Serpulidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) from the Lower Ottnangian (Late Burdigalian) Upper Marine Molasse of Dommelstadl and Gurlarn (Passau area, Lower Bavaria, SE Germany)

This paper describes and illustrates in detail three serpulid species (Serpula (Cementula) subanfracta ROVERETO, Pseudovermilia? scolopendra (BOETTGER), and Protolaeospira concamerata(MAYER)) belonging to three different genera and two subfamilies that were discovered from Lower Ottnangian clayey-marly sediments at Dommelstadl and Gurlarn (Passau area, Lower Bavaria, SE Germany). This account represents the first description of Serpulidae from the Upper Marine Molasse of Lower Bavaria. The genus Cementula is downgraded from generic to subgeneric rank and placed in the genus Serpula. The subspecies subanfracta, previously referred to Serpula discohelix, is elevated to species rank. The taxa are compared to fossil and extant relatives with regard to morphology, geographic distribution and ecology. Considerable affinities between Early and Middle Miocene serpulid faunas from the Mediterranean, the Rhone Graben, and the Central Paratethys are recognized. An actualistic approach to climatic affinities and depth ranges of the species, however, produced inconsistent results. Although preserved as isolated fossils, the serpulids give provide to substrate relationships and predation.