Gastecrinus vinealis n. gen., n. sp.

Fig. 12L

Type material. A single aboral cup (MHNL 20062729) .

Etymology. From Vigne, reference to the type-locality Vigne Gaste.

Diagnosis. As in description.

Type stratum. Just above the calcareous limestone dated Late Burdigalian.

Type locality. Vigne Gaste (Istres).

Description. Dorsal cup of inverted truncated cone-shape, wider than high, external surface convex and smooth, conspicuous stalk socket forming a conical depression, sutures between cup plates indistinct, adoral D 6.11 mm, stalk socket D 2.45 mm, estimated H 4.3 mm. Adoral part recrystallized and worn, location of radials suggested by a discrete relief allowing to estimate a maximum width of about 2.6 mm.

Remark. This aboral cup differs from that of the Rhizocrinidae in having large radials suggesting robust arms and a very large stalk socket. The poor preservation of its adoral side does not allow to attribute it to a known post- Paleozoic taxon.

Occurrence. Only known from Vigne-Gaste (Istres), Late Burdigalian.