Nezzazata praesimplex sp. nov. and Nezzazata praegyra sp. nov. from the Aptian Dariyan Formation of SW Iran and the origin of the Nezzazatidae (Foraminifera)

The new species Nezzazata praesimplex and Nezzazata praegyra are described from the upper lower-upper Aptian Dariyan Formation of SW Iran. The differences to other, mostly Cenomanian species of Nezzazata are discussed in detail. The Aptian species can be considered as small-sized homeomorphs of the Cenomanian taxa N. simplex Omara and N. gr. gyra (Smout). Nezzazata specimens reported from the Hauterivian of Iran appear to represent the oldest reliable record of the genus so far.