Lingulellotreta malongensis Ancient Chengjiang Biota Brachiopod

Description: This small brachiopod is known as Lingulellotreta malonggensis. The species is a relatively common member of the biota.

The diversity of soft-tissue fossils is astonishing: algae, medusiforms, sponges, priapulids, annelid-like worms, echinoderms, arthropods (including trilobites), hemichordates, chordates, and the first agnathan fish make up just a small fraction of the total. Numerous problematic forms are known as well, some of which may have represented failed attempts at diversity that did not persist to the present day.

Lingulellotreta is a best known for its long pedicle, which is occasionally preserved intact. While it may have led a burrowing existence like modern-day lingulids, several have been found attached to other organisms like Eldonia and Rotadiscus, indicative of an epibenthic lifestyle. It may also have used its long pedicle to project itself above the bottom as shown in the restoration. This species has been reported from both Chengjiang and Haikou.