Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 39(1) 1996

Issue:

VOL 39(1) 1996

Keywords:

Arvicolidae, systematics, factor analysis, Early Pleistocene, Pietrafitta, Italy

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Voles from the Early Pleistocene of Pietrafitta (central Italy, Perugia)

• Sergio GENTILI
• Laura ABBAZZI
• Federico MASINI
• Pierluigi AMBROSETTI
• Patrizia ARGENTI
• Danilo TORRE

Abstract:

The lignite deposits of Pietrafitta (Perugia, Central Italy) contain an association of large mammals attributable to the Farneta Faunal Unit, Early Pleistocene (late Villafranchian). Remains of Arvicolidae and Insectivora were recovered during the excavation of skeletons of large mammals (e. g., Mammuthus meridionalis vestinus). The presence of traces of digestion indicate that predation contributed significantly to the accumulation of the remains. The arvicolid assemblage comprises the following taxa: Mimomys pusillus, Microtus (Allophaiomys) chalinei and Microtus (Allophaiomys) cf. ruffoi. The morphology of M. pusillus, which is the most abundant form, is comparable to that found in early Biharian sites of eastern Europe (e. g., Chlum 6, Holštejn, Včelare). Large-sized teeth of a single individual of Microtus demonstrate the presence of M. (A.) chalinei. The Pietrafitta specimen represents the first find of this form outside the Iberian peninsula. M. (A.) cf. ruffoi, the second species in terms of abundance, shows an evolutionary level comparable to that of М. (A.) cf. ruffoi of Cava Pirro (southern Italy). In general, the association indicates an early Biharian mammal age. The predominance of Arvicolidae among the small mammals indicates the presence of open areas with a tendency towards a cold climate in the local environment. This hypothesis is strengthened by the presence of the giant deer Megaceroides obscurus within the association of large mammals.