Micraster cortestudinarium (Goldfuss)

Upper Cretaceous, Ulster White Limestone Formation, Cloghfin Sponge Beds

Portmuck, Islandmagee, Co. Antrim

K12269

33 mm across

Micraster is one of the most characteristic 'heart urchins' of the Cretaceous, with many different species common in the Chalk of southern England but considerably rarer in Northern Ireland. Much of the surface detail of this specimen is obscured by sand grains, but parts of the petal-like ambulacra typical of Micraster can be seen towards the centre.