Cardium coxi Hector.

1886. Outline Geol. N.Z., p. 57, fig. 19a, no. 5.

What is in all probability the original of Cardium coxi has now been found in the Geological Survey collections. It bears the locality number 487, which is stated (Rep. Geol. Explor. no. 21) to be from Ngapara, North Otago. Part of this collection consists of rusty casts, among them Monalaria, and Hedecardium cf. brunneri, and these probably represent the real Ngapara collection. The other part of collection 487 consists of grey, unoxidised casts, mostly distorted, identical with collection 47, which is from The Castles, Aorere River. This is the locality given by Hector for C. coxi.

The specimen is a double valved Maoricardium that has been much compressed longitudinally. It has about 40 broad ribs with linear interstices and, antero-ventrally, strong blunt tubercles. Most of the fossils from the locality are too poor to give accurate determinations, but the presence of Struthiolaria cf. prior Finlay and a large Hedecardium cf. greyi suggest a Waitakian age. It is impossible to tell from the single specimen whether there are significant differences between it and strangi or oneroaensis. Of course, if it could be definitely identified with any of these it would take precedence; but, until better material turns up, it seems best to relegate coxi to the suspense list.