Erinaceidae and Dimylidae (Lipotyphla) from the Upper Middle Miocene of South Germany

Abstract

The erinaceids and dimylids from the South German fissure fill sites Petersbuch 6, 10, 18, 31, 35 and 48 include at least six species, among them the by far most abundant samples ofParasorex socialis known thus far. The phylogenetic relationships of the Miocene galericine genera of Europe are outlined. All genera are characterised by their apomorphic characters.G. symeonidisi is the most advancedGalerix species. The most conspicuous character ofDeinogalerix is its gigantism. The genusParasorex is monospecific. As the speciesdepereti andiberica have an at least incipiently divided mesostyle they are referred toSchizogalerix. The apomorph characters of the erinaceine generaAmphechinus, Mioechinus andPostpalerinaceus are outlined. The genusMioechinus is restricted to its type species. The dimylids are extremely rare,Metacordylodon aff.schlosseri being represented by two specimens of the Petersbuch 35 fauna.Plesiodimylus chantrei, a very common dimylid in the Miocene of Europe, is obviously mainly replaced byParasorex socialis. Both species had similar habitat demands and have been vicariants. The composition of the erinaceid and dimylid fauna fits well a late Mid Miocene correlation (MN 7/8), as established by the rodent faunas. The abundance ofParasorex and the presence of dimylids indicate a forest component in the environment of the area and the proximity of water.