Some notes from the Sept 10th VicPS meeting held at the office of Edward Davies, Branta Biostratigraphy Ltd.
This unusual find from the motocross site in Nanaimo is about the size, shape, and texture of a fish jaw (unconfirmed). Congratulations to the member who found this unusual specimen!
Another noteworthy find from that location is the crab Bicornis-ranina bocki, named in 2008 by Torrey Nyborg and John Fam (in honour of Nanaimo collector Peter Bock). Previously described from Northwest Bay locality and Inland Island Highway roadcut near Courtenay, this is perhaps the third known example from the motocross site in Nanaimo, which is older in age than the exposures at Northwest Bay. Again, congratulations to the member who found this well-preserved specimen.
Speaking of crabs, congratulations to Caleb Cliffold-Hoyle, who found this raninid specimen (below) at Northwest Bay. The specimen is thought to be a Joerinina (platys?). We will know for sure soon; this specimen is currently under study by Torrey Nyborg and John Fam and will contribute to a pending paper. It’s wonderful when our discoveries have an immediate and direct impact on science and research!
Be on the look-out for scallop shells about a size of a fingernail. The one pictured here was found at Chemainus River in 2023 during the 14th BCPA Symposium fieldtrip. BCPA member Raymond Graham is seeking photos and locality information for these specimens, which are similar to ones found in Northern California described as belonging to Propeamussium (Parvamusseum)spp.by Sundberg in 1989. If you are not familiar with Raymond, reach out to me, and I’ll put you in touch with him.
Some topics suggested for upcoming meetings include geology of different regions on the Island, biostratigraphic use of fossils, evolution of paleontology, and mollusc terminology. VicPS member Sandy McLachlan will give a talk in October about inflated ammonites from the upper Nanaimo Group rocks. Stay tuned for more information.