Bownia speiroeidis
Varol, in prep.
Jan 19, 2026
Final Epithet
Bownia speiroeidis Varol, in prep.
Basionym
Bownia speiroeidis Varol, in prep.
Etymology
From the Greek speiroeidis, meaning ‘spiraling’, referring to its spiraling appearance.
Dimensions Of Holotype
Maximum length: 3.97 µm; Maximum width: 3.12 µm
Description
Small species of Bownia are characterised by a protolith outer wall, a zeugoid inner wall, and an axial cross supporting a distal process.
Optical Properties
In plan view under XPL, the outer wall is in constant extinction because the optic axis (c-axis) is perpendicular to the microscope stage, whereas the inner wall and the cross display white interference colours. The combination of a protolith outer wall and a zeugoid inner wall produces a spiraling effect.