Willwood Formation

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Willwood Formation
Stratigraphic range: Thanetian-Ypresian (Clarkforkian-Bridgerian)
~56–48  Ma
Type Geological formation
Sub-unitsGray Bull beds, Sand Coulee beds, Sand Creek Facies, Wa-1 Zone
Lithology
Primary Mudstone, shale
Other Sandstone, conglomerate
Location
Coordinates 44°30′N108°00′W / 44.5°N 108.0°W / 44.5; -108.0
Approximate paleocoordinates 49°12′N90°48′W / 49.2°N 90.8°W / 49.2; -90.8
RegionFlag of Wyoming.svg  Wyoming
CountryFlag of the United States.svg  USA
Extent Bighorn Basin
Type section
Named for Shale, mudstone, limestone
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Willwood Formation (the United States)
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Willwood Formation (Wyoming)

The Willwood Formation is a sedimentary sequence deposited during the late Paleocene to early Eocene, or Clarkforkian, Wasatchian and Bridgerian in the NALMA classification. [1] [2]

Contents

Description

It consists of fine grained clastic rocks (mudstone and shale) interbedded with medium grained clastic rocks (sandstone) and sporadic conglomerates. The formation underlies portions of the Bighorn Basin of Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties of Wyoming. [3]

Dating

Radiometric dating of volcanic tuffs, combined with comparisons with other formations using magnetostratigraphy, using numerous samples from various levels of the formation suggest an age range of 55 – 52 million years ago, placing the Paleocene-Eocene boundary near the base of the formation. [4]

Fossil content

Trace fossils have been found in the Willwood Formation. [5] Fossil birds include Gastornis , Neocathartes and Paracathartes . A fossil alligatorid, namely Orthogenysuchus , was also found in this formation.

Mammals

Afrotheres

Afrotheres reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Apheliscus A. sp.Upper Gray Bull. [6] A macroscelidean.

Apatotheres

Apatotheres reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Apatemys A. bellulusLysite and Lost Cabin Zone. [7] Also found in the Wind River Formation. [7]
A. chardiniMiddle and possibly lower Gray Bull zone. [7] The smallest species of the genus. [7]
A. kayiThe oldest known species of the genus. [7]
A. sp., cf. A. rodensEastern side of Red Butte, and north of Sheep Mountain. [7] YPM 23476, 30582, AMNH 48999. [7] 3 very large specimens of Apatemys. [7]

Bats

Bats reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
cf. Icaronycteris cf. I. sp.Locality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] 3 fragmentary specimens. [8]
Icaronycteris index.jpg

Cimolestans

Cimolestans reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Azgonyx A. gunnelliLocalities SC-67, SC-308 and SC-351. [9] A tillodont.
A. sp.Locality SC-67. [9] A larger tillodont than A. gunnelli.
Coryphodon C. sp.Localities FG-61, SC-67 and SC-139. [9] [10] A pantodont.
Hutchinson coryphodon.jpg
Didelphodus D. absarokaeLower Gray Bull to the upper part of the Lysite zones. [7] A palaeoryctid.
Ectoganus E. bighornensisLocalities HG-3 and SC-67. [9] A taeniodont.
E. copeiUSGS 3838, with postcrania. [10] A taeniodont.
E. gliriformisA fragmentary femur (PU 13173). [10] A taeniodont.
Esthonyx E. bisculatusJaws, teeth and a few postcranial remains. [10] A tillodont.
E. spatularius Bighorn Basin, [11] and locality SC-67. [9] Fragmentary left dentary. [9] A tillodont.
Megalesthonyx M. hopsoniBuffalo Basin. [12] A tillodont.
cf. Palaeoryctes cf. P. sp."USGSD 1661, 2151, 3711". [7] A palaeoryctid.
Palaeosinopa P. incertaLower to upper Gray Bull zone,Bighorn Basin. [7] [13] A pantolestid also found in the Wind River and San Jose formations. [7]
P. lutreolaMiddle and upper Gray Bull zone, Bighorn Basin. [7] [13] A pantolestid.
P. veterrimaLower Gray Bull through Lysite zones, Bighorn Basin. [7] [13] More than 50 specimens. [7] A pantolestid.
P. sp.Lower part of the formation. [6] UM 69722 (a partial skull and mandible). [6] A pantolestid.
cf. Pararyctes cf. P. sp."Yale locality 363 at the 190-m level of the Willwood Formation in the Elk Creek Facies". [7] UW 7028. [7] A palaeoryctid.

Eulipotyphlans

Eulipotyphlans reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Auroralestes A. simpsoniLower part of the formation, Sand Creek Facies. [7] UW 9616 (right P4-M2) and YPM 35156. [7] An erinaceid, originally named Eolestes.
Batodonoides B. vanhouteni Locality SC-303, situated at the 2,110 m level of the formation. [14] Maxilla and dentaries. [14] A geolabidid.
Centetodon C. neashami"Lower middle Gray Bull and upper Gray Bull zones". [7] A geolabidid.
C. patratusUCMP 44954 and YPM 23088, possibly also UCMP 44957, 44958, 44959. [7] A geolabidid.
Creotarsus C. lepidus"Lower Gray Bull beds, Coon Creek, Garland Road, Bighorn Basin". [7] "AMNH 16169, left ramus with P4-M2, and associated tarsal bones". [7] An animal of enigmatic affinities but may be an erinaceomorph.
cf. Dartonius cf. D. jepseni"YPM 30559, fragment of left ramus with P4-M1 and trigonid of M2". [7] An erinaceid, originally referred to as "Leptacodon" jepseni. [15]
Dormaaliidae Dormaaliid, sp. ASand Creek Facies. [7] UW 7048, 9627. [7] An amphilemurid.
Eolestes E. simpsoniLower part of the formation, Sand Creek Facies. [7] UW 9616 (right P4-M2) and YPM 35156. [7] Now renamed to Auroralestes .
Insectivora (?)gen. et. sp. indeterminateYPM locality 355, lower part of the middle Gray Bull zone. [7] "YPM 30860, fragment of right ramus with M1(?) and trigonid of M2(?)". [7] Teeth which may represent an unusual insectivore or microchiropteran.
cf. Leipsanolestes cf. L. sp.Sand Creek Facies. [7] UW 9672, a left molar. [7] An erinaceid.
Leptacodon cf. "L." jepseni"YPM 30559, fragment of left ramus with P4-M1 and trigonid of M2". [7] Actually an erinaceid, now reassigned to a new genus, Dartonius . [15]
L. roseiLocalities SC-188 and SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] 3 dentaries, 2 maxillae, several isolated teeth and possibly a metatarsal. [8] A nyctitheriid.
Cf. L. sp.A single lower molar. [8] A nyctitheriid.
Limaconyssus L. habrusLocality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] Left dentary. [8] A nyctitheriid.
Macrocranion M. nitensUppermost part of the lower Gray Bull zone to the upper part of the Lysite zone. [7] An amphilemurid.
Parapternodus P. antiquusLower part of the formation. [7] YPM 31169, fragment of left ramus with M2-3. [7] An apternodontid.
Plagioctenodon P. krausaeSand Creek Facies. [7] A nyctitheriid.
cf. P. krausaeLocality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] An isolated first or second lower incisor and the buccal half of an upper molar. [8] A nyctitheriid.
P. savageiYPM locality 104, lower part of the formation. [7] "YPM 34257, right P3-M2". [7] A nyctitheriid.
Pontifactor P. sp."UW 8584, 9621, 9649, 9681, 9683, 9710, 9721, 9732, 9733, 10449, 10455, 10456". [7] A nyctitheriid.
Scenopagus S. hewettensisUW locality V -73020. [7] UW 8998 and possibly UW 9738, 10450. [7] An amphilemurid.
S. sp.Middle Gray Bull zone. [7] An amphilemurid, at least 2 species represented by inadequate material, at least one is probably new. [7]
Talpavoides T. dartoniLower part of the formation. [7] An amphilemurid.
Wyonycteris W. chalixLocality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] "UM 76910, a right dentary". [8] A nyctitheriid, originally believed to be a bat.

Ferae

Ferae reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Acarictis A. ryaniLocality SC-67. [9] A broken right molar and a left molar. [9] A hyaenodont.
Alocodontulum A. atopumYRM 30790 and USGS 7208. [10] A palaeanodont.
Arfia A. junneiLocalities SC-67, SC-69, SC-79, SC-121, SC-308 and SC-348. [9] A hyaenodont.
A. sp.Southern Bighorn Basin. [10] Fragmentary postcranial remains. [10] A hyaenodont.
Cf. Asiabradypus Cf. A. sp.Locality SC-67. [9] An edentulous right lower jaw (UM 87859m). [9] A palaeanodont.
Didymictis D. leptomylusLocalities MP-40, SC-67 and SC-79. [9] Skull and teeth. [9] A viverravid.
D. protenusMultiple postcranial specimens. [10] A viverravid.
Dipsalidictis D. platypusLocalities SC-67 and SC-141. [9] An oxyaenid.
D. transiensLocalities SC-79 and SC-67. [9] An upper left canine and a trigonid of a molar. [9] An oxyaenid.
Miacis M. winkleriLocalities SC-67, SC-348 and SC-350. [9] 3 fragmentary dentaries. [9] A miacid.
Miacis.jpg
cf. M. sp.USGS 7161. [10] A miacid.
Oxyaena O. forcipataRelatively complete skeletal remains. [10] An oxyaenid.
O. guloUSGS 7186. [10] An oxyaenid.
O. intermediaFragmentary postcrania. [10] An oxyaenid.
O. platypus [10] Now moved to the genus Dipsalidictis.
Palaeanodon P. ignavusPartial skeletons including postcrania. [10] A palaeanodont.
P. nieveltiLocalities SC-67 and SC-121. [9] A palaeanodont.
Palaeonictis P. occidentalis"Hind foot skeleton and associated fragments". [10] An oxyaenid.
Palaeonictis.jpg
P. sp.Locality SC-67. [9] Trigonid of a right molar. [9] An oxyaenid.
Prolimnocyon P. atavus Bighorn Basin. [16] Partial skeleton. [16] A hyaenodont.
P. eeriusLocalities SC-67 and possibly SC-139. [9] Crushed skull. [9] A hyaenodont.
Prototomus P. deimosLocalities SC-67 and SC-349. [9] 4 fragmentary specimens. [9] A hyaenodont.
P. sp.4 specimens. [10] A hyaenodont.
Tritemnodon T. sp.2 specimens with postcrania. [10] A hyaenodont.
Tritemnodon agilis cropped.jpg
?Uintacyon ?U. sp. [10] A miacid.
Viverravus V. bowniLocality SC-67, [9] and locality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] A viverravid.
V. politusLocality SC-67. [9] A left maxilla. [9] A viverravid.
Vulpavus cf. V. canavus3 specimens. [10] A miacid.

Leptictids

Leptictids reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Palaeictops P. bicuspisAlso found in the Wind River Formation. [7]
Prodiacodon P. tauricinereiMostly in the Gray Bull zone, one or two specimens in the Bighorn Basin Lysite zone. [7]
P. sp.Middle Gray Bull zone. [7] YPM 26013, 26040, possibly 26026. [7]

Marsupials

Marsupials reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Mimoperadectes M. labrusLocalities SC-67 and SC-69. [9] Left dentary. [9]
Mimoperadectes.jpg
Peradectes P. cf. P. chesteri2 isolated teeth. [8]
Peradectes sp.jpg

Multituberculates

Multituberculates reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Ectypodus E. powelliLocality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] 10 isolated teeth from at least 2 individuals. [8] A neoplagiaulacid.
E. tardusLocality SC-67. [9] Tooth crowns. [9] A neoplagiaulacid.

Primatomorphs

Primatomorphs reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Absarokius A. abbotti [17] An omomyid.
A. metoecus [17] An omomyid.
Anemorhysis A. pattersoniUpper part of the formation. [18] An omomyid.
A. wortmaniUpper part of the formation. [18] An omomyid.
Arapahovius A. advenaNorthwest Wyoming. [17] An omomyid.
Arctodontomys A. wilsoniLocality SC-67. [9] Small sample of teeth. [9] A microsyopid.
Bownomomys B. americana [17] An omomyid, formerly listed as a species of Teilhardina .
B. crassidens [17] An omomyid, formerly listed as a species of Teilhardina .
Cantius C. abditusA substantially complete skull and mandible. [19] An adapiform.
C. torresiLocalities SC-67 and SC-69. [9] An adapiform.
Carpolestes C. cf. C. nigridensLocality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] A right dentary. [8] A carpolestid.
Chlororhysis C. incomptusUpper part of the formation. [18] An omomyid.
Micromomys M. willwoodensisClark's Fork Basin. [20] A micromomyid.
Microsyops M. latidensSouthern Bighorn Basin. [21] Over a thousand specimens. [21] A plesiadapiform.
Cf. Niptomomys Cf. N. sp.Locality SC-67. [9] An edentulous right dentary. [9] A microsyopid.
Phenacolemur P. praecoxLocalities SC-67 and SC-348. [9] Right and left dentaries. [9] A paramomyid.
P. willwoodensisUpper part of the formation. [22] A paramomyid.
Pseudotetonius P. ambiguus [17] An omomyid.
Steinius S. annectensNorthwest Wyoming. [17] An omomyid.
S. vespertinus"AMNH 16835, fragment of a left ramus with M1 through M3". [6] An omomyid.
Strigorhysis S. sp., cf. S. bridgerensis [17] An omomyid.
Tatmanius T. szalayiNorthwest Wyoming. [17] An omomyid.
Teilhardina T. americana [17] Now moved to the genus Bownomomys .
T. crassidens [17] Now moved to the genus Bownomomys .
T. tenuicula [17] An omomyid.
Tetonius T. homunculus [17] An omomyid.
T. matthewi [17] An omomyid.
T. sp. [17] An omomyid.
Tinimomys T. graybullensisThe lingual half of a right upper molar. [8] A microsyopid.
Worlandia cf. W. sp.Locality SC-29, Park County, Wyoming. [8] 2 isolated teeth. [8] A plagiomenid colugo.

Rodents

Rodents reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Acritoparamys Cf. A. atavusLocality SC-67. [9] A small isolated lower incisor (UM 86003m). [9]
A. atwateriLocalities SC-67, SC-308 and SC-351. [9] Several dentaries and teeth. [9]
Franimys F. sp."ACM 10524 (a skull with the right P4 and M2-M3, edentulous mandible, and several postcranial elements)". [6]
Notoparamys N. costilloiUpper part of the formation. [23] 18 specimens. [23] Also known from the Huerfano Formation. "Pseudotomus" coloradensis and Leptotomus loomisi are probably junior synonyms. [23]
Paramys P. taurusLocalities SC-67, SC-139 and SC-350. [9] Jaw fragments and incisors. [9]

Ungulates

Ungulates reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Anacodon A. ursidens [10] An arctocyonid.
Bunophorus cf. B. grangeriUSGS 16470 (a very incomplete skeleton). [10] A dichobunid originally listed as cf. Wasatchia dorseyana.
Cardiolophus C. radinskyiUM 64913. [24] An isectolophid.
Copecion C. davisiLocalities BR-2, SC-51, SC-67, SC-69, SC-79, SC-139, SC-308, SC-345, SC-348, SC-349 and SC-351. [9] A phenacodontid.
Chriacus C. badgleyiLocalities SC-67, SC-79, SC-121 and SC-342. [9] An arctocyonid.
Chriacus.jpg
C. sp.Several skeletal specimens. [10] An arctocyonid.
Diacodexis D. ilicisLocalities SC-67 and SC-308. [9] A dichobunid.
D. metsiacusSeveral specimens, including a near-complete skeleton. [10] A dichobunid.
Dissacus D. praenuntius Park County, Wyoming. [9] [25] Teeth, jaw elements & bone fragments. [9] [25] A mesonychid.
D. seriorUSGS locality D-1754, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. [25] Left dentary fragments (USGS 27612). [25] A mesonychid.
D. willwoodensis Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. [25] Mandibles. [25] A mesonychid.
Ectocion E. osbornianusLocality SC-67 and SC-351. [9] 2 fragmentary dentaries. [9] and a single postcranial association. [10] A phenacodontid.
Ectocion Ralstonensis.jpg
E. parvusLocalities HG-3, SC-67, SC-69, SC-121, SC-139, SC-182, SC-308 and SC-351. [9] A phenacodontid.
Hapalodectes H. anthracinus University of Wyoming locality V-73086, Wyoming. [25] Teeth (USGS 9628). [25] A mesonychian
H. leptognathusA fragmentary specimen (USGS 5912). [10] A mesonychian.
Heptodon cf. H. calciculusWind River Basin. [10] Remains of a subadult with postcrania. [10]
Homogalax H. protapirinus Bighorn Basin. [26] A skull (YPM(PU) 16168), [26] and several other specimens. [27] [24] An isectolophid.
Homogalax tapirinus.JPG
cf. H. protapirinusAt least 2 specimens. [10] An isectolophid.
Hyopsodus H. loomisiLocalities SC-67, SC-69, SC-79, SC-121, SC-308 and SC-342. [9] A hyopsodontid.
Hyopsodus.jpg
H. powellianus"AMNH 4147, right mandible fragment with M1 through M3". [6] A hyopsodontid.
Hyracotherium H. grangeriLocality SC-67. [9] 2 isolated teeth. [9] An equid.
H. sandraeLocalities FG-61, SC-67, SC-69, SC-79, SC-121 and SC-139. [9] An equid.
H. sp.Skeletal remains with postcrania. [10] An equid.
Lambdotherium L. popoagicumMultiple localitiesA brontotherid.
Meniscotherium M. priscumLocality SC-67(?) [9] Left dentary fragment. [9] A phenacodontid.
Meniscotherium Osborn mount.jpg
Pachyaena P. giganteaYPM localities 131 & 149, Wyoming. [25] Jaw elements & teeth. [25] A mesonychid.
Pachyaena gigantea.JPG
P. gracilisUSGS locality D-1640. [25] Maxillary fragments (USGS 7185). [25] A mesonychid.
P. ossifragaLocality SC-348. [9] Trigonid of a right molar. [9] A mesonychid.
P. sp.Postcranial material. [10] A mesonychid.
Phenacodus P. cf. P. intermediusLocalities SC-67 and SC-141. [9] A phenacodontid.
P. primaevusNear complete skeletons. [10] A phenacodontid.
P. vortmaniNear complete skeletons. [10] A phenacodontid.
Princetonia P. yalensisLocality SC-121(?) [9] Right dentary. [9] An arctocyonid.
Thryptacodon T. antiquus [10] An arctocyonid.
T. baraeLocalities MP-38 and SC-121. [9] An arctocyonid.
T. olseni [10] An arctocyonid.
T. sp.2 partial skeletons. [10] An arctocyonid.
Wasatchia cf. W. dorseyanaUSGS 16470 (a very incomplete skeleton). [10] Now a junior synonym of Bunophorus.
Xenicohippus Lower part of the Upper Willwood Formation. [28] A hyracotheriine.

Reptiles

Color key
Taxon Reclassified taxonTaxon falsely reported as presentDubious taxon or junior synonym Ichnotaxon Ootaxon Morphotaxon
Notes
Uncertain or tentative taxa are in small text; crossed out taxa are discredited.

Birds

Birds reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Anachronornis A. anhimopsClark Quadrangle, Park County, Wyoming. [29] USNM 496700. [29] An anseriform.
Anseriformes Familia Incertae sedis Clark Quadrangle, Park County, Wyoming. [29] USNM 496701 (right quadrate missing the pterygoid condyle); USNM 496702 (fragmentary right femur consisting of only the proximal and distal ends). [29] Generally similar to Anachronornis & Danielsavis . [29]
Aves indet.Localities SC-67 and SC-121. [9] A cervical vertebra and proximal part of a carpometacarpus. [9] An indeterminate bird.
Calcardea C. junnei"UM 76882, anterior part of sternum, partial left coracoid. nearly complete right coracoid, partial left humerus. two nearly complete vertebrae. fragmentary left and right tarsometatarsi, and several phalanges, all probably representing a single individual bird." [8] Originally thought to be a heron, now thought to be related to Vastanavis. [30]
Diatryma D. giganteaSeveral specimens. [31] Now deemed a junior synonym of Gastornis .
Eogeranoides E. campivagus"Fragmentary tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus remains". [32] A dubious geranoidid, may be a junior synonym of Paragrus prentici.
Gastornis G. giganteaSeveral specimens. [31] A gastornithiform.
Gastornis giganteus restoration.jpeg
Geranoides G. jepseniElk Creek, Bighorn Basin. [32] A geranoidid, now deemed a junior synonym of Palaeophasianus meleagroides.
Microolithus M. wilsoniPartial eggs. [33] Fossil bird eggs.
Palaeophasianus "P." incompletus"A fragmentary distal end of a tarsometatarsus". [32] A very large possible geranoidid, may actually belong to the genus Paragrus or be outside Geranoididae entirely.
P. meleagroidesElk Creek, Bighorn Basin. [32] A geranoidid.
?P. sp.AMNH 5156. [32] A geranoidid.
Paracathartes P. howardae [34] A lithornithid.
Paragrus P. prentici [32] A geranoidid.
Primoptynx P. poliotaurosSpecimen including all major postcranial bones. [35] A large owl.
Sandcoleus S. copiosusClark Quadrangale, Park County, Wyoming. [36] "Two articulated partial skeletons and a number of other elements". [36] A sandcoleid mousebird.

Crocodilians

Crocodilians reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Allognathosuchus A. sp.Localities SC-67, SC-139, SC-342 and SC-349. [9] An alligatorid.
Allognathosuchus gracilis.jpg
Crocodilia indet.Localities SC-67, SC-69 and SC-121. [9] Dermal scutes and vertebral centra. [9] May represent either large Allognathosuchus or small Borealosuchus.
Borealosuchus B. sp.Localities SC-67, SC-79, SC-139, SC-342, SC-345 and SC-350. [9]
Orthogenysuchus O. olseni [37] A caiman.
Boverisuchus B. sp.Locality SC-348. [9] A single tooth (UM 83817m). [9]

Squamates

Squamates reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Anguidae indet.2 fragmentary dentaries (UM 76872 and 76873). [8] A very small anguid lizard. [8]
Anguimorpha A dentary, maxilla and 1 or 2 premaxillae (UM 76874–76875, 76878-76879(?), and 768811). [8] A gerrhonotine or diploglossine. [8]
Anguimorph CG"UCMP 150871, 150872 (jaw frag-ments), 150920 (jaw fragment), 150969 (parietal fragment),151038 (left frontal), 151067 (right maxilla fragment), 151095 (right maxilla fragment), 167499 (right maxilla fragment), 167553 (left maxilla fragment)". [38]
Anniealexandria A. gansiUCMP locality V99019. [38] Skull fragments and vertebrae. [38] An amphisbaenian.
Anolbanolis A. banalisUCMP locality V99019. [38] An iguanian.
Apodosauriscus A. thermophilusUCMP locality V99019. [38] Skull fragments. [38] An anguid.
Blutwurstia B. oliviaeClarks Fork Basin. [39] A xenosaurid.
cf. Eodiploglossus cf. E. sp. CG"UCMP 150916 (right maxilla fragment), 150919 (right frontal), 150962 (partial left frontal), 151070, 151071 (skull fragments), 167338 (partial right frontal), 167426 (left maxilla fragment), 167447 (left maxilla fragment), 167456 (jaw fragment),?167527 (right pterygoid fragment), 167602 (right dentary fragment), 400180 (right maxilla fragment)". [38] An anguid.
Gaultia G. silvaticusUCMP locality V99019. [38] A glyptosaurine.
Gerrhonotinae Gerrhonotine CGSkull fragments. [38] An alligator lizard.
Glyptosaurinae Glyptosaurine CG"UCMP 151033 (right maxilla fragment), ?151068 (left pterygoid fragment), 151935 (parietal fragment), 167269 (parietal fragment),?167613 (right palatine fragment)." [38] A glyptosaurine.
Iguanidae Iguanid CG"UCMP 151078 (right dentary fragment), 400156 (partial right postorbital), 400169 (partial right squamosal)". [38] An iguanid lizard.
Lacertilia indet.Localities SC-67 and SC-308. [9] Vertebrae. [9] Indeterminate lizards.
Melanosaurus M. maximusA frontal, numerous osteoderms and vertebrae. [9] A glyptosaurine.
Palaeoxantusia P. sp. CGSkull fragments. [38] A night lizard.
Proxestops Cf. P. sp.Locality MP-40. [9] UM 88170m (2 osteoderms). [9] A glyptosaurine.
P. sp. CGSkull fragments. [38] A glyptosaurine.
Provaranosaurus cf. P. sp. CG"UCMP 167299 (right dentary fragment)". [38] A xenosaurid.
cf. Saniwa cf. S. sp. CG-1"UCMP 150921 (jaw fragment with partial tooth), 151099 (premaxilla), 167572 (jaw fragment with tooth)". [38] A varanid.
cf. S. sp. CG-2"UCMP 150873 (right dentary fragment with tooth), 150971 (tooth), 167324 (distal right humerus), 167336 (edentulous left dentary fragment), 167355 (parietal fragment)". [38] A varanid.
Suzanniwana S. patricianaUCMP locality V99019. [38] An iguanid.
Varanoidea A dentary and maxilla (UM 76876 and 768771). [8] One or possibly 2 species of Parasaniwa or Provaranosaurus -like varanoids. [8]
Xantusiidae Xantusiid CG"UCMP 150827 (right maxilla fragment), 150965 (maxilla fragment), 150970 (right maxilla fragment), 167413 (left frontal fragment), 167495 (right maxilla fragment), 167575 (premaxilla), 167599 (right maxilla fragment), 167600 (left maxilla fragment)". [38] A night lizard.

Testudines

Testudines reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Chelonia indet.Localities SC-67, SC-121 and SC-348. [9] Several pieces of the carapace and plastron. [9] Indeterminate medium to large turtles.
Echmatemys E. sp.Locality SC-67. [9] Much of the plastron and several peripherals or pleurals from the carapace (UM 83627), and a peripheral (UM 66617m). [9]
Echmatemys stevensoniana AMNH 6084.jpg
Gomphochelys G. nanusSoutheastern Bighorn Basin, Washakie County, Wyoming. [40] A dermatemydid.
Cf. Plastomenus Cf. P. sp.Localities SC-67 and SC-350. [9] Fragmentary pieces of the carapace and plastron. [9] A trionychid.

Amphibians

Amphibians reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Anura Distal end of a humerus (UM 76883). [8] A small frog.
Urodela Numerous vertebrae, UM 76871 (a-j). [8] A small salamander.

Fish

Fish reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Amia A. sp.Localities SC-67 and SC-342. [9] Isolated cervical vertebrae, and a concretion of broken bones including 1 or 2 tooth-bearing bones likely belonging to Amia.A bowfin.
Amia calva 3.jpg
Cuneatus C. maximus [41] A large gar.
Lepisosteus L. sp."Mostly diamond-shaped ganoid scales, but some specimens include distinct opisthocoelous vertebrae, basioccipitals and other cranial elements." [9] A gar.
Lepisosteus oculatus1.jpg

Invertebrates

Color key
Taxon Reclassified taxonTaxon falsely reported as presentDubious taxon or junior synonym Ichnotaxon Ootaxon Morphotaxon
Notes
Uncertain or tentative taxa are in small text; crossed out taxa are discredited.

Invertebrate ichnotaxa

Invertebrate ichnotaxa reported from the Willwood Formation
IchnogenusIchnospeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Camborygma C. litonomosPolecat Bench. [42] Prismatic cylindrical structures. [42] Likely represent crayfish burrows. [43] [42]
Cocoon tracesPolecat Bench. [44]
Cf. Cylindricum Cf. C. isp.Polecat Bench. [44] "Predominantly vertical, straight to sinuous, unbranched, unlined, and smooth walled shafts with circular cross sections and gently rounded, unenlarged terminations". [42] Burrows possibly created by beetles, hymenopterans, emerging cicada nymphs, spiders or molluscs. [42]
Edaphichnium E. lubricatumPolecat Bench. [44] "Tubular burrows with ellipsoidal fecal pellets". [45] Formed by substrate feeding by Earthworms or other invertebrates.
Naktodemasis N. bowni Bighorn Basin. [46] "Burrows composed of nested ellipsoidal packets backfilled with thin, tightly spaced, menisci subparallel to the bounding packet." [46] Burrows likely constructed by burrowing bugs or cicada nymphs. [42] [46]
cf. Planolites cf. P. isp.Polecat Bench. [44] Traces made by the feeding of worm-like animals.
Planolites.jpg
cf. Steinchnus S. isp.Polecat Bench. [44] Traces made by invertebrates, possibly beetles or mole crickets.

Gastropods

Gastropods reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Cf. Albertanella Cf. A. minuta [8] A pupillid.
Discus D. ralstonensisMany individuals (some juvenile specimens). [8] An endodontid.
Elimia or Pleurocera E. or P. sp.Some 25 specimens, many are internal molds. [9] A pleurocerid.
Grangerella cf. G.(?) phenacodorum2 specimens originally referred to Protoboysia complicata. [8] A grangerellid.
G. sinclairi [8] A grangerellid.
Cf. Gyraulus Cf. G. sp.Locality SC-69. [9] A poorly-preserved planispiral internal mold. [9] A pulmonatan.
Gyraulus (Armiger) crista.JPG
Hendersonia H. evanstonensisSeveral specimens, none preserving the operculum. [8] A helicinid.
Holospira H. sp.Localities SC-67, SC-139, SC-345 and SC-349. [9] 7 individuals. [9] An urocoptid.
Holospira elizabethae shell.jpg
"Hydrobia""H." sp.Locality SC-69. [9] "A very small, dextral, high-spired shell with 9 whorls". [9] A hydrobiid.
Peringia ulvae-Nl.jpg
Cf. Microphysula Cf. M. sp.A single individual. [8] A sagdid.
Microphysula cookei shell.jpg
Oreohelix O. megarcheA single specimen (UM(I) 65404). [8] An oreohelicid.
Cf. Pupilla Cf. P. sp.UM(I) 654071. [8] A pupillid.
Pupilla muscorum 2.png

Plants

Plants reported from the Willwood Formation
GenusSpeciesPresenceMaterialNotesImages
Celtis C. phenacodorum Endocarps. [9] An urticale.

Wasatchian correlations

Wasatchian correlations in North America
Formation Wasatch DeBeque Claron Indian Meadows Pass Peak Tatman Willwood Golden Valley Coldwater Allenby Kamloops Ootsa Lake Margaret Nanjemoy Hatchetigbee Tetas de Cabra Hannold Hill Coalmont Cuchara Galisteo San Jose Ypresian (IUCS) • Itaboraian (SALMA)
Bumbanian (ALMA) • Mangaorapan (NZ)
Basin Powder River
Uinta
Piceance
Colorado Plateau
Wind River
Green River
Bighorn
Piceance




Colorado Plateau





Wind River





Green River






Bighorn
Williston Okanagan Princeton Buck Creek Nechako Sverdrup Potomac GoM Laguna Salada Rio Grande North Park Raton Galisteo San Juan
North America laea relief location map with borders.jpg
Pink ff0080 pog.svg
Pink ff0080 pog.svg
Pink ff0080 pog.svg
Pink ff0080 pog.svg
Dark Green 004040 pog.svg
Dark Green 004040 pog.svg
Dark Green 004040 pog.svg
Dark Green 004040 pog.svg
Dark Green 004040 pog.svg
Dark Green 004040 pog.svg
Dark Green 004040 pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Orange pog.svg
Pink ff0080 pog.svg
Willwood Formation (North America)
CountryFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Copelemur Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg
Coryphodon Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg
Diacodexis Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg
Homogalax Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg
Oxyaena Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg
Paramys Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg Orange pog.svg
Primates Brown pog.svg Brown pog.svg Brown pog.svg Brown pog.svg Brown pog.svg Brown pog.svg Brown pog.svg
Birds White pog.svg White pog.svg White pog.svg White pog.svg White pog.svg
Reptiles SpringGreen pog.svg SpringGreen pog.svg SpringGreen pog.svg SpringGreen pog.svg SpringGreen pog.svg SpringGreen pog.svg SpringGreen pog.svg
Fish Blue pog.svg Blue pog.svg Blue pog.svg Blue pog.svg Blue pog.svg Blue pog.svg Blue pog.svg
Insects Steel pog.svg Steel pog.svg Steel pog.svg Steel pog.svg Steel pog.svg Steel pog.svg
Flora Green pog.svg Green pog.svg Green pog.svg Green pog.svg Green pog.svg Green pog.svg Green pog.svg Green pog.svg Green pog.svg
Environments Alluvial-fluvio-lacustrineFluvialFluvialFluvio-lacustrineFluvialLacustrineFluvio-lacustrineDeltaic-paludalShallow marineFluvialShallow marineFluvialFluvial
Pink ff0080 pog.svg Wasatchian volcanoclastics

Orange pog.svg Wasatchian fauna

Dark Green 004040 pog.svg Wasatchian flora
VolcanicYesNoYesNoYesNoYesNoYesNo

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