The first systematic description of Cambrian fossils from Myanmar: Late Furongian trilobites from the southern part of the Shan State and the early Palaeozoic palaeogeographical affinities of Sibumasu

The existence of late Cambrian (Furongian) trilobites in Myanmar (Burma) has been acknowledged since the 1970s, but no formal systematic descriptions such fossils have published to date. Herein, we provide some from Molohein Group’s Myet-Ye Formation Linwe area, Ye-Ngan Township southern Shan State. Three species two genera are reported: Asioptychaspis (A. asiatica, previously known North China Block, and a new species, A. lata) Eosaukia buravasi, also peninsular Thailand. Group was initially assigned age based on reported, unsubstantiated, occurrence Laurentian Saukiella Drumaspis, this assessment is supported by fauna present, although or Drumaspis remain unconfirmed Myanmar. asiatica first appears Jiangshanian strata, buravasi ranges up middle Stage 10. Thus these more specific constraint Group. Similarities strong between upper Lower Ordovician successions Sibumasu northwestern Australia, particularly those Canning Basin succession. Regional geological data supports placement adjacent Western Australia during Cambrian, without Lhasa Block intervening them, Baoshan at western end early Paleozoic, towards Himalayan margin. Burmese consistent with suggestions, as they belong Sino-Australian faunal province.