ 113

Robulus...................................... 114, pi. 25

munsteri. _-.___-__—_-__.____..._._ 105,114

sp— — __ — .__ ——— — ——— _ 101, 103, 105, 106, 114 

Rotaliidae...____.....______...__._ 119

S

Sage Beasks member, check list of fossils- -_-__.._ 109 

defined___.______________...__ 99

Saracenaria..... -____.___..___..._------ 114

reesidei.................. 101,103,105,106, 114, Pi- 25

triangularis................................... 115

Scaphites larvaeformis............................. 99

warreni—..................................... 99

semicomplanata, Spiroplectammina................ 105

shoshonensis, Eponides............... 105,107, 119, pi.26

silicula, Marginulina.-..................._...._ 115

Spiroplectammina semicomplanata................ 105

sublaevis, Lenticulina................... 105,107,108,114

subplanatus, Ammobaculites............ 101,105,106,107

T Page 

tegulata, Virgulina........._._-_.--.—-._-. 101,105

Telegraph Creek formation____. _. _____ 102 

texana, Reophax................................... 110

texana, Trochammina............................. 113

texana, Vaginulina.......................... 101,106,118

Textulariidae—-------------------------------- 112

triangularis, Sacracenaria................ __ - _ 115

Trochammina.---..-...............-_..__.-.. 112

a.&erfens.s.----------------_____...... 113

diagonis.................. .____.___.-_ 113

recta——- — — ,——.—.————.—.--— 110

ribstonensis.-.-...-........................... 113

texana...... ...._....____.________ 113

sp. 1_—._.„ ................^.. 101. 103, lit, pi. 24

sp. 2.—... —— _-_-. — -_-_._ — -_ 101, 113, pi. 24

Sp. 3—_-_.-_-__._--_.-_--_-. 101,1C4, 106, 113, pi. 24

Trochamminidae.-___---__..._..______- 112

Turner sandy member._-_._.._._.........__..__. 99

tyrrelli, Ammobaculites..-..-..-..-..-..- 101,105,107, 111

U

umbonata, Planularia—-----------.............. 105,107

undulosa, Frondicularia....................__ 105,107

Vaginulina... — -.............................-... 116

knighti.................................. 105,107,114

multicostata—........... ________------- 117

texana.- —— .. — ..—.-.......—----- 101,106,118

sp. !._- — _—_._ ——— _ 101, 104, 105, 106, 116, pi. 25

sp. 2_ —— _ — ..__- — — 101, 103, 105, 106, 117, pi. 25

Valvulineria plummerae........................ 101,105

rascocerasbeds----. ____________-__--- 98,116

Verneuilinidae.--__---_-___-___-------------- 112

Virgulina tegulata.............................. 101,105

W 

warreni, Scaphites................................ 99

whitei, Metoicoceras..............-_--_..-____- 98

woolgari, Collignonicera^........................... 99

wyomingensis, Bulimina........ 101, 104 118, 120, pi. 26

wyomingensis, Prionocyclus...................... 99,106

youngi, Oloborotalia..... 101,103,104,105,106, 119, pi. 26
PLATES 24-26
PLATE 24

FIGURE 1. Reophax recta (Beissel) (p. 110).

Front view, X 68. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106805 from Cody shale, Greybull, Wyo. 

2, 3. Haplophragmoides carlilensis Fox, n. sp. (p. 110).

Middle part of Turner sandy member of the Carlile shale.

2. Side view of paratype, X 70. USGS loc. 24085, USNM 106807.

3. Peripheral view of holotype, X 70. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106806. 

4,5. Haplophragmoides sp. (p. 111).

Uppermost unit (5) of Greenhorn formation

4. Side view, X 160. USGS loc. 24090, USNM 106810.

5. Peripheral view, X 160. USGS loc. 24090, USNM 106811.

6. Flabellammina sp. 1 (p. 111).

Front view, X 23. USGS loc. 24089, USNM 106812, from uppermost unit (5) of Greenhorn formation.

7. Flabellammina sp. 2 (p. 111).

Front view, X 33. USGS loc. 24084, USNM 106813, from middle part of Turner sandy member of CsrJile shale.

8. Flabellammina sp. 3 (p. 111).

Front view, X 23. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106814, from lowermost unit (2) of Greenhorn formation.

9. Bigenerina sp. (p. 112).

Front view, X 90. USGS loc. 24089, USNM 106815, from uppermost unit (5) of Greenhorn formation. 

10. Gaudryina cobbani Fox, n. sp. (p. 1J2).

Front view of holotype, X 90. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106816, from unnamed member of Carlile shole. 

11-13. Trochammina sp. 1 (p. 112).

Upper part of Belle Fourche shale.

11. Dorsal view, X 150. USGS loc. 24094; USNM 106820.

12. Peripheral view, X 150. USGS loc. 24094, USNM 106819.

13. Ventral view, X 150. USGS loc. 24094, USNM 106821. 

14-16. Trochammina sp. 2 (p. 113).

Unnamed member of the Carlile shale.

14. Dorsal view, X 90. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106822.

15. Peripheral view, X 90. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106822.

16. Ventral view, X 90. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106822. 

17-19. Trochammina sp. 3 (p. 113).

Unnamed member of the Carlile shale.

17. Dorsal view, X 108. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106823.

18. Peripheral view, X 108. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106823

19. Ventral view, X 108. USGS loc. 24086, USNM 106823.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 254 PLATE 24

REOPHACIDAE, LITUOIJDAE. TEXTULARIIDAE, VERNEUILINIDAE, AND TROCHAMMINIDAE

FROM THE WESTERN INTERIOR
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 254 PLATE 25

PLACOPSILINIDAE AND LAGENIDAE FROM THE WESTERN INTERIOR
PLATE 25

FIGURES 1-4. Polyphragma codyensis Fox, n. sp. (p. 113). 

Cody shale, Greybull, Wyo.

1. Front view of paratype, X 35. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106825.

2. Front view of paratype, X 35. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106826.

3. Front view of holotype, X 35. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106824.

4. Front view of paratype, X 35. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106827.

5. Robulussp. (p. 114).

Side view, X 70. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106828, from lowest unit (2) of Greenhorn formation.

6. Planularia sp. (p. 114).

Side view, X 70. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106829, from lowest unit (2) of Greenhorn formation. 

7-9. Saracenaria reesidei Fox, n. sp. (p. 114).

Lowermost unit (2) of Greenhorn formation.

7. Side view of holotype, X 92. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106830.

8. Side view of paratype, X 92. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106832.

9. End view of paratype, X 92. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106831. 

10, 12. Marginulina sp. 2 (p. 115).

Side views of figured specimens, X 92. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106834, from the lowermost unit (2) of Greenhorn formation. 

11. Marginulina sp. 1 (p. 115).

Side view, X 41, USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106833, from lowest unit (2) of Greenhorn formation. 

13, 14. Marginulinopsis amplaspira Young (p. 115).

Side views of two typical speciments, X 70. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106835, from basal part of Cody shale

(unit 2) Greybull, Wyo. 

15. Dentalinasp. (p. 116).

Side view, X 92. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106839, from lowermost unit (2) of Greenhorn formation. 

16-18. Dentalina bighornensis Fox, n. sp. (p. 116).

Cody shale in the type locality, Cody, Wyo.

16. Side view of microspheric holotype, X 25. USGS loc. 24096, USNM 106836.

17. Side view of megalospheric paratype, X 25. USGS loc. 24096, USNM 106837.

18. Side view of microspheric paratype, X 25. USGS loc. 24096, USNM 106838. 

19, 20. Vaginulina sp. 2 (p. 117).

Lowermost unit (2) of Greenhorn formation.

19. Side view, X 70. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106842.

20. Side view, X 92. USGS loc. 24092, USNM 106841. 

21. Vaginulina sp. 1 (p. 116).

Side view, X 92. USGS loc. 24090, USNM 106840, from uppermost unit (5) of Greenhorn formation.
FIGURE 1. Palmulasp. (p. 117).

Side view of fragmentary specimen, X 70. TJSGS loc. 24090, USNM 106843, from uppermost unit (5) of Greenhorn

formation. 

2, 3. Palmula? sp. (p. 117).

Side views of fragmentary specimens, X 23. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106844, from Cody shale, Greybull, Wyo. 

4-6. Frondicularia greybullensis Fox, n. sp. (p. 118). 

Cody shale, Greybull, Wyo.

4. Front view of holotype, X 41. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106845.

5. 6. Front views of paratypes, X 33. USGS loc. 24095, USNM 106846. 

7. Frondicularia sp. (p. 118).

Front view, X 33. USGS loc. 24084, USNM 106847 from upper part of Turner sandy member of the Carlile shale. 

8-11. Bulimina wyomingensis Fox, n. sp. (p. 118).

Uppermost unit (5) of Greenhorn formation.

8. Rear view of holotype, X 212. USGS loc. 204090, USNM 106848.

9. Rear view of paratype, X 212. USGS loc. 24091, USMN 106852.

10. Front view of paratype, X 212. USGS loc. 24090, USNM 106851.

11. Front view of paratype, X 212. USGS loc. 24090, USNM 106850. 

12-14. Eponides shoshonensis Fox, n. sp. (p. 119).

Basal part of Cody shale of the type locality, Cody, Wyo.

12. Dorsal view of paratype, X 92. USGS loc. 24098, USNM 106855.

13. Peripheral view of holotype, X 92. USGS loc. 24097, USNM 106853.

14. Ventral view of paratype, X 92. USGS loc. 24098, USNM 106854. 

l5~l8.*jGloborotaliat youngi Fox, n. sp. (p. 119).

Uppermost unit (5) of the Greenhorn formation.

15. Dorsal view of holtype, X 190. USGS loc. 24090, USNM 106856.

16. Dorsal view of paratype, X 190. USGS loc. 24090, USNM 106857.

17. Peripheral view of paratype, X 190. USGS loc. 24091, USNM 106858.

18. Ventral view of paratype, X 190. USGS loc. 24090, USNM P2147. 

19-21. Planulina dakotensis Fox, n. sp. (p. 119).

Uppermost unit (5) of the Greenhorn formation.

19. Peripheral view of paratype, X 160. USGS loc. 24091, USNM 106861.

20. Ventral view of paratype, X 160. USGS loc. 24091, USNM 106860.

21. Dorsal view of holotype, X 160. USGS loc. 24091, USNM 106859!

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1954
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 254 PLATE 26 ,

LAGENIDAE, BULIMINDAE, ROTALIIDAE, AND AINOMALINIDAE FROM THE WESTERN INTERIOR