Case 3662Siphonichnus Stanistreet, le Blanc Smith & Cadle, 1980 (trace fossil): proposed conservation by granting precedence over the senior subjective synonymOpthalmichniumPfeiffer, 1968

Abstract

The purpose of this application, under Article 23.9.3 of the Code, is to conserve the widely used name Siphonichnus Stanistreet, le Blanc Smith & Cadle, 1980 in its accustomed usage for an ichnogenus by giving it precedence over its senior subjective synonym, Opthalmichnium Pfeiffer, 1968, which has been used very rarely since it was first proposed. Planolites ophthalmoides Jessen, 1950, the type ichnospecies of Opthalmichnium, is a senior subjective synonym of Siphonichnus eccaensis Stanistreet, le Blanc Smith & Cadle, 1980, the type ichnospecies of Siphonichnus which has important applied uses in coal-bed geology and hydrocarbon exploration and production.