Dictyonema (graptolite)

Dictyonema
Temporal range: Possible Miaolingian record
a-b: Holotype of Dictyonema retiforme

c: Stipe fragment of Dictyonema graptolithorum

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Hemichordata
Class: Pterobranchia
Subclass: Graptolithina
Order: Dendroidea
Family: Callograptidae
Genus: Dictyonema
Hall, 1851
Synonyms
  • Dictyograptus Hopkinson 1875
  • Pseudodictyonema Bouček, 1957

Dictyonema is a genus of dendroid graptolite. While initially thought to be a bridge between dendroid and graptoloid graptolites due to its seeming to possess dissepiments, Dictyonema is now understood to be an acanthograptid with a unique style of 'thecal bridges' where thecae from one stipe cross over to adjacent stipes.