The genera Roloboceras CASEY, 1954, and Megatyloceras HUMPHREY, 1949 (Ammonoidea, Ancyloceratina, Douvilleiceratidae), from the Lower Aptian of Ardeche (SE France) Taxonomic and biostratigraphic implications

The Lower Aptian marine deposits from southern Ardeche (South-East of France) yield a rich ammonite fauna of the sub-family Roloboceratinae CASEY, 1961, which dates the upper Deshayesites forbesi Zone (Roloboceras hambrovi Subzone pro parte ?). The systematic study of this Roloboceratinae fauna has improved our knowledge of Megatyloceras coronatum ROUCHADZE, 1933, type species of Megatyloceras HUMPHREY, 1949, as well as a better understanding of the genus thanks to the examInation of the species from the Anglo-Paris Basin. A new species, M. leteilensis sp. nov. is introduced, and a description of M. transiens CASEY, 1961, provided, with clarifications on its possible stratigraphic position. This study also establishes that the ``species'' Megatyloceras ricordeanum (ORBIGNY, 1850) represents only a growth stage shared by several species of Megatyloceras which is doubtfully a true taxon and must, therefore, be considered as a nomen dubium. The hypothesis of sexual dimorphism in Roloboceras CASEY, 1954, and Megatyloceras is advanced. The study of this Roloboceratinae fauna highlights their heterogeneous distribution throughout Lower Aptian deposits of Ardeche, showing a direct correlation with bathymetric range. The biostratigraphical distribution of both genera on the Languedoc platform shows that Roloboceras is present from the uppermost C2 segment to the C4 segment of the stable carbon-isotope record, while Megatyloceras is limited to the middle C4 segment up to the lower-most C6 segment. Both genera coexist during the C4 segment.