On the Rutitrigoniidae (Bivalvia: Trigoniida); their palaeobiogeography, evolution and classification

The subfamily Rutitrigoniinae and the genus Rutitrigonia were introduced for a distinctive group of Early Cretaceous (Albian) trigoniids (VAN HOEPEN 1929). Since then the group has been elevated to family rank and 46 species recognized ranging in age from Late Kimmeridgian to Late Maastrichtian, but the family has remained monogeneric. Here relationships are re-assessed. Faunal provincialism and morphological differences are the basis for recognition of 2 tribes, 12 genera of which 8 are new, and one new species.