An early Daonella from the Middle Anisian of Guangxi, southwestern China, and its phylogenetical significance

The late Middle Anisian Daonella fengshanensis sp. nov. from the upper part of the Lower Member of the Banna Formation near Jinya in northwestern Guangxi, southwestern China, represents the earliest appearance of Daonella in this region. With regard to stratigraphical occurrence as well as morphological features the new species is in a transitional position between Enteropleura and more derived species of Daonella. The new species is an early representative of the genus Daonella and regarded as phylogenetically being near the genus’ origin. It is characterised by a small posterior auricle similar to Enteropleura and flat-topped radial ribs resembling later species of Daonella. Its anterior shell sector is large. The shell sculpture of juvenile stages closely resembles both Daonella and Enteropleura, supporting the hypothesis that Daonella may have evolved from Enteropleura.