A complex marine shallow-water boring trace: Dendrorete balani n. ichnogen. et ichnospec.

Exceptionally well‐preserved reticulate boring patterns in Pliocene barnacle shells are described as a new ichnogenus and species. The organism that formed these borings is a presumed phototroph, possibly belonging to green algae. The principles and needs of a taxonomic treatment of microborings as trace fossils in relation to that of their makers are discussed. It is suggested that ichno‐taxonomy be extended to include modern traces, when the taxonomic identity of the agent cannot be ascertained.