ABSTRACT

I. Scolecodonts (dispersed chitinous jaws of fossil marine polychaetous annelids) have significant potential for stratigraphic application in Paleozoic strata; they are resistant to acids, oxidation, thermal alteration, and recrystallization of carbonate matrix. A descriptive terminology is defined in a glossary, including the construction of a dental formula. The present systematic nomenclature is reviewed. Emendations are given for Arabellites, Leodicites, Paleoenonites, and Protarabellites. Eunicites, Lumbriconereites, and Nereidavus are unsuitable generic names for scolecodonts. Sixteen new genera for dispersed jaws are proposed: Basogenys, Belegenys, Cheiridogenys, Colpogenys, Cornugenys, Croneisigenys, Kielanaegenys, Leogenys, Lobogenys, Menogenys, Nereigenys, Otogenys, Pollagenys, Porrhogenys, Potterigenys, and Rhamphegenys.

II. Lectotypes are designated for 131 species, 12 of which are new names. For seven junior homonyms new names are listed. An index of the 1200 names for scolecodonts now in the literature is included.