Upper Devonian miospores from the Escuminac Formation, eastern Québec, Canada

Abstract

Miospores of early Frasnian age are described from the third unit of the Escuminac Formation in eastern Québec, Canada. The assemblage comprises 34 species, including 8 species proposed as new, 2 new combinations, and 12 sparsely represented forms not considered synonymous with previously described species.The assemblage is most closely comparable to a Middle Devonian assemblage from the Orcadian Basin, Scotland. Similarities are also noted with European and Russian assemblages, particularly from the Eifelian–Givetian of the Russian Platform. Except for five long-ranging species, elements of Lower Carboniferous assemblages are lacking. Evidence suggests a transitional nature for this Escuminac assemblage. Miospores of relatively large size, a feature of Middle Devonian assemblages, are present. Marked differentiation of large and small spore types, found in several other Upper Devonian assem blages is absent. Apiculate and anchor-spined species dominate the Escuminac assemblage.