A trepostome bryozoan from the Lower Arenig of south Wales: implications of the oldest described bryozoan

Abstract A specimen of the trepostome bryozoan Orbipora from the Lower Arenig of south Wales is described and figured. This is currently the oldest unequivocal bryozoan recorded in the literature. Although mostly decalcified, the colony preserves clear remnants of the large styles which characteristically indent the zooecial apertures in Orbipora. The wide palaeogeographical distribution of Orbipora in the early Ordovician is consistent with the hypothesized planktotrophic larval phase. Theoretical considerations and evidence from the occurrence of Orbipora in south Wales suggest that nearshore clastic environments would be fruitful settings in which to search for further early bryozoans, although quality of preservation may be poorer than in offshore carbonates.