Description of the first fossil species of Bathynectes (Brachyura, Polybiidae) in the Badenian (middle Miocene) of the Medobory Hills (Ukraine, Central Parathetys), with remarks on its habitat ecology

Abstract

The discovery of a new species of the genus Bathynectes Stimpson, 1871 (B. muelleri n. sp.) in the Badenian (middle Miocene) coralgal frameworks of the Maksymivka quarry (northern Carpathian Foredeep Basin), in the so-called Medobory Hills, near Ternopil (Ukraine), represents the first recognition as fossil of this genus. All extant species of this genus are mainly living in deep water habitats. Bathynectes muelleri n. sp. is described herein with comments on both the possible origin of the genus and the habitat changes through time. The abundance of decapod remains in this coralline environment is also analysed and a hypothesis for their presence presented.