Diplocraterion
Diplocraterion
Trace fossil
Diplocraterion is an ichnogenus describing vertical U-shaped burrows having a spreite (weblike construction) between the two limbs of the U.[1][2] The spreite of an individual Diplocraterion trace can be either protrusive (between the paired tubes) or retrusive (below the paired tubes).[3] Some ichnospecies have both types (e.g., Diplocraterion yoyo).[4] The presence/absence of funnel-shaped openings should not be used as an ichnotaxobase due to the high probability that the upper portions of the trace may have been eroded away.[2] Observation of the orientation of Diplocraterion in the field is frequently used to determine the way up of rock strata at outcrop.[5]
There are several ichnospecies of Diplocraterion.