The Zhiluo Formation is a geological formation in China, it is also alternatively considered a geological group under the name Zhiluo Group (formerly known as the Chiloo Group). It dates to the Middle Jurassic. It consists of sandstone, mudstone and siltstone of varying colours. It has received scientific attention for its uranium ore bodies present in the lower part of the formation. Fossil theropod tracks have been reported from the formation. These were described from two footprints found in Jiaoping Coal Mine by C. C. Young in 1966 as Shensipus tungchuanensis. These were in 2015 suggested to belong to Anomoepus. The diplodocoid sauropod dinosaur Lingwulong is known from the formation, previously having been erroneously attributed to the underlying Yanan Formation.

Fossil content

Color key Taxon Reclassified taxon Taxon falsely reported as present Dubious taxon or junior synonym Ichnotaxon Ootaxon MorphotaxonNotes Uncertain or tentative taxa are in small text; crossed out taxa are discredited.
TaxonReclassified taxonTaxon falsely reported as presentDubious taxon or junior synonymIchnotaxonOotaxonMorphotaxon

Dinosaurs

Sauropods

Sauropods of the Zhiluo Formation
GenusSpeciesLocationStratigraphic positionMaterialNotesImages
LingwulongL. shenqiA diplodocoid sauropod

Insects

Insects of the Zhiluo Formation
GenusSpeciesLocationStratigraphic positionMaterialNotesImages
OrthophlebiaO. quadrimaculaA orthophlebiid scorpionfly

See also

Footnotes

  • Weishampel, David B.; Dodson, Peter; and Osmólska, Halszka (eds.): The Dinosauria, 2nd, Berkeley: University of California Press. 861 pp. ISBN 0-520-24209-2.