Erytholus
{{Short description|Form genus for problematic fossils of Cambrian age in South Australia}}
{{One source|date=June 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| fossil_range = {{fossilrange|Middle Cambrian}}
| image = Erytholus specimen.tif
| image_caption = Crack-out specimen of Erytholus globosus from the Middle Cambrian, Moodlatana Formation, of the Flinders ranges, South Australia
| taxon = Erytholus
| authority = Retallack 2011
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
- Erytholus globosus
}}
Erytholus is a form genus for problematic fossils of Cambrian age in South Australia. It has been of special interest because of its morphological similarity with the Ediacaran fossil Ventogyrus, and may have been a late surviving vendobiont. It could be a slime mold.{{cite journal| journal=Palaeontology| title=Problematic megafossils in Cambrian paleosols of South Australia| author=Retallack, G.J.| volume=54| issue=6| year=2011| pages=1223–1242| doi=10.1111/j.1475-4983.2011.01099.x| bibcode=2011Palgy..54.1223R| s2cid=130692406| doi-access=free}}
Description
Erytholus is a globose, chambered fossil, with associated vertical tubular structures. Its preservation in sandstone is similar to the Ediacaran type preservation of the vendobiont Ventogyrus. It is found at depths of {{convert|20|-|30|cm}} within paleosols. Its affinities are uncertain, although it bears a general resemblance to truffles.