Torremiroella hispanica Brun and Canérot, 1979 (benthic foraminifera) from the Lower Cretaceous of Central Iran and its palaeo-biogeographic significance

The larger benthic foraminifer Torremiroella hispanica Brun and Canérot, 1979, so far only known from its type-locality in southern Spain, is described from the Late Barremian–Early Aptian of Central Iran (Ardakan and Yazd areas). It is reported from foraminiferan pack- to grainstones associated with Balkhania balkhanica Mamontova, 1966, dated as early Aptian (Bedoulian). A review of the literature data suggests that both are typical northern Tethyan faunal components as indicated also by the assemblages of orbitolinid foraminifers and dasycladalean algae.