Monesichnus (Roselli, 1987)

DESCRIPTION: Fusiform to ovate structures with a longitudinal groove, sometimes with associated scratches. Surface is unpatterned and lumpy. In some samples, galleries lead to an internal cavity or cells.

BEHAVIOR(S): Calichnia, reproduction

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS: Constructed in soils in terrestrial environments including alluvial and lake plain settings. Commonly found in the upper parts of paleosols and indicate the vadose (unsaturated) zone.

POSSIBLE TRACEMAKERS: Dung beetles; possible reproduction structure.

GEOLOGIC RANGE: Eocene-recent.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: Emended: Genise and Laza, 1998

REMARKS: The longitudinal groove may be formed by material applied to a root that was present in the chamber and constructed along. Samples with galleries and internal cavity or cells may be overprinting by other insects (parasitism?).

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