First record of canaliform shell structure from the Lower Cambrian paterinate brachiopod <i>Askepasma</i> from South Australia

The organophosphatic shell structure of the paterinate (Cryptotretidae) brachiopod Askepasma sp. is described, based on new material from the Lower Cambrian of South Australia. The lamellose shell is penetrated by phosphatic canals, oriented subparallel to the shell lamination; the canals were open to the exterior and most likely contained organic setae that would have emerged between lamellae. This type of setigerous canal system was previously only known from the stem group brachiopods Mickwitzia muralensis and M. cf. occidens as well as the enigmatic sclerites of the tannuolinid Micrina, which has been interpreted as a more basal stem group brachiopod.5 page(s