Hondichnus monroensis n. gen., n. sp., a new Early Mississippian trace fossil

A new Early Mississippian trace fossil, Hondichnus monroensis, is described from the Edwardsville Formation of southern Indiana. These traces are interpreted as burrow fillings produced by a creature that burrowed using two large anterior appendages. Although crustaceans or lobe-finned fish are suggested as possible trace makers, the organism responsible for the Hondichnus trace is unknown. The burrows are preserved in full relief with the upper part being a bilobed structure and the lower part a furrow that is paraboloidal in cross section. Portions of the Hondichnus monroensis trace are preserved up to 1.5 m in length with a maximum width of 8.0 cm and maximum height of 2.5 cm.