A new Middle Triassic (Anisian) cyclidan crustacean from the Luoping Biota, Yunnan Province, China: morphologic and phylogenetic insights

Fourteen specimens of cyclidan arthropods form the basis for the description of a new genus and species of Anisian (Middle Triassic) specimens, Yunnanocyclus nodosus n. gen., n. sp., from the Middle Member of the Guanling Formation, Luoping Biota in Yunnan Province, China. Specimens preserve dorsal, ventral, and internal aspects of the morphology of the organism permitting placement within the Americlidae. The integument of the dorsal surface is composed of circular nodules which is unique among Triassic cyclidans. Comparison of the morphology of Yunnanocyclus nodosus n. gen., n. sp. with other known cyclidans has implications for future phylogenetic analyses.