Torremiroella hispanica Brun and Canerot, 1979 (benthic foraminifera) from the Lower Cretaceous of Central Iran and its palaeobiogeographic significance

The larger benthic foraminifer Torremiroella hispanica Brun and Canerot, 1979, so far only known from its type-locality in southern Spain, is described from the Late Barremian-Early Aptian of Central Iran (Ardakan and Yazd areas). It is reported from foraminiferan pack- to grainstones associated with Balkhania balkhanica Mamontova, 1966, dated as early Aptian (Bedoulian). A review of the literature data suggests that both are typical northern Tethyan faunal components as indicated also by the assemblages of orbitolinid foraminifers and dasycladalean algae. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.