Bravicea

Bravicea is a genus of extinct cephalopods belonging to the order Ammonitida, specifically within the family Stephanoceratidae. These ammonites are characterized by their evolute shells, meaning the whorls do not significantly overlap. Bravicea are found in Middle Jurassic-aged strata, dating back roughly 168 to 163 million years ago. Their geographic distribution includes areas of Europe. Key distinguishing features include the ribbing patterns on the shell's surface, which typically exhibit bifurcated ribs, meaning ribs that split into two at some point between the umbilical seam (the inner margin of the whorl) and the venter (the outer edge of the whorl). Identification to the species level relies on detailed analysis of these rib patterns, as well as the overall shell morphology. The exact taxonomic relationships of Bravicea within the Stephanoceratidae and its evolutionary history continue to be areas of paleontological research.