Reassessment of Iberopora bodeuri, a primitive plurilocular calcareous encrusting foraminifer from the “Upper Jurassic” (including Berriasian) carbonate platforms of the northern and central Tethys

Abstract

The controversial nature of Iberopora bodeuri is discussed. This microfossil presents striking similarities with Acervulinidae, more specifically with the latest Cretaceous-Miocene genus Solenomeris. After comparison with some encrusting algae (Sporolithaceae or Elianellaceae) and microbial structures, it is concluded that Iberopora should effectively be ascribed to the Foraminifera. It represents the oldest record of an acervulinid because it is known from Upper Jurassic strata of northern and central Tethys. It passes into the Berriasian as documented here with specimens from various localities. Except as reworked specimens, it has never been reported from Valanginian and higher strata.