Paleontological collections of Lille University - sciences and technologies. II Diplostraca (types and figured specimens)

An exceptional collection of Diplostraca (Spinicaudata, Leaiina) from various geographic localities all around the world and from Devonian to Jurassic beds, is re-described in this catalogue. Despite some imperfections due to the geopolitical climate of the epoch (the Cold War), the great value of the Defretin’s and Novozhilov’s work is confirmed. New interpretations are provided about discussed taxa: Estheriina, Pseudoasmussia, Taimyrites, Fernandoalmeidium, Pseudestheria, and Teixeirium. Used as a reference work, this catalogue might permit these taxa to be reviewed in light of new methodologies and taxonomic schemes currently employed. Some species remain enigmatic, “Estheria” destombesi, “Lioestheria” toricata, “Lioestheria” propinqua and “Pseudoasmussia” striata, but offer a great possibility of revision by means of the data of this catalogue. The early record of Devonian-Carboniferous spinicaudatans in our collection is noteworthy, and provides important information on the early diversification of this group.