Body reconstruction, taxonomy, and biostratigraphy of a ‘problematic’ chancelloriid

Abstract Chancelloriids are a group of ‘problematic’ fossils characterized by bag-shaped body equipped with mineralized sclerites on the external surface. Among chancelloriid taxa, genus Dimidia was known only isolated from small shelly faunas and once regarded as junior synonym Allonnia . The complete simplex Jiang is described herein for first time, based well-preserved specimens Chengjiang biota (Cambrian Stage 3) South China. name resurrected since characteristic in scleritome distinctive within all genera bodies. densely arranged, each composed two symmetrical, acute rays that pointed out their long axes nearly vertical to surface, structurally representing an intermediate type between single-rayed common rosette-like composite chancelloriids. remains were previously found across China, Gondwana, Laurentia, stratigraphically ranging upper 2 Wuliuan Cambrian. discovery bodies contributes revealing diversity clarifying taxonomy chancelloriids, emphasizes necessity scrutinize more interpret phylogenetic affinity other fossils.