The species of Fromea, revisited, with comments on selected morphologically similar genera

The form genus Fromea Cookson & Eisenack 1958 accommodates a variety of flask- or vase-shaped algal cysts of presumed marine origin found in Jurassic to Paleogene strata worldwide. Numerous species have geographically widespread but stratigraphically limited occurrences, and therefore are of important biostratigraphic utility. Many are common in Jurassic and Cretaceous strata of North America, including previously undescribed forms, which provide a basis for a re-evaluation of the genus. The genus Wuroia Stover & Helby 1987 is reviewed, and considered a taxonomic junior synonym of Fromea. Four species of Wuroia are reassigned to Fromea. Relevant comparative comments also are presented concerning the cyst genera Cyclopsiella Drugg & Loeblich 1967, Wallodinium Loeblich & Loeblich 1968, and Nummus Morgan 1975. Seven species are newly described: Fromea gordonwoodii sp. nov., F. nohrhansenii sp. nov., F. polaris sp. nov., F. quasitabulata sp. nov., F. xantha sp. nov., Cyclopsiella mickeyi sp. nov. and Wallodinium contortum sp. nov.