A new birkeniid anaspid from the Upper Silurian of Skåne, south Sweden

A new anaspid, Ramsaasalepis porosa gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Upper Silurian Öved-Sandstone Formation at Ramsåsa, Skåne, south Sweden. Ramsaasalepis is based on a number of disarticulated scales and plates, characterised by its ridge-like scale sculpture with fine lateral ridgelets. Its histology is also unique, with a well-developed vascular canal system that differs from that of all other known birkeniid anaspids. Ramsaasalepis is probably closest related to Septentrionia Blom, Märss & Miller 2002 and Tahulalepis Blom, Märss & Miller 2002 based mainly on the ridged scale sculpture, well-developed vascular canal system and stratigraphical range. The refined fossil record of anaspids is discussed, emphasising on the recognition of morphological trends that correlates badly with previously suggested phylogenies.