Taxonomic value of the diaphanotheca/luminotheca in the classification of lower Carboniferous endothyroid Foraminiferida;: creation of two new species of Pojarkovella

Two new species of Pojarkovella, P. guadiatensis and P. pennarroyensis, from southwestern Spain include with wall structures varying from completely microgranular to diaphanotheca/luminotheca-bearing. The latter feature has been traditionally used as a generic and suprageneric character in endothyroid classification. These variable wall structures have also been described in other species of Pojarkovella. These variable structures suggest that, at least in this genus, the diaphanotheca/luminotheca has no more than specific significance and cast doubt on its overall value for distinguishing higher taxonomic categories. This study confirms the position of Pojarkovella within the family Loeblichiidae and proposes a comprehensive generic synonymy. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.