Cyclaster platornatus Kutscher, 1978: an addition to the echinoid fauna from the late Maastrichtian of NE Belgium

Abstract

Two fairly well preserved specimens of the brissid echinoid Cyclaster platornatus Kutscher, 1978 are described from the late Maastrichtian Vijlen Member (Gulpen Formation) as exposed in the SA Ciments Portland Liégeois (CPL) quarry at Haccourt, municipality of Oupeye, province of Liège, Belgium Kutscher (1978) introduced this taxon for a small population of brissid echinoids from the early Maastrichtian white chalk of Rügen (GDR). Despite slight morphological differences the Belgian specimens are considered to be conspecific with the Rügen type population. The occurrence in the late Maastrichtian of NE Belgium constitutes the first record of this species beyond the North European white chalk facies of Rügen. The Belgian specimens are herein compared and contrasted with morphologically similar (Hemiaster aquisgranensis Schlüter, 1899 and Diplodetus species) from the Vijlen Member. Some remarks on other late Cretaceous spatangoids are added.