taxonID	type	description	language	source
03CF879C2C040953FF1DFE8EFAB575AF.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Monodonta limbata Philippi, 1844 (Brusina 1865: 25), by monotypy. Present-day, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C040952FF1DFE1EFECD7563.taxon	description	* Trochus pterostomus Bronn in Hartung 1861: 119, pl. 19, fig. 2.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C040952FF1DFE1EFECD7563.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen height 5.0 mm, width 4.0 mm, Forno do Cré, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Eine ganze Schale, doch mit der Hinterseite fest im Gesteine sitzend, und die Nabelgegend undeutlich. Sie ist flach-kugelig, kaum 5 Mm. hoch und etwas breiter (a), mit 3 – 4 rund-gew ̂ lbten Umgängen und scharf eingedr ̧ ckter Naht. Gr ̂ sse und Habitus sind wie bei den kleinen Clanculus - Arten (Trochus Couturi, Tr. Vieilloti Payr.), und wie bei diesen ist die ganze Oberfläche des letzten Umgangs (c, d) mit 13 – 14 dicht gedrängten runden gekerbten Spiral Reifen und fein querstreifigen Zwischenfurchen versehen, wodurch dieselbe ein sehr fein gegittertes Ansehen erhält. Der vorletzte fast halb-cylindrische Umgang zeigt noch etwa 6 — 7 derselben auf seiner freien Oberfläche. Was inzwischen diese Art besonders auszeichnet, das ist ein sehr d ̧ nner blattartiger radial nach aussen umgeschlagener Saum des rundlichen Mundes, wie bei den meisten Cyclostoma - Arten. Ueber die Beschaffenheit des Nabels und die Anwesenheit von Zähnen auf dem inner-unteren Mundrande war keine Gewissheit zu erlangen; doch scheint es, als ob diese fehlten und hinter dem Mundsaume nur ein Nabelspalt herabz ̂ ge. Die runde M ̧ ndung entspricht zwar der Sippe Turbo besser als Trochus; aber ich rechne zu Turbo nur Arten mit kalkigem Deckel. [Shell complete, dorsal side covered with matrix, umbilical area indistinct. Flat-spherical, about 5 mm in height and a little wider (a), with 3 - 4 rounded whorls separated by deep suture. Size and shape are like the small Clanculus species (Trochus Couturi, Tr. Vieilloti Payr.), and as with these, the surface of the last whorl (c, d) is covered by 13 - 14 narrow, rounded densely notched spiral cords crossed by fine axial growth lines, giving finely reticulated appearance. The penultimate, almost half cylindrical whorl bears still about 6 - 7 of the same on its free surface. What distinguishes this species in particular is a very thin leaf-like rounded apertural rim turned radially outwards, as in most Cyclostoma species. Nothing certain can be said about the nature of the umbilicus and the presence or absence of teeth on the inner-lower apertural margin; but it seems as if these were missing and behind the rim of the mouth only an umbilical fissure. The round mouth corresponds to the Turbo group better than Trochus; but I only count species with a calcareous operculum as Turbo.] ” (Bronn in Hartung 1861: 119). Latin description. “ Testa parva, conoidea, imperforata; anfractibus 5, convexis, sutura canaliculata separatis, cingulis elevatis sex, in ultimo autem decem, lineisque elevatis obliquis, aequidistantibus elegantissime clathratis; apertura fere orbiculari; labro intus sulcato, extus varice crasso, supra quem cingula excurrunt, marginato; labio fovea et dente basali instructo ” (Mayer 1864: 62).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C040952FF1DFE1EFECD7563.taxon	discussion	Discussion. We agree with Mayer (1864) who placed this species in the genus Craspedotus Philippi, 1847 which is considered a synonym of Danilia Brusinia, 1865 (Craspedotus Philippi, 1847 is a junior homonym of Craspedotus Schoenherr, 1844 [Coleoptera]). No further specimens are available from Santa Maria Island. The teleoconch sculpture is closely similar to that of D. otaviana (Cantraine, 1835) from the Pliocene and Pleistocene Mediterranean (see Landau et al. 2003: pl. 17, fig. 2), but differs in being far smaller. The first two whorls of Danilia pterostomus (Bronn, 1861) seems to be unsculptured. In the absence of further material or an illustration of the apertural side, it is difficult to comment further. We note some confusion in the descriptions, as the original description said the “ Hinterseite ” [back side] is stuck fast to the matrix. The back side is usually the dorsum which was illustrated by Bronn in Hartung (1861: pl. 19, fig. 3). If it is the venter that is obscured by matrix, it is strange that Mayer gave a description of the aperture, unless Bronn or Mayer removed the matrix sometime after the original description.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C040952FF1DFE1EFECD7563.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Hartung 1861; Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C050952FF1DFD6FFE44776B.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Emarginula conica Lamarck, 1801 [= Emarginula fissura (Linnaeus, 1758)] (Lamarck 1801: 69), by monotypy. Present-day, Europe.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C050952FF1DFCA3FBE6735F.taxon	description	Plate 1 B 1 - B 2 Emarginula elongata, Costa 1829: 10 (non Defrance, 1819; non G. B. Sowerby I, 1823; non Gray, 1825).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C050952FF1DFCA3FBE6735F.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 1.8 mm, width 3.0 mm. DBUA-F 487 - 1 (2), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C050952FF1DFCA3FBE6735F.taxon	description	Description. Azorean specimen juvenile, not apt for description.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C050952FF1DFCA3FBE6735F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The Azorean specimens represent a juvenile but shows the salient characteristics of the species; the long elongated profile, coarse reticulate sculpture, and most importantly the lamellae on the selenizone, which are relatively coarse and rise above the level of the reticulate sculpture on lateral view. For further comparison, see Ceulemans et al. (2016: 58).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C050952FF1DFCA3FBE6735F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian), NW France (Millet 1854, 1865; Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2017). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, NW France (Brébion 1964; Ceulemans et al. 2016), Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper). Upper Pliocene-Lower Pleistocene: NW France (Brébion 1964). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean (Chirli & Forli 2017); eastern Mediterranean (Chirli & Linse 2011). Present-day: Atlantic Canaries (Hernández et al. 2011), Portugal, Morocco and Mediterranean (Poppe & Goto 1992).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFEC7FA9975FD.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Turbo rugosus Linné, 1767 (Risso 1826: 117), by monotypy. Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFE2BFBDC7376.taxon	description	Plate 1 C cf. Turbo rugosus Linné 1767: 1234.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFE2BFBDC7376.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum diameter 4.1 mm. DBUA-F 471 - 3 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFE2BFBDC7376.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Landau et al. (2013: 30) discussed the differences between members of the Bolma rugosa (Linné, 1767) species group from the Miocene and Pliocene, and showed that they were different species. For the Miocene form the name B. meynardi (Michelotti, 1847) is available. The specimen from the Upper Miocene Tortonian of NW France recorded as B. cf. meynardi by Landau et al. (2017: 115, pl. 40, figs. 1 - 3) differ in having a lower spire, in having less nodulous rugae, in having the periphery of the last whorl between the shoulder and the basal carinae strongly concave, and in having the outer lip fused with the last whorl at the level of the basal carinae. The French Tortonian form will be described as new (Landau et al. in press). The Azorean material consists of a single juvenile showing the flattened protoconch and earliest teleoconch whorl typical for the genus, and spinous shoulder with three rows of tubercles between the suture and the spinous shoulder. This could represent B. rugosa, but with the scant and immature material available, further identification is not possible.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFE2BFBDC7376.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper). Today, B. rugosa is not present in the Azores (Ávila et al. 1998, 2000; Martins et al. 2009; Cordeiro et al. 2015), occurring in the Mediterranean Sea, Portugal, West African Atlantic shores, and the Macaronesian archipelagos of Madeira, Selvagens and Canary Islands. Bolma? mariae (Mayer, 1864) species inquirenda	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFE2BFBDC7376.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. No dimension given, Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas), Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Ein kleiner Deckel und die nur drei Windungen zählende Spitze einer Schale deuten auf eine kleine Art aus der Gruppe der T. rugosus, mamillariş und muricatus, und die diesem letzteren zunächststand, allein durch die der Kante statt der Naht genäherte K ̂ rnerreihe auf der oberen Fläche, durch das Fehlen aller K ̂ rnelung auf der unteren und durch die deutliche Querfalte auf beiden sich unterscheidet. [A small operculum and the tip of a shell, which has only three whorls, indicate a small species from the group of T. rugosus, mamillaris, and muricatus, and that is closest to the latter one, solely through the margin instead of the row of granules close to the suture on the upper surface, because of both the absence of any granulation on the base and by the clear transverse fold]. ” (Mayer 1864: 61).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFE2BFBDC7376.taxon	discussion	Discussion. This species was described but not figured by Mayer (1864: 61). We have placed it in the genus Bolma Risso, 1826, as the original description compares it to other Bolma species. The specimen is clearly juvenile at only three whorls. No material at hand fits the description.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DFE2BFBDC7376.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0A095DFF1DF8BBFE00739E.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Turbo petholatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Linnaeus 1758: 761), by subsequent designation (Montfort 1810). Present-day, Indo-Pacific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0B095FFF1DFF77FE8A704B.taxon	description	Plate 1 D 1 - D 5	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0B095FFF1DFF77FE8A704B.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen height 25.0 mm, width 25.0 mm, Ponta dos Matos, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 9.0 mm, width 8.0 mm. DBUA-F 1295 - 1 (1), Malbusca (east cave), Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0B095FFF1DFF77FE8A704B.taxon	description	Original description. “ Eine lose senkrecht durchgespaltene Steinerfu ̈ llte Schale ohne Mu ̄ ndung, von der Form und Gro ̈ sse unseres Turbo fimbriatus und des Trochus patulus, erstem von unten und letztem von oben a ̈ hnlich. Er ist 25 Mm. hoch und breit. Die Oberseite breit kegelfo ̈ rmig, spitz, mit seichter Naht und flachen Windungen. Der Querschnitt der inneren Ho ̈ hle ist rundlich, etwas quer (in der Zeichnung (b) breiter, weil der Querbruch schief auf die Achse geht). Die Unterseite scheint wenig gewo ̈ lbt; die Schale in der Nabelgegend sehr dick, theilweise in Folge der Auflagerung einer der oberen und inneren Seite des letzten Umgangs entsprechenden Schalen-Schicht auf die des vorletzten, wodurch auch der Nabel ga ̈ nzlich verdeckt worden zu sein scheint. Der a ̈ ussere Umfang der 5 - 6 Umga ̈ nge ist von oben nach unten breit abgerundet; die Ho ̈ he der Gewind-Seite verha ̈ lt sich zu der der Nabel-Seite = 3: 2. Letzte zeigt in der Na ̈ he des Nabels eine seichte Spiralfurche, die eine glatte flache Nabel-schwiele einzufassen scheint; darum eine breite glatte und nur fein strahliggestreifte Spiralzone; dann ganz in der Na ̈ he des a ̈ usseren Umfangs und auf der gewo ̈ lbten Aussenfla ̈ che selbst 7 an Gro ̈ sse abwechselnd etwas ungleiche rundliche Spiral-Reife (c), u ̈ ber welche auf der schief abfallenden Oberseite der Windung noch 7 – 8 andere folgen, die, gleich ihren etwas engeren Zwischen-ra ̈ umen und gleich jenen vorigen, parallel zur Mu ̈ ndung schief gestreift sind. Nur oben na ̈ chst der Naht treten diese Streifen weiter aus einander und werden sta ̈ rker; so dass die 2 — 3 obersten Spiral-Reife undeulich werden und ein wellig-knotiges Ansehen bekommen, so dass der Naht-Reif etwa 36 schiefe Kno ̈ tchen auf der letzten Windung tra ̈ gt. Der na ̈ chst vorhergehende Umgang des Gewindes zeigt unterhalb dieser welligen Spiralzone nur noch 3 einfache Reife [An almost vertically split stone-filled shell without aperture, of the shape and size of our Turbo fimbriatus and the Trochus patulus, similar to the former from below and the latter from above. It is 25 mm in height and width. The upper side broadly cone-shaped, pointed, with shallow suture and flat whorl. The cross-section of the inner cavity is roundish, somewhat transverse (in the drawing (b) wider, because the transverse fracture runs obliquely to the vertical axis). The underside seems to be slightly convex; the shell in the umbilical region is very thick, partly as a result of the accumulation of a shell layer corresponding to the upper and inner side of the last whorl on that of the penultimate one, whereby the umbilicus seems to have been completely covered. The periphery of the 5 - 6 whorls is broadly rounded throughout from top to bottom; the height of the whorls side relative to the umbilical side [height-width ratio] is = 3: 2. The base shows a shallow spiral groove near the umbilicus, which seems to surround a smooth flat umbilical callus; leaving therefore a broad smooth and only finely spirally striate zone; then very close to the curved periphery 7 irregular spirals of alternating strength (c), above which 7 - 8 further spirals on the shoulder, which are like the previous spirals somewhat narrower than their interspaces and parallel to the aperture and obliquely striated. Only near the suture are the cords stronger and wider spaced; so that the 2 - 3 uppermost spirals become subobsolete and wavy-nodular, about 36 oblique nodules on the last whorl. The penultimate whorl bears only 3 simple spirals below the wavy spiral adjacent to the suture.] ” (Bronn in Hartung 1861: 118). Revised description. Shell small, turbiniform. Protoconch paucispiral, 1.5 flattened whorls. Teleoconch of five whorls, first two whorls flattened to shoulder, shoulder sharply angled, straight below to suture. Shoulder bearing small open spines. Third whorl subsutural ramp becoming increasingly convex, portion below shoulder covered by succeeding whorl. Suture relatively deep, undulating around shoulder spines. Sculpture of rounded cords of slightly irregular strength interrupted by close set strongly prosocline growth lines weakly beading some of the cords, two subsutural cords strongly beaded. Last whorl slightly concave in subsutural area strongly convex mid-whorl, flattened at base, imperforate. Spiral sculpture on last whorl not persisting onto base. Aperture rounded, peristome complete, outer lip simple, columella roundly excavated, columella callus thickened, completely closing umbilicus. Intraspecific variability. Only one specimen is at hand but fits relatively well with the original figure (Bronn in Hartung 1861: figs. 1 a-c). The subsutural row of beads and base devoid of spiral cords is well illustrated (figs. 1 a-c). The whorls in the specimen at hand are possibly slightly more convex than in Bronn’s figures and the base of the outer lip less produced.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0B095FFF1DFF77FE8A704B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Generic placement in the genus Turbo Linnaeus, 1758 is based on the flattened protoconch and earliest teleoconch whorl with spines produced at the shoulder, similar to that seen in the genus Bolma Risso, 1826, but subsequent whorls are smooth and convex. A detailed molecular phylogeny of the Turbinidae is not yet available. However, the preliminary work by Williams & Ozawa (2006) showed that Turbo, in its widest sense, was not monophyletic. Today Turbo is a tropical Indo-Pacific genus. Neogene Atlantic and European records of Turbo are scarce. Turbo neuvillei Cossmann & Peyrot, 1917 from the Atlantic Lower Miocene Aquitanian of France is, in our opinion, a member of the genus Marmarostoma Swainson, 1829, a genus which still occurs in the Caribbean today. Turbo saltus Olsson, 1922 from the Lower Pleistocene Moin Formation of Caribbean Costa Rica is a Taenioturbo Woodring, 1928 species. In the NHMW coll. (ex. Landau coll.) are specimens of an undescribed species of true Turbo from the Lower Pliocene Gurabo Formation of the Dominican Republic. Today, there are five species of Turbo reported in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico: Turbo angelvaldesi Ortea & Espinosa, 1996 (a species endemic to the Gulf of Mexico); Turbo cailletii P. Fischer & Bernardi, 1857; Turbo canaliculatus Hermann, 1781; Turbo castanea Gmelin, 1791; and Turbo haraldi Robertson, 1957 (endemic from the Caribbean). However, these are all sculptured and may be members of the genus Marmarostoma rather than Turbo. The validity of these genera in the extant species needs to be confirmed by molecular data before we can attempt to apply them to fossil forms. Therefore, if we consider Marmarostoma a synonym of Turbo, it was present in the Caribbean and mid-Atlantic islands in the Lower Pliocene and is still present today in the Caribbean. If Turbo is considered a separate genus from Marmarostoma, then true Turbo was present in the Caribbean and mid-Atlantic islands during the Lower Pliocene but does not occur in the Atlantic today. The presence of Turbo in the Azores suggests tropical water temperatures.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0B095FFF1DFF77FE8A704B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria, Azores (Bronn in Hartung 1861; Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C08095FFF1DFABFFE18719B.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Nerita peloronta Linnaeus, 1758 (Linnaeus 1758: 776), by subsequent designation (Montfort 1810). Present-day, Caribbean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C08095EFF1DF9D6FF5C7747.taxon	description	Plate 1 E 1 - E 3 cf. * Nerita funata Dujardin 1837: 281, pl. 19, fig. 14.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C08095EFF1DF9D6FF5C7747.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 4.0 mm, width 6.0 mm. DBUA-F 917 - 1 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C08095EFF1DF9D6FF5C7747.taxon	description	Description. Apical fragment with completely flattened spire. Teleoconch bearing about 22 subequal rounded ribs, slightly narrower than their interspaces, shoulder cord slightly strengthened.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C08095EFF1DF9D6FF5C7747.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 63) recorded two specimens from Bocca do Cré (= Cré), Santa Maria Island, without indicating their size. The Azorean material is very incomplete, but clearly represents a Nerita species of the Theliostyla M ̂ rch, 1852 group. Two species occurred along the French Atlantic Frontage during the Miocene. Nerita plutonis de Basterot, 1825, from the Lower Miocene, has relatively coarse cords of irregular strength and N. funata Dujardin, 1837, from the Middle Miocene, has finer, subequal cords. Lozouet et al. (2001: 20) considered the Lower Miocene records of N. funata in Cossmann & Peyrot (1917: pl. 7, figs. 77 - 82) to represent N. plutonis. The fragment at hand from Santa Maria Island, has numerous subequal ribs more closely similar to those seen in N. funata than N. plutonis. However, we hesitate to make a definitive identification based on this very incomplete specimen. The historical Azorean specimens identified by Bronn in Reiss (1862: 33) and Mayer (1864: 63, 93) as N. plutonis are likely to represent the same species. This group of Nerita species with spiral cords is not represented in the Pliocene Mediterranean. Today, the group is represented in the eastern Atlantic by N. senegalensis Gmelin, 1791, distributed from the Cabo Verde Islands to Angola, whereas in the western Atlantic a total of five species are reported, four of them from Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean (Nerita fulgurans Gmelin, 1791; Nerita peloronta Linnaeus, 1758; Nerita tessellata Gmelin, 1791; and Nerita versicolor Gmelin, 1791), and one species endemic to Brazil (Nerita chlorostoma Lamarck, 1816). Nerita senegalensis differs in having flattened cords of irregular width, separated by narrow grooves.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C08095EFF1DF9D6FF5C7747.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (? Bronn in Reiss 1862;? Mayer 1864; this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C09095EFF1DFB83FB3871E3.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Cerithium vulgatum Bruguière, 1792, by original designation (Monterosato 1890: 163). Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C09095EFF1DFB83FB3871E3.taxon	discussion	Note. Most authors have placed these Atlantic cerithiid species in the genus Cerithium Bruguière, 1789. Landau et al. (2004 a: 5) argued that true Cerithium (sensu stricto) was an Indo-Pacific genus, characterised by a flaring outer lip with a tooth-like extension abapically projecting over the anterior siphonal canal, and a relatively longer siphonal canal. We follow those authors in using Thericium Monterosato, 1890, at full genus level.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C090959FF1DFA0FFAE0722F.taxon	description	Plate 1 F 1 - F 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C090959FF1DFA0FFAE0722F.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen height 22.0 mm, width 6.5 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 10.0 mm, width 6.0 mm. One specimen from LNEG collection, (unnumbered), Ponta do Norte lighthouse, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Original description. “ Einige unvollständige Exemplare von 1 ¼ - 1 ½ " Länge und kaum ̧ ber ¼ so viel Dicke, rein Kegel f ̂ rmig, mit Ausnahme eines beim stärksten Individuum vorhandenen älteren Mundwulstes und des schiefen wulstigen und nach hinten etwas verlängerten Vorsprungs, den die äussere Lippe selbst bildet. Umgänge 10 - 12. Naht wenig vertieft. Im Übrigen ist die Art von andern hauptsächlich durch ihre Streifung verschieden, welche durch viele dichte abwechselnd etwas ungleiche sehr tief und scharf eingeschnittene Spirallinien und durch eine oft nur wenig schwächre, aber ebenfalls mehr als gew ̂ hnlich dichte scharfe und etwas gebogeue ZuwachsStreifung gebildet wird. Die Zahl dieser Spiralstreifen beträgt auf den Umgängen des Gewindes 5 stärkere und eben so viele abwechselnd feinere, die mitunter ausbleiben; auf dem letzten Umgange steigt deren Gesammtzahl bis auf 25, von welchen manche noch etwas zweitheilig sind. Sie bilden mit dem Zuwachs-Streifen gemeinsam eine sehr fein, aber scharf gek ̂ rnelte Oberfläche. Der hinterste dieser eingeschnittenen Streifen ist stärker, mehr und weniger von der Naht entfernt, und schneidet so ein hinteres ebenfalls queer und selten noch einmal längsgestreiftes Band ab, das an manchen Exemplaren knotig wird, mit 20 Knoten auf dem Umgang. Zuweilen ist auch noch ein älterer Mundwulst sichtbar. (Das Innere der M ̧ ndung ver. deckt.) Der Kanal kurz, schwach. Steht der Wiener Varietät des C. crenatum und einer neuen Art aus dem Aquitanien von Saucats am nächsten [Some incomplete specimens of 1 ¼ - 1 ½ " [inches?] length and barely more than ¼ as much wide, cone-shaped, with the exception of an apertural bulge present in the largest individual and the crooked posterior bulge and elongated protrusion formed at the outer lip. Ten-twelve whorls. Suture slightly deepened. This species is different from others mainly by its striation, which are formed by many dense, very deep, sharply incised, slightly unequal, alternating spiral lines and by an often only slightly weaker, but also more than usually dense sharp and somewhat curved growth lines. The number of these spirals on the whorls is 5 stronger ones and as many alternately finer ones, which are sometimes missing; on the last whorl, their total number rises up to 25, of which some are even a bit divided. Together with the growth lines, they form a very fine, but sharply granular surface. The subsutural is stronger, slightly distant from the suture, and thus cuts off the posterior also oblique and rarely also the longitudinally striped band, which becomes tubercular on some specimens, with 20 tubercles per whorl. Sometimes the apertural bulge is also visible. (The inside of the aperture is obscured.] The siphonal canal short, weak. The species is closest to the Vienna variety of C. crenatum and to a new species from the Aquitanian of Saucats.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 30). Latin description. “ Testa turrita, subulata; anfractibus 10 - 12, marginatis, raro varicosis, zona suturali nodulosa, succinctis, transversim sulcatis, sulcis angustis, profundis, impressis, irregulariter alternantibus, majoribus 6 - 8; striis incrementi tenuibus, decussato-subgranulosis; apertura satisparva, rotundato-quadrangulari. ” (Mayer 1864: 64). Revised description. Shell small for genus, cerithiform, with tall regularly conical spire. Protoconch not preserved. Teleoconch of nine almost straight sided whorls with periphery at abapical suture. Suture linear weakly impressed. Sculpture of low, narrow, slightly arcuate, opisthocline ribs cut by numerous fine spiral cords, giving surface finely beaded appearance. Subsutural cord slightly wider and stronger abapically. Last whorl 43 % of total height, weakly convex in profile, with varix placed opposite aperture, subsutural cord poorly defined, numerous spirals forming finely beaded sculpture, including three spirals over the subsutural cord. Aperture pyriform (medial side of aperture and siphonal fasciole obscured by matrix), outer lip thickened, columellar and parietal calluses strongly thickened, forming relatively broad callus rim.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C090959FF1DFA0FFAE0722F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Thericium crenulosum (Bronn, 1862) is characterized by its very small size for the genus and finely beaded spiral sculpture. The specimens at hand do not seem juvenile, as the outer lip is fully thickened. They are more similar to T. crenatum (Brocchi, 1814) but are much smaller and the sculpture is even finer. The spirals in T. crenulosum are of sub-equal strength, whereas in T. crenatum they are of distinctly primary to tertiary strength and more coarsely beaded.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C090959FF1DFA0FFAE0722F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0E0958FF1DF943FB4970DF.taxon	description	Plate 1 G 1 - G 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0E0958FF1DF943FB4970DF.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimens, height 29.0 mm, width 13.0 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Eine nur unvollkommen erhaltene, aber durch ihre k ̂ rnelige Spiralstreifung ausgezeichnete Art. Es sind nur die 10 ersten Windungen eines einzigen Exemplars vorhanden, die in Ganzen einen regelmässigen, etwas ̧ ber 1 " langen Kegel vorstellen, der von genau halb so dick als lang ist. Die Umgänge sind eben und durch eine gerundet treppige Aufwulstung nach der Naht hin selbst etwas in der Mitte vertieft. Die ganze Oberfläche des letzten Umganges ist mit kaum sichtbaren Spiralstreifen bedeck, welche auch auf den fr ̧ heren Umgängen bereits verschwunden sind. Vor (oder unter) der vertieften Mitte zeigen sich jedoch ausserdem zuerst 1 - 2 deutlichere einfache Spiral-Streifen und dann 6 fein Perlschnur-artig gek ̂ rnte, von welchen nur die erste noch etwas hinter der Naht auf allen Umgängen verfolgt werden kann, während die Naht selbst auf der zweiten verläuft und dadurch ein sehr fein-welliges Ansehen bekommt. Die 2 letzten setzen in die M ̧ ndung fort. (Der äussre Mund-Rand fehlt; der Kanal an dessen Grunde mag ziemlich längsläufig gewesen seyn.) [A single imperfectly preserved specimen but distinguished by its granular spiral sculpture. Only the first 10 whorls of a single specimen, a little over 1 " [inch?] represents a regular cone, which is exactly half as wide as it is long. The whorls are slightly stepped, rounded just below the suture, flattened and somewhat concave in the middle. The entire surface of the last whorl is covered with barely visible spirals, which have already disappeared on the earlier whorls. In front of (or below) the concave center, however, there are also first 1 - 2 clearer simple spirals and then 6 finely beaded ones, of which only the first can be followed slightly behind the suture on all whorls, while the suture runs into the second row of beads and becomes finely undulating. The last 2 continue into the aperture. (The outer edge of the aperture is missing; the canal at the bottom of which may have been rather long).] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 30). Latin description. “ Testa conico-turrita, apice acuta, crassa et solida; anfractibus 10, angustis, spiraliter sulcatis, medio subconcavis, ad suturam saepe tumescentibus, contabulatis, saepe subgranulosis, inferne seriebus granorum minutorum duabus ornatis; sulcis tenuibus, confertis, impressis; ultimo aufractu satis magno, basi subdepresso, seriebus granulorum 6, distantibus, instructo; apertura magna, rotundato-ovata. ” (Mayer 1864: 65).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0E0958FF1DF943FB4970DF.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 65) compared the single specimen from Santa Maria Island to Cerithium varicosum Brocchi, 1814. The holotype is not complete, and it is missing the later teleoconch whorls and aperture. In its fine granulose sculpture, it is indeed most like Thericium varicosum, from the Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene Mediterranean, but in that species the fine spiral sculpture is not granulose, and varices run along the entire teleoconch. No varices are seen in the Azorean species. Moreover, in T. varicosum on intermediate and late teleoconch whorls, the central spiral becomes weakly tubercular. This does not occur in T. hartungi (Mayer, 1864), which is most like T. incultum (Mayer, 1862), but differs in having weakly granular spiral. No further specimens are at hand to further characterise the species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0E0958FF1DF943FB4970DF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0F095BFF1DFB13FF5A7793.taxon	description	Plate 1 H 1 - H 2, I 1 - I 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0F095BFF1DFB13FF5A7793.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Three specimens, maximum height 34.0 mm, width 15.0 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 29.0 mm, width 11.0 mm. DBUA-F 1034 - 2 (6), Macela viewpoint; DBUA-F 1027 - 1 (1), Malbusca II, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Original description. “ Drei unvollständige Exemplare, (sämmtlich ohne äussre Mundlippe), welche bis 1 ¼ " lang sind und ergänzt wohl 1 ½ " Länge erreichen w ̧ rden, ̧ brigens aber von sehr veränderlicher Form erscheinen. Sie zählen bei abgebrochener Spitze noch 6 Umgänge und d ̧ rften mit derselben deren 9 - 10 gehabt haben. Die Schaale ist etwas bauchig-kegelf ̂ rmig, nicht halb so dick als lang, an dem bauchigsten Exemplare (Fg. b) mit schwach gew ̂ lbten Umgängen und wenig vertiefter Naht; an einem minder bauchigen wenig monstr ̂ sen (Fg. a) sind die Umgänge flach, aber abgerundet breit und treppenf ̂ rmig abgesetzt; am dritten, dem schlankesten von allen, sind sie vom vierten an monstr ̂ s verbogen, so dass ihre Aussenflächen selbst etwas vertieft oder nach vorn verschmälert sind; die äussre Kante der Treppe scharf rechteckig. Im Übrigen ist die ganze Oberfläche sehr fein und dicht spiralstreifig, ohne anderweitige Verzierungen, aber mit Spuren einer braunen breit-flammigen Färbung. Aus einem ferneren kleinen Bruchst ̧ cke ist zu entnehmen, dass die innre Lippe sehr dickwulstig war [Three incomplete specimens (all without an external lip) which are up to 1 ¼ " [inches?] long and would probably reach 1 ½ " length but appear of very variable shape. Consisting of 6 whorls with broken tip and should have had 9 - 10 with it. The shell is somewhat bulbous-cone-shaped, not half as thick as long, on the most bulbous specimen (Fig. b) with weakly arched whorls and shallow suture; on a less bulbous less monstrous (Fig. a) the whorls are flat, but rounded wide and scaled; on the third, the slimmest of all, they are monstrously bent from the fourth, so that their outer surfaces themselves are somewhat recessed or narrowed forward; the outer edge of the whorls sharply rectangular. Furthermore, the whole surface is very fine and densely spiral-streaked, without other decorations, but with traces of a brown broad-flamed colour. From a further small fragment, it can be seen that the inner lip was very thick.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 31). Latin description. “ Testa conico [sic] - turrita, apice acuta, crassa et solida; anfractibus 11, angustis, spiraliter sulcatis, transfersim obscurissime oblique-plicatis, medio subconcavis ad suturam saepe tumescentibus, contabulatis; primis sutura profunda separatis, raro varicosis; sulcis tenuibus, impressis, subregularibus; apertura magma ovata; labro varicoso, intus incrassato. ” Revised description. Shell medium sized, relatively solid, cerithiform, profile of early whorls cyrtoconoid, later whorls telescopic. Protoconch not preserved. Teleoconch composed of seven relatively low, cylindrical whorls, separated by weakly impressed linear suture. Later whorls, slightly swollen adapically forming periphery. Fine spiral sculpture partly preserved. Last whorl sub-cylindrical, with poorly delimited, swollen subsutural collar, slightly concave mid-whorl between collar and top of base, base rounded. Aperture incomplete.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0F095BFF1DFB13FF5A7793.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Thericium incultum (Mayer, 1862) is not typical for the genus, characterised by its rather telescopic spire and much reduced sculpture. The Azorean specimens at hand are all calcitic pseudomorphs and the surface sculpture is not clearly preserved, but the surface is probably completely covered in fine spiral cords. Mayer (1864: 65) considered this taxon to belong to the T. varicosum (Brocchi, 1814) group. Indeed, its lack of tubercular sculpture separates it from almost all European Neogene Thericium species. It differs from T. varicosum in its telescopic profile and poorly delimited, swollen subsutural collar. Therefore, generic placement is tentative.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0F095BFF1DFB13FF5A7793.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095BFF1DFB67FD9A7173.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Strombiformis reticulatum da Costa, 1778 (Gray 1847 a: 70), by subsequent designation (Gray, 1847 b [November]). Present-day, Europe.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095AFF1DFABEFBF67723.taxon	description	Plate 1 J 1 - J 2, K 1 - K 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095AFF1DFABEFBF67723.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype DBUA-F 1034 - 5, height 6.8 mm, width 1.9 mm (Plate 1 J 1 - J 2), with two paratypes DBUAF 1034 - 6 (1) (Plate 1 K 1 - K 2), DBUA-F 1034 - 6 (2), height 5.3 mm, width 1.9 mm, Macela viewpoint, Santa Maria Island, Azores. Other material. Maximum height 6.8 mm, width 1.9 mm. DBUA-F 1034 - 5 (33), Miradouro da Macela, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Type locality. Miradouro da Macela, Santa Maria Island, Azores. Type stratum. Touril Complex. Age. Lower Pliocene, Zanclean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095AFF1DFABEFBF67723.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the viewpoint (miradouro) de Macela. Bittium gender neuter.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095AFF1DFABEFBF67723.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Shell of medium size for genus, ten initially straight sided, later weakly convex teleoconch whorls, separated by deep suture, sculpture of broad rounded ribs, crenulating adapical suture, spiral sculpture weak, two peribasal cords.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095AFF1DFABEFBF67723.taxon	description	Description. Shell small, turriculate, with tall, slender spire apical angle about 23 °. Protoconch not well preserved (see intraspecific variation below). Teleoconch of ten initially straight sided, later weakly convex whorls separated by a narrow, deeply impressed, undulating suture. Sculpture of broad rounded, slightly opisthocline to orthocline ribs, about 12 on penultimate whorl, extending between suture and crenulating abapical suture. Last two whorls with one or two varices per whorl. Spiral sculpture weak, possibly four low flattened cords on spire whorls. Axial sculpture predominant, without tubercles produced at intersections. Last whorl weakly convex, strongly constricted at base; base delimited by two peribasal cords, the lower one stronger, three further weak cords over base. Aperture subquadrate, outer lip simple, columella excavated mid-whorl inside filled with matrix. Intraspecific variation. Within the specimens from Macela viewpoint there is some variability as to the number of ribs and the number and strength of the spiral cords. Specimens from Ponta do Castelo look a little different in having slightly fewer ribs and the spiral sculpture is present on the first four teleoconch whorls and rapidly fades on the later whorls, except for one strong cord, just above the suture. These differences may be accentuated by the different preservation: the specimens from Macela viewpoint are calcitic pseudomorphs, whereas those from Ponta do Castelo have a decalcified surface and are therefore decorticated. We provisionally consider all these specimens conspecific. The protoconch in one of the Ponta do Castelo specimens, although poorly preserved, seems non-planktotrophic, of possibly 2 - 2.5 smooth convex whorls.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095AFF1DFABEFBF67723.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Bittium miradouroense nov. sp. is characterized by its broad rounded axial ribs that crenulate the suture and weak spiral sculpture that does not form tubercles over the ribs. This is a very distinctive species that cannot be usefully compared with any extant European species. Bittium watsoni (Jeffreys, 1885), from deep waters of the Iberian Peninsula southwards to Senegal including the Canary Islands is similar in having wide, rounded ribs and weak spiral sculpture but, in that species, the ribs fade on the mid-spire whorl so that the last three whorls are smooth, or almost so, and the spiral sculpture is even weaker.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0C095AFF1DFABEFBF67723.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0D095AFF1DFC4EFBA37190.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 66) recorded one specimen from the locality of Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas). Bittium lacteum (Philippi, 1836) is characterised by its paucispiral protoconch and strongly tubercular spirals and three spirals on the base. We cannot confirm this record. This species does not occur nowadays in the Azores (Ávila et al. 1998, 2000; Martins et al. 2009; Cordeiro et al. 2015) nor it is present in the assemblages of the Last Interglacial deposits of Santa Maria Island (Ávila et al. 2002, 2009 a, 2010, 2015 a, 2018).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0D095AFF1DFC4EFBA37190.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2004 b). Present-day: Atlantic, British Isles, Portugal, Canary Islands and Mediterranean (Poppe & Goto 1991; Giannuzzi-Savelli et al. 1997).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0D0965FF1DF9A1FBF6758B.taxon	description	Plate 1 L 1 - L 2, M 1 - M 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0D0965FF1DF9A1FBF6758B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 4.5 mm, width 1.8 mm. DBUA-F 488 - 2 (29), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0D0965FF1DF9A1FBF6758B.taxon	description	Description. Shell small, turriculate, with tall, slender spire, apical angle about 33 °. Protoconch not preserved. Teleoconch of nine weakly convex whorls, initially slightly cyrtoconoid in profile, separated by a narrow, moderately impressed, undulating suture. Sculpture of broad rounded, slightly opisthocline to orthocline ribs, about seven on penultimate whorl, extending between suture and weakly crenulating abapical suture. Last two whorls with one or two varices per whorl. Spiral sculpture weak, on early whorls three broad flattened cords separated by narrow grooves. Spiral sculpture weakens on fourth whorl, subobsolete on last three whorls. Axial sculpture predominant, without tubercles produced at intersections. Last whorl convex, moderately constricted at base, bearing a spiral cord at the level of the insertion of the outer lip, a peribasal cord of similar strength, and three weaker basal cords. Aperture ovate, features obscured by matrix.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0D0965FF1DF9A1FBF6758B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Bittium an nov. sp. is clearly similar to B. miradouroense nov. sp. but differs in having a wider apical angle (33 ° vs. 23 °) and fewer axial ribs (7 vs. 12). The character of the spiral sculpture seems to be similar, slightly stronger on early whorls and both species have two spiral cords delimiting the base. However, comparison is hampered by the form of preservation: the specimen of Bittium an nov. sp. is somewhat decorticated, whereas the fossils of B. miradouroense are calcitic pseudomorphs. Nevertheless, the wider apical angle and the small number of ribs seem to be constant characters separating the two. As discussed under B. miradouroense, the shells of these two species are not particularly similar to any other Neogene or extant European species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C0D0965FF1DF9A1FBF6758B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C320964FF1DFDA6FC9A719B.taxon	description	Plate 2 A 1 - A 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C320964FF1DFDA6FC9A719B.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen height 5.0 mm, width 2.0 mm, Praia and Prainha (Pleistocene localities), Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 4.9 mm, width 2.0 mm. DBUA-F 1296 - 2 (1), Malbusca, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C320964FF1DFDA6FC9A719B.taxon	description	Original description. “ Obwohl dieses kleine Ding wahrscheinlich quarta ̈ r ist und also wohl auch lebend vorko ̈ mmt, so muss ich es doch als neu ansehen, indem nicht gelungen ist, trotz Nachfragen bei den Herrn Deshayes und Hoernes und gelegentlichem Nachsehen in Reeve, ein benanntes Analogon dafu ̈ r zu finden. Oberfla ̈ chlich betrachtet, sieht dieses Schneckchen der Cerithiopis scabra a ̈ hnlich; allein bei genauer Pru ̈ fung entdeckt man, dass sein Bau bedeutend von dem der genannten Art abweicht. Eine viel gro ̈ ssere Aehnlichkeit besitzt die Species mit Cerithium lignitarum: es ist fast ein Miniaturbild davon; doch fehlt ihr unter Anderem der Columellarzahn. Von C. tubercularis und Verwandten scheidet sie das ganz verschiedene, sehr enge Ko ̈ rnernetz. Es ist nicht zu bezweifeln, dass diese organische Form ausgewachsen und zwerghaft sei; die Menge der gleich grossen Stu ̈ cke, welche der Tuff von Praia und Prainha, in Gesellschaft von fast lauter kleinen Arten birgt spricht entschieden daf ̧ r [Although this little thing is probably Quaternary and therefore is probably also extant, I nevertheless have to consider it new, in that it has not been possible to find a named analogue for it, despite inquiries with Mr. Deshayes and Hoernes and occasional look in Reeve. Generally, this snail looks similar to Cerithiopis [sic] scabra; however, close examination reveals that its construction differs significantly from that of the mentioned species. The species has a much greater similarity with Cerithium lignitarum: it is almost a miniature version of it; but it lacks, among other things, the columellar tooth. From C. tubercularis and relatives it is separated in the very different, very narrow granular network. There is no doubt that this organic form is fully grown and dwarf-like; the number of specimens of the same size, from the tuff of Praia and Prainha, in the assemblage with almost all small sizes, speaks decisively for it] ” (Mayer 1864: 66). Latin description. “ Testa minuta, turrito-conica, turgidula, solidula interdum varicosa; anfractibus 7, applanatis, sutura profunda separatis, primis serie 2, ultimis series 4 granulorum transversas exhibentus; granis majuscolis, densis in serie longitudinali recta dispositis; apertura subquadrata, in canalem brevem exenute; labio simplici ” (Mayer 1864: 66). Revised description. Shell small, turriculate, with tall, moderately slender spire. Protoconch and earliest whorls missing. Five weakly convex teleoconch whorls preserved with periphery at abapical cord, just above suture. Suture weakly impressed. Sculpture on penultimate whorl of about 14 low ribs and five cords forming small, rounded tubercles at sculptural intersection. Last whorl weakly convex, moderately constricted at base, bearing six tuberculose cords above the level of the aperture, single varix placed just above outer lip; base slightly concave, delimited by double smooth peribasal cords bearing five further smooth cords medially. Aperture ovate, outer lip thin, convex, ending in short siphonal canal. Columella slightly thickened, almost rectilinear. Columellar callus narrow, poorly developed.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C320964FF1DFDA6FC9A719B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. We have interpreted this specimen to represent Cerithiopsis nana Mayer, 1864. The wide apical angle and the strongly tubercular sculpture agree with the rather schematic picture given by Mayer (1864: pl. 6, fig. 46). The presence of a varix on the last whorl and cords over the base suggest that this is a Bittium Gray, 1847, rather than a member of the Cerithiopsidae. The type material was collected from the deposits of Praia and Prainha which are Pleistocene in age. Mayer (1864: 67) misidentify specimens from the Pliocene locality of Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas) as Cerithiopsis scabra (Olivi, 1792) [= Bittium reticulatum (da Costa, 1778)]. We confirm its presence in the Lower Pliocene assemblages of Santa Maria and add the locality of Malbusca. Moreno (2011) recognized the species as occurring in the extant Azorean faunas and it is one of the most abundant components of the rocky shore environments (Costa & Ávila 2001). The species was confused by numerous authors with similar congeners such as B. reticulatum (da Costa, 1778) (Mac Andrew 1856; Dautzenberg 1889; Nobre 1924, 1930; Azevedo 1990, 1991; Azevedo & Gofas 1990; Bullock et al. 1990; Morton 1990; Bullock 1995; Morton & Britton 1995; Ávila et al. 1997, 1998, 2000; Morton et al. 1998) or B. latreillii (Payraudeau, 1826) (Martins et al. 2009). European Bittium species are in some cases difficult to separate in the absence of the protoconch, which is missing in the Azorean fossil material. The specimen at hand is characterized by relatively flat whorls, weakly impressed suture, finely beaded sculpture with six rows of beads on the penultimate and last whorls above the aperture, and the base delimited by a double peribasal cords plus five further weaker smooth cords entirely covering the base. This species is most similar to the extant Bittium latreillii. The Azorean species seems to have a wider apical angle, the number of ribs and cords is similar, but the cords are more closely spaced and develop strong tubercles on all the cords whereas in B. latreillii the beading weakens from the adapical cord downwards. Bittium lacteum (Philippi, 1836) also has strongly beaded cords but it is immediately separated by having fewer cords on the whorls and on the base. Bittium incile Watson, 1897, reported from to Madeira, Selvagens, Canary Islands and the Mediterranean, differs in having only three or occasionally four spiral rows of tubercles (Verduin 1976: 114). Bittium depauperatum Watson, 1897, was described as endemic from Madeira and was later found also in the Canary Islands (Hernández et al. 2011). Bittium reticulatum differs in only having four spiral cords of which the first and second are more closely spaced than the third and fourth and has numerous varices distributed over all the teleoconch whorls. Based on the scant material available, we provisionally accept this taxon as valid. Mayer (1864: 66) considered the specimen available to him to be Quaternary. A specimen from the DBUA-F collection is labelled as coming from Lower Pliocene strata, and at Malbusca only Pliocene deposits occur. We tentatively include the specimen herein although we remain uncertain if the specimen is Pliocene or Pleistocene, and Bittium nanum may have been endemic in the Azores since at least lower Pliocene times and is still present and an abundant component of rocky shore habitats.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C320964FF1DFDA6FC9A719B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene:? Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864). Present-day: Azores (Moreno 2011; Cordeiro et al. 2015).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C330964FF1DF927FE7F7333.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Serpula anguina Linnaeus, 1758 (Guettard 1770: 128), by subsequent designation (Sacco 1896 b). Present-day, Indian Ocean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C300966FF1DFF77FC677563.taxon	description	Plate 2 B	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C300966FF1DFF77FC677563.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 12.0 mm, width 11.0 mm. DBUA-F 1283 - 2 (1), DBUA-F 1023 - B (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Description. Shell small for species, tubular, irregularly conically coiled. Protoconch not preserved. Early teleoconch whorls fused, separated by deeply impressed suture, adult whorls becoming increasingly disjunct from about fourth whorl, continuing openly coiled, until most adult part of shell, which grows more or less straight. Whorls with almost horizontal, smooth subsutural platform, delimited by narrow spiral fissure, composed of small, axially elongated perforations, strongly convex and somewhat rugose below.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C300966FF1DFF77FC677563.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The presence of a continuous shell slit places this species in Tenagodus sensu stricto (Van Dingenen et al. 2016: 116). There is agreement in the literature that the early Pliocene to present-day European specimens represent a single species Tenagodus (Tenagodus) obtusus (Schumacher, 1817) (= Tenagodus anguinus auct. al. non Linnaeus, 1758, which is a tropical Indo-Pacific species). Most authors have separated the Miocene forms under the name Tenagodus anguinus miocaenicus Cossmann & Peyrot, 1921 (Glibert, 1949; Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov, 1960; Strauz, 1966; Bałuk, 1975), although as pointed out by Lozouet et al. (2001 a: 28), they should be referred to by the earlier name Tenagodus terebellus (Lamarck, 1818). This separation is made mainly on the basis of size, the Miocene specimens being smaller (Glibert, 1949). However, as shown in Landau et al. (2013: 58) Miocene specimens such as those from the eastern Proto-Mediterranean of Turkey can be very large. The Azorean specimens are small, and we follow Van Dingenen et al. (2016) and Landau et al. (2013 - 2018) in considering all these forms to represent a single long-lived species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C300966FF1DFF77FC677563.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean (Burdigalian), Colli Torinesi, Italy (Sacco 1896 b). Lower-middle Miocene: North Sea Basin (late Burdigalian-Langhian): Belgium (Landau et al. 2004 a). Middle Miocene: NE Atlantic (Aquitanian-Serravallian): Aquitaine Basin, (Cossmann & Peyrot 1921), (Langhian) Loire Basin, France (Glibert 1949); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960), Poland (Bałuk 1975), Hungary (Strausz 1966); Vienna Basin, Austria (Schultz 1998); Proto-Mediterranean (Serravallian): Karaman Basin, Turkey (Eru ̈ nal-Erento ̈ z 1958; Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian and Messinian), Loire Basin, France (Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2018); Proto-Mediterranean, Tortonian, Po Basin, Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Boschele et al. 2021). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper), NW France (Brébion 1964; Van Dingenen et al. 2016); North Sea Basin, Belgium (Marquet 1997 a); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain, (Landau et al. 2004 a); central Mediterranean, Italy (Anfossi et al. 1983; Chirli 2006). Upper Pliocene: NE Atlantic, Mondego Basin, Portugal (Silva 2001); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Malatesta 1974; Chirli 1988; Cavallo & Repetto 1992). Present-day: Mediterranean to West Africa, 100 - 300 m depth (Poppe & Goto 1991). Also reported from Canary Islands (Hernández et al. 2011).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C310966FF1DFE08FEE47614.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Turbo scalaris Linnaeus, 1758 (R ̂ ding 1798: 91), by subsequent designation (Suter 1913). Present-day, Indo-Pacific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C310966FF1DFB2CFBF0738B.taxon	description	Plate 2 D 1 - D 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C310966FF1DFB2CFBF0738B.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype SMF 10135 a, height 23.0 mm, diameter 30.8 mm with two paratypes SMF 10135 b – c, labelled “ Azoren, Santa Maria, Wegknick [road bend] bei Praia, K. Krejci-Graf, ” 23 April 1955, in SMF. The type locality is the upper, seaward-directed hairpin bend on the road descending from Almagreira to the beach at Praia, Santa Maria Island, illustrated by Krejci-Graf et al. (1958: fig. 4) (a lower, landward-directed hairpin bend is in the underlying volcanic rocks). Ten paratypes GNSWM 18973, Macela viewpoint. Other material. No further specimens known.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C310966FF1DFB2CFBF0738B.taxon	description	Description. Teleoconch moderately large, short and wide (D / H 1.2 – 1.35), spire very low to almost flat, whorls evenly convex; completely covered with fine, straight, acline axial ridges, but without obvious spiral sculpture. Outer lip straight, acline; sinus small, moderately deep, semicircular to weakly V-shaped, situated at base of lip. For fuller description, see Beu (2017: 173).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C310966FF1DFB2CFBF0738B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Janthina krejcii Beu, 2017 resembles J. typica (Bronn, 1861) and J. chavani (Ludbrook, 1978) in its uniform sculpture of fine, closely spaced, straight axial ridges over the entire teleoconch and in its semicircular to shallowly V-shaped outer-lip sinus situated at the base of the lip. However, it differs from them both in its consistently very low to almost flat spire, so that width is significantly greater than height in all specimens, and in its complete lack of obvious spiral sculpture (Beu 2017: 173). For further discussion, see under J. typica (hoc opus) and Beu (2017: 173).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C310966FF1DFB2CFBF0738B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Beu 2017).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C360960FF1DFF77FCC47027.taxon	description	Plate 2 E 1 - E 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C360960FF1DFF77FCC47027.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Hartungia typica: Location of original material unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Janthina hartungi: Location of original material unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Mayer-Eymar’s collection (in NMB) includes only NMB Po. 6227, two poor, small (shell fragment c. 11.5 mm wide) impressions in modelling clay from the same cavity in the rock at Santa Maria Island, identified by Mayer-Eymar as Janthina hartungi, and labelled “ Ponta dos Matos, S. Maria ” (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 19.0 mm, diameter 21.0 mm. DBUA-F 428 - 1 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C360960FF1DFF77FCC47027.taxon	description	Original description. “ Eine sehr zarte du ̈ nne und auch an Form Ianthina-a ̈ hnliche Schale, von Gestein erfu ̈ llt, 18 Mm. hoch und 22 Mm. breit, mit 3 Umga ̈ ngen, welche (wie bei I. communis) eine flach gewo ̈ lbte Oberseite bilden und wovon die 2 ersten nur 5 Mm. Ho ̈ he einnehmen. Dagegen misst die weite eifo ̈ rmige Mu ̈ ndung 17 Mm. in die Ho ̈ he und 15 Mm. in die Breite, indem sich deren ganzer Unterrand (wie bei I. nitens Menke) senkrecht nach unten umschla ̈ gt. Eben so ist der Nabel nicht offen, sondern nur in Form eines engen Spaltes hinter der inneren Lippe, welche kenntlich auf dem vorletzten Umgange liegt, wie bei genannter Art. An sie erinnert auch die dichte feine und zierliche Vertikalstreifung, welche aber auf der Mitte der a ̈ usseren Lippe keine einspringende Bucht wie bei Ianthina bildet, sondern dort gerade ist, dagegen weiter unten, dem Ende des Nabelspaltes gegenu ̈ ber auf einer Spiralrippe in einem doch nur unbedentenden kleinen Bogen einspringt. Was aber diese Schnecke sogleich wieder von allen bekannten Ianthina-Arten unterscheidet und Narica besser entsprechen wu ̈ rde, das sind 8 flache breit-gerundete Spiral-Reife, welche, von der Naht und noch mehr vom Nabel etwas entfernt bleibend, la ̈ ngs der a ̈ usseren Wo ̈ lbung des letzten Umgangs herabziehen und von welchen der vierte, ohne einen Kiel zu bilden, am weitesten nach aussen liegt und mit seinem oberen und unteren Nachbar die andern kaum merkbar an Sta ̈ rke u ̈ bertrifft. Auf einer Breite, welche dem senkrechten Abstande zweier solcher Reifchen gleich kommt, treffen 6 - 7 vertikale Streifen zusammen. So unterscheidet sich diese Species durch die Art der Buchtung und Textur der Schale von Ianthina, mit der sie in einer Familie beisammen steht, und scheint eine eigne Sippe zu bilden, die wir nach dem Namen des unermu ̈ dlichen Forschers der westeuropa ̈ ischen Inseln benennen. Auch mit Neritoma Morr. aus den Portland-Schichten hat diese Sippe wohl einige Aehnlichkeit in Form und Lippenbucht; doch ist Neritoma zweibuchtig, etwas dickschalig und ungenabelt, die innere Lippe hinten tewas Kanal-bildend, die Zuwachsstreifung einfach. Fu ̈ r das Anfangs-Gewinde eines Magilus scheint die Schale zu du ̈ nne und die Mu ̈ ndung zu regelma ̈ ssig [for English translation, see Beu 2017: 171] ”. Description. “ Teleoconch moderately large (to c. 40 mm wide), whorls evenly convex; most specimens heliciform throughout growth, spire consistently low; completely covered with fine, closely spaced axial ridges; 8 – 12 evenly convex spiral folds per whorl (9 or 10 on most specimens) over entire teleoconch surface, as prominent on sutural ramp as elsewhere. Outer lip sinus relatively small, narrow, semicircular, located at base of lip, generating lowermost, wide spiral fold parallel to columella. Protoconch not seen. ” (Beu 2017: 171).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C360960FF1DFF77FCC47027.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Janthina species are holoplanktonic gastropods that float on the surface of open oceans, suspended beneath a float of air-bubbles coated in mucus. Therefore, all living species are cosmopolitan in temperate and tropical seas. Fossil specimens of Janthina are particularly uncommon in European fossil assemblages, probably due to their extremely thin shells, but are relatively more abundant in the Antipodean area and Japan. Beu (2017) constructed a circumglobal time range zonation based on the presences of Janthina species (Beu 2017: 160, 208, fig. 23). Eastern Atlantic fossil records for Janthina are extremely uncommon, found in Atlantic Morocco, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Selvagem Grande Island, and the Azores Islands (Beu, 2017: 145, fig. 14). The most abundant records are from Santa Maria Island, where two species have been described: J. typica (Bronn 1861) and J. krejcii Beu, 2017. There are no European continental records for the genus. In Beu’s (2017) phylogeny, Janthina typica is the earliest known species, which appeared in the uppermost Miocene Messinian and disappeared at the end of Waipipian (New Zealand stage), roughly coinciding with the early Piacenzian, and J. krejcii, which is only known from the Zanclean Lower Pliocene of Santa Maria Island. Unfortunately, this zonation is not particularly useful in European assemblages which have no Janthina specimens preserved.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C360960FF1DFF77FCC47027.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Western Atlantic, Espirito Santo State, Brasil (Simone 2014); eastern Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn 1861; Mayer 1864; Zbyszewski & Viega Ferreira 1962 b; Berkeley Cotter 1892; Meco et al. 2015; Beu 2017; Ávila et al. 2020), Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Meco et al. 2015), Selvagen Grande Island, Selvagens Islands (Gagel 1911; Joksimowitsch 1911), Madeira (Mayer 1864; Krejci-Graf et al. 1958), Morocco (Ludbrook 1978); Pacific (Messinian-early Piacenzian), Japan (Tomida & Itoigawa 1982; Tomida 1996; Tomida & Nakamura 2001; Tomida et al. 2013), Australia (Tate 1893; Ludbrook 1973, 1978; Beu & Darragh 2001), New Zealand (Flemming 1953; Beu & Maxwell 1990; Beu 2017).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370960FF1DFADBFE7F71BF.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Patella equestris Linnaeus, 1758 (Modeer 1793: 110), by subsequent designation, (Woodring, 1928). Present-day, Indian Ocean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370963FF1DF9F3FEF171C7.taxon	description	Plate 2 F	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370963FF1DF9F3FEF171C7.taxon	description	Dyspotaea semicanalis Bronn in Hartung 1861: 120, fig. 4.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370963FF1DF9F3FEF171C7.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum diameter 30.0 mm. DBUA-F 1283 - 1 (1), DBUA-F 492 (1), Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 1071 (1), Pedra-que-pica, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370963FF1DF9F3FEF171C7.taxon	description	Description. Shell medium sized, fragile, ovate, capuliform, with a very depressed profile. Protoconch small, naticiform, multispiral of 2.5 whorls, partly immersed in the teleoconch, placed slightly posterior to midline and displaced slightly to the left. Junction with teleoconch sharply delimited by scar. Teleoconch consists of one rapidly expanding, weakly convex, flattened whorl. Sculpture of irregular, concentric ridges and rugae, and fine spiral threads. Aperture very large, circular, peristome complete, with irregular edge. Inner aspect bears horseshoe-shaped lamina extending from the inner side of the apex (obscured by matrix in Azorean specimens).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370963FF1DF9F3FEF171C7.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The diagnostic horse-shoe shaped lamina typical for the genus Cheilea Modeer, 1793 is obscured in the Azorean specimens but the dorsal sculpture consisting of irregular, coarse concentric ridges and rugae are typical for C. equestris (Linnaeus, 1758). The dorsal sculpture changes with ontogeny so that juvenile specimens are elevated and almost smooth, whereas other shells are more depressed and strongly sculptured. The Azorean specimen is fully adult. In Europe, C. equestris was present in Middle Miocene and Pliocene fully tropical assemblages but did not survive the cooling episode at the end of MPPMU 1. Today, it has a tropical circumglobal distribution.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370963FF1DF9F3FEF171C7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b). Middle Miocene:? Paratethys, Poland (Bałuk 1975), Romania (Zilch 1934). Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian), NW France (Brébion 1964); Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Hartung 1861; Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864); central Mediterranean, Italy (Chirli 2006). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (Landau et al. 2004 a); central Mediterranean, Italy (Bertarelli & Inzani 1986). Upper Pleistocene: Red Sea, Hurghada, Egypt (NHMW coll.). Present-day: Circumglobal distribution; Indo-Pacific (Wilson 1993), eastern Pacific (Keen 1971); eastern Atlantic, Cabo Verde archipelago and West African shores (Rolán 2005; Ávila et al. 2015 b, 2022), southeastern Florida and West Indies (Abbott 1954; Redfern 2013), western Atlantic, Bermuda, Carolinian biogeographic province. Genus Hipponix Defrance, 1819	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C370963FF1DF9F3FEF171C7.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Patella cornucopiae, R ̂ ding, 1798 (Defrance 1819: 8), by subsequent designation (Anton, 1838). Eocene, France.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C340962FF1DF9EBFA27723B.taxon	description	Plate 2 G 1 - G 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C340962FF1DF9EBFA27723B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 5.3 mm, diameter 14.0 mm. DBUA-F 937 - 1 (1), DBUA-F 469 - B (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C340962FF1DF9EBFA27723B.taxon	description	Description. Shell medium sized, solid, relatively depressed, patelliform, with an elliptical profile. Protoconch eroded in all specimens. Apex placed just posterior to center. Dorsal sculpture of rounded ribs (74 in Azorean specimen) of equal strength, cut by numerous concentric growth lines, making ribs tuberculose. Ventral aspect smooth, except for horse-shoe shaped muscle scar.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C340962FF1DF9EBFA27723B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. A single well-preserved Hipponix specimen from the Azores is identical to specimens of Hipponix sulcatus (Borson, 1820), which was originally described from the Lower-Middle Miocene of the Colli Torinesi, Italy (NHMW collection). Cossmann & Peyrot (1919: 524) correctly noted that the Atlantic Lower-Middle Miocene Aquitanian-Langhian specimens from the Aquitaine Basin of France were identical to those from the Colli Torinesi (see also Lozouet et al. 2001: 40, pl. 15, fig. 3). These specimens are characterised by having coarse radial ribs strengthening toward the periphery and an apex placed on the dorsum just posterior to center. Glibert (1959: 201), considered the Atlantic Middle Miocene Langhian specimens from the Loire Basin conspecific. Numerous specimens at hand from several localities in the Loire Basin (Ferrière-Larçon, Pauvrelay, Mathelan: NHMW collection) suggests this is not correct. Apart from being smaller, as noted by Cossmann & Peyrot (1919) and Glibert (1959), the radial sculpture is finer, and the apex is more pointed and placed far more posteriorly, and in fully adult specimen, overhangs the posterior margin. These differences were already noted by Cossmann & Peyrot (1919: 324), who erected the variety helvetica for the Loire Basin form. We agree with Peyrot (1938: 88), in separating these smaller specimens, and elevate the name to full-species rank: Hipponix helveticus Cossman & Peyrot, 1919. Although a predominantly Lower and Middle Miocene Atlantic species, Sacco (1895), reported it from the Upper Miocene of Italy and the single Lower Pliocene Italian locality of Bussana Vecchia, Imperia, Liguria. We are not aware of any subsequent Pliocene references to the species, and it is not present in the Pliocene of the Estepona Basin. Hipponix bistriatus (Grateloup, 1827), which does occur in the Estepona Basin deposit (Landau et al. 2004 a: 69, pl. 18, fig. 2), differs in being less depressed, in having the apex overhanging the posterior margin, and finer axial sculpture consisting of ribs of alternating strength. Hipponix explicatus Landau, Marquet & Grigis, 2004 a, also from the Estepona assemblages, is characterised by a peculiar shell without axial sculpture and a strongly disjunct last whorl, quiet unlike H. sulcatus, H. bistriatus or H. helveticus. Chirli & Linse (2011: 93, pl. 27, fig. 3) illustrated a specimen from the Pleistocene of Rhodes Island as H. sulcatus. The specimen illustrated is far less depressed than usual for the species, the apex is placed at the posterior margin and there is a secondary rib between each primary. It probably represents H. bistriatus. Hipponix sulcatus seems to have survived into the early Pliocene in the Mediterranean, now known from a single locality in Italy (Sacco 1895), and in the Atlantic, in the Azores (this paper). These records probably represent relict populations that did not survive the cooling events at the end of MPPMU 1.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C340962FF1DF9EBFA27723B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Atlantic (Aquitanian and Burdigalian), Aquitaine Basin, France (de Basterot 1825; Grateloup 1836, 1847; Cossmann & Peyrot 1919; Lozouet et al. 2001); central Proto-Mediterranean, Colli Torinesi, Italy (Borson 1820; Sacco 1895). Upper Miocene: central Proto-Mediterannean, Italy (Sacco 1895). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1895).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C350962FF1DF88FFDFA738A.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Natica glaucinoides J. Sowerby, 1812 (Agassiz in J. Sowerby 1837: 14), by subsequent designation (Anton, 1838). Pliocene, British Isles.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3A096DFF1DFF5AFAE07110.taxon	description	Plate 2 H 1 - H 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3A096DFF1DFF5AFAE07110.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Four specimens, dimension not stated, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; One specimen, dimension not stated, Boca do Cré (= Cré), Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 16.0 mm, diameter 19.0 mm. Two specimens from LNEG collection (unnumbered specimen), Ponta do Norte lighthouse, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Original description. “ Einige unvollkommene Exemplare einer nicht grossen Ei-f ̂ rmig kugeligen glatten Art aus der Gruppe der N. helicina mit einfacher Zuwachsstreifung, wie so viele andere, deren Eigenth ̧ mlichkeit aber in der Modifikation des Nabels liegt, die sich indessen leichter bildlich darstellen als hinreichend genau in Worten ausdr ̧ cken lässt. Der Spindel-Rand verlängert sich nämlich ziemlich weit vorwärts, ehe er in den Vorderrand fortsetzt, und lässt hinten zwischen sich und dem vorigen Umgang an der Stelle des Nabels eine lange schmale und ziemlich tiefe, aber nicht in die Spindel eindringende Rinne, welche sich gegen die M ̧ ndung einwärts biegt und in diese ausm ̧ ndet, bevor der innere in den vorderen Rand ̧ bergeht [Some imperfect specimens of a not large eggshaped spherical smooth species from the group of N. helicina with simple growth lines, like so many others, but whose peculiarity lies in the modification of the umbilicus, which, however, is easier to visualize than to express sufficiently accurately in words. The spindle edge extends quite far forward before continuing into the front edge, leaving a long narrow and rather deep channel at the back between itself and the previous whorl at the umbilicus, which bends towards the mouth inwards and ends into it before the inner edge merges into the front edge.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 33). Latin description. “ Testa subglobosa, obliqua, laevigata, tenuiuscula; anfractibus quinque subdepressis, subcontiguis; spira prominula, acutiuscula; apertura semilunari; umbilico parvo, callo angusto, elongato, semitecto. ” (Mayer, 1864: 64).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3A096DFF1DFF5AFAE07110.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 64) compared the Azorean species to Natica helicina Brocchi, 1814, and N. guillemini [sic], both of which are now included in the genus Euspira. The original description and figure are insufficient to adequately characterise this species. The Azorean material at hand is all decorticated and missing their apex. This might explain the peculiar umbilical characters described by Mayer (see above). No further determination can be made, and we provisionally accept Mayer’s species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3A096DFF1DFF5AFAE07110.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3A096DFF1DF9E9FBDC73B3.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 3.2 mm, width 1.3 mm. DBUA-F 471 - 5 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3A096DFF1DF9E9FBDC73B3.taxon	discussion	Discussion. A single fragment of a triphorid species is present in the Santa Maria assemblages. It is missing the protoconch and neanic whorls so that the order of appearance of the spiral cords is difficult to assess. However, it seems that the middle cord might be the last to appear. Further classification is not possible.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3A096DFF1DF9E9FBDC73B3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096CFF1DFEC7FE9F75D2.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Murex tubercularis Montagu, 1803 (Forbes & Hanley 1850: pl. OO), by monotypy. Present-day, British Isles.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096CFF1DFE1FFBF67799.taxon	description	Plate 2 J 1 - J 2 cf. * Murex tubercularis Montagu 1803: 260.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096CFF1DFE1FFBF67799.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 3.0 mm, width 1.2 mm. DBUA-F 1023 - 1 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096CFF1DFE1FFBF67799.taxon	description	Description. Last five teleoconch whorls preserved. Late teleoconch whorl almost straight sided, bearing orthocline to slightly prosocline axial ribs, 14 on penultimate whorl, overrun by three spiral cords with prominent rounded tubercles developed at sculptural intersection. Last whorl with two peribasal cords plus one further cord over base. Aperture and siphonal fasciole incomplete.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096CFF1DFE1FFBF67799.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The single fragment missing the apical whorls could well represent Cerithiopsis tubercularis Montagu, 1803, but in the absence of protoconch definitive assignment cannot be made.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096CFF1DFE1FFBF67799.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096CFF1DFBD8FE8F70C1.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Cerithium bilineatum Ho ̈ rnes, 1848 (Sacco, 1895: 67), by original designation. Middle Miocene, Vienna Basin.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096FFF1DFAF0FE3975D3.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. One specimen, size not indicated, from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas), Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096FFF1DFAF0FE3975D3.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 66) recorded one specimen as Cerithiopsis bilineata H ̂ rnes, 1848 from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas), but in the text wrote trilineata instead of bilineata (lapsus). Seila trilineata (Philippi, 1836) was also recorded from Santa Maria Island by Mayer (1864: 67), but from the Pleistocene deposits of Praia and Prainha. Cerithium bilineatum Ho ̈ rnes, 1848 is the type species for Dizoniopsis Sacco, 1895, which is characterised by having only two spiral cords on spire whorls instead of three in Cerithiopsis. To be certain of the species, the protoconch must be preserved. No further specimens are available; however, we accept this determination as D. bilineata is widespread in the European Miocene and Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3B096FFF1DFAF0FE3975D3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene: Paratethys, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1848; Landau et al. 2006). Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian), NW France (Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2018). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864); Mediterranean, Italy (Chirli 2009). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2006).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C38096FFF1DFD37FF6D7723.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Petaloconchus sculpturatus H. C. Lea, 1845 (H. C. Lea, 1843: 162), by monotypy. Miocene, Virginia, USA.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C38096EFF1DFC4FFAEF73A2.taxon	description	Plate 2 K	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C38096EFF1DFC4FFAEF73A2.taxon	description	Vermetus (Petaloconcha) intortus (Lamarck) — Harmer 1918: 457, pl. 44, figs. 33 - 34. Vermetus (Petaloconcha) glomeratus (Linné) — Harmer 1918: 459, pl. 44, figs. 29 - 32. Vermetus (Petaloconchus) intortus var. taurinensis Sacco — Cossmann & Peyrot 1922: 75, no. 452, pl. 3, figs. 26, 27. Vermetus (Petaloconchus) intortus Lamarck — Cossmann & Peyrot 1924: 73, pl. 3, figs. 16 - 17, 26 - 27.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C38096EFF1DFC4FFAEF73A2.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 13.0 mm, width 6.0 mm. DBUA-F 946 - 2 (1), Ponta dos Cedros; DBUA-F 471 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C38096EFF1DFC4FFAEF73A2.taxon	description	Description. Shell medium sized, solid, vermiform, coiling into loose tube. Protoconch not visible. Teleoconch coiled into open cylindrical tube. Azorean specimens’ solitary (can be cemented together into groups and often attached to a substrate, stones or more commonly other shells). Intermediate whorls subquadrangular in cross-section. Spiral sculpture of three primary rounded cords placed abapically, at periphery and base, whorl flattened between cords, giving them squarish profile. Axial sculpture of commarginal plicae, giving surface rugose appearance. Last whorl straight, hardly coiled, sculpture weakening towards aperture (last portion missing in Azorean specimens).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C38096EFF1DFC4FFAEF73A2.taxon	discussion	Discussion. As discussed by Landau et al. (2013: 65), Scuderi (2012) considered the fossil European Neogene species Petaloconchus intortus (Lamarck, 1818) to be distinct from the present-day species P. glomeratus (Linnaeus, 1758), the fossil species differing from the extant one in details of the protoconch. Whilst both have a protoconch consisting of about 2.5 whorls, that of the fossil species is smaller (0.65 × 0.4 mm, vs. 1.1 × 0.7 mm), and there is a basal cord on the protoconch in the fossil species that is absent in P. glomeratus. The protoconch in the Azorean specimens is not preserved and we follow Landau et al. (2013) in considering the fossil Pliocene specimens P. intortus.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C38096EFF1DFC4FFAEF73A2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean (Burdigalian), Colli Torinesi, Italy (Sacco 1896 b). Lower-middle Miocene: North Sea Basin (late Burdigalian-Langhian): Belgium (Glibert 1952 b), Germany (Anderson 1964; Moths 1989), Netherlands (Janssen, 1984). Middle Miocene: Atlantic (Aquitanian-Serravallian): Aquitaine Basin, (Cossmann & Peyrot 1924; Lozouet et al. 2001), (Langhian): Loire Basin, France (Glibert, 1949); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian): Poland (Friedberg 1914; Bałuk 1970, 1975), Vienna Basin, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1856; Tejkal et al. 1967; Schultz 1998), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960), Hungary (Strausz 1966), Romania (Moisescu 1955; Stancu & Andreescu 1968); Proto-Mediterranean (Serravallian): Karaman Basin, Turkey (Eru ̈ nal-Erentoz 1958). Upper Miocene: northeastern Atlantic (Tortonian and Messinian), NW France (Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2018); Proto-Mediterranean (Tortonian), Po Basin, Italy (Sacco 1896 b), Tunisia (Stchepinsky 1938). Lower Pliocene: North Sea Basin, England (Wood 1848; Harmer 1918), Belgium (Glibert 1958; Marquet 1997 b); Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864), NW France (Brébion 1964; Van Dingenen et al. 2016), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (González-Delgado 1986; Landau et al. 2011), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); western Mediterranean, NE Spain, (Martinell & Domenéch 1984; Solsona 1998), Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1879); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Palla 1967; Caprotti 1974; Anfossi et al. 1983; Baroncelli 2001; Brunetti & Cresti 2018); Tunisia (Fekih 1975). Upper Pliocene: Atlantic, Mondego Basin, Portugal (Zbyszewski 1959; Silva 2001); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (Landau et al. 2004 a); central Mediterranean, Italy (Malatesta 1974; Cavallo & Repetto 1992). Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene: NW France (Brébion 1964), central Mediterranean, Italy (Brunetti & Vecchi 2015). Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1912; Taviani et al. 1998).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3E0969FF1DFF77FE697562.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Serpulorbis polyphragma Sassi, 1827 (Guettard 1770: 143), by subsequent designation (Keen 1961). Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3E0968FF1DFE8FFB0677B7.taxon	description	Plate 2 L	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3E0968FF1DFE8FFB0677B7.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 33.0 mm, width 24.0 mm. DBUA-F 869 - 1 (1), Ponta dos Cedros, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3E0968FF1DFE8FFB0677B7.taxon	description	Description. Shell large, solid, vermiform, irregularly coiled, circular in cross-section. Protoconch not preserved. Azorean specimen solitary (can be several cemented together attached to a substrate, stones or more commonly other shells). Early teleoconch whorls not preserved. Intermediate whorls irregularly and loosely coiled, with frequent changes in direction, marked by opisthocyrt scars, representing the position of previous apertures. Sculpture consists of fine, close-set, granular cords of alternate strength (worn in Azorean specimen). The last whorl straight, hardly coiled, sculpture strengthening toward aperture. Aperture circular, holostomous.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3E0968FF1DFE8FFB0677B7.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Thylacodes arenarius (Linnaeus, 1758) is widely distributed geographically and stratigraphically. For discussion, see Landau et al. (2013: 67).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3E0968FF1DFE8FFB0677B7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean (Burdigalian), Colli Torinesi, Italy (Sacco 1896 b). Lower-middle Miocene: North Sea Basin (late Burdigalian-Langhian), Belgium (Glibert 1952 b), Netherlands (Janssen 1984). Middle Miocene: Atlantic (Aquitanian-Serravallian), Aquitaine Basin, (Cossmann & Peyrot 1924), (Langhian): Loire Basin, France (Glibert 1949); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian), Poland (Friedberg 1914, 1938; Bałuk 1975), Vienna Basin, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1856; Schultz 1998), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960), Hungary (Csepreghy-Meznerics 1954; Strausz 1966), Romania (Moisescu 1955; Stancu & Andreescu 1968), Bosnia (Atanackovicì 1969; Eremija 1971), Ukraine (Zelinskaya et al. 1968); Proto-Mediterranean (Serravallian), Karaman Basin, Turkey (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian and Messinian): NW France (Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2018); Proto-Mediterranean (Tortonian): Po Basin, Italy (Sacco 1896 b). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864), NW France (Brébion 1964; Van Dingenen et al. 2016), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (González-Delgado 1986; Landau et al. 2011; Brunetti 2022), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2004 a), NE Spain, (Solsona 1998), Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1879); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Palla 1967; Caprotti 1974; Anfossi et al. 1983; Brunetti & Cresti 2018); Tunisia (Fekih 1975). Upper Pliocene: Atlantic, Mondego Basin, Portugal (Zbyszewski 1959; Silva 2001); central Mediterranean, Italy (Malatesta 1974; Cavallo & Repetto 1992). Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene: NW France (Brébion, 1964). Pleistocene: western Mediterranean, Balearic Islands (Cuerda Barceló 1987); central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1912). Present-day: Atlantic, Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, archipelagos of Madeira, Selvagens and Cabo Verde and Mediterranean (Poppe & Goto 1991).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3F0968FF1DFB4BFCBA714F.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Alvania europea Risso, 1826 (= Turbo cimex Linnaeus, 1758) (Risso 1826: 140), by subsequent designation (Nevill 1885). Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3F096BFF1DFA63FB78724A.taxon	description	Plate 2 M 1 - M 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3F096BFF1DFA63FB78724A.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 4.0 mm, width 2.2 mm. DBUA-F 1296 - 3 (1), Malbusca, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3F096BFF1DFA63FB78724A.taxon	description	Description. Shell relatively large, rissoiform, imperforate. Protoconch not preserved in Azorean specimen. Teleoconch of four weakly convex, almost flat-sided whorls, with the periphery just above abapical suture. Subsutural ramp narrow delimited by first spiral cord. Suture undulating and weakly impressed. Sculpture of axial ribs and spiral cords, about half as wide as their interspaces, forming a square reticulate pattern. Axial sculpture of strong, slightly prosocline, rounded ribs. Spiral sculpture of strong rounded cords, two on early whorls, three on penultimate, seven on last whorl, with pointed tubercles developed at sculptural intersection. Last whorl about 70 % of total height, with three of the spiral cords placed above the aperture. Aperture ovate, peristome complete. Outer lip greatly thickened by broad labial varix bearing coarse tubercles where the spiral cords run onto the lip, inner edge bevelled, bearing about seven denticles within, anal sinus shallow. Peristome broad and greatly thickened.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3F096BFF1DFA63FB78724A.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The Azorean specimen is somewhat worn and missing its protoconch. Nevertheless, the relatively large, solid shell with coarsely cancellate sculpture is typical of Alvania cancellata (da Costa, 1778). Mayer (1864: 57) recorded the species as Rissoina crenulata Michaud, 1830 which is a synonym of A. cancellata. Two present-day Mediterranean species have similarly strong cancellate sculpture, A. hirta (Monterosato, 1884) and A. subcrenulata (B. D. D. 1884), but they are both smaller. The former only has two spiral cords placed above the aperture on the last whorl and the latter has four as opposed to three in A. cancellata. For further discussion, see Landau et al. (2004 a: 36 - 37). Amati (1987: 28) considered specimens from the Azores previously identified as A. cancellata to represent an endemic species which he named Manzonia (Alvinia) sleursi. He considered A. cancellata not to occur living in the Azores. However, subsequent works by many authors (e. g., Gofas 1990; Hoenselaar & Goud 1998; Ávila et al. 2010) clearly demonstrate that Alvania cancellata is present in the Azores today. Identification of Alvania species in the absence of their protoconch is not easy. However, the specimen identified as A. cancellata herein has a conical spire rather than the strongly scalate spire seen in A. sleursi and has six spiral cords on the last whorl as opposed to five. Alvania sleursi also occurs in the Azorean Pliocene and is discussed below.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3F096BFF1DFA63FB78724A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864); central Mediterannean, Italy (Chirli 2006; Brunetti & Cresti 2018; Tabanelli et al. 2020). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, S. Spain (Landau et al. 2004 a); central Mediterranean, Italy (Malatesta 1974; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Tabanelli et al. 2011). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1914; Malatesta 1960). Pleistocene (intermediate): western Mediterranean, Balearic Islands (Cuerda Barceló, 1987); eastern Mediterranean, Rhodes Island (Chirli & Linse 2011). Last Interglacial, MIS 5 e, Santa Maria Island (Callapez & Soares 2000; Ávila et al. 2002, 2009 b, 2010). Present-day: Atlantic, British Isles (Fretter & Graham 1978), south into the Mediterranean, Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canary Islands, Cabo Verde and NW Africa (Ávila et al., 2012 b). Also reported from S „ o Tomé Island (Fernandes & Rolán 1993), low tide line to 90 m depth (Poppe & Goto 1991).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3C096AFF1DF99AFD8E776B.taxon	description	Plate 3 A 1 - A 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3C096AFF1DF99AFD8E776B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria Material examined. Maximum height 2.1 mm, width 1.2 mm. DBUA-F 962 - 2 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria, Azores.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3C096AFF1DF99AFD8E776B.taxon	description	Description. Shell medium sized for genus, rissoiform, imperforate, with conical spire. Protoconch and early teleoconch whorls not preserved. Penultimate whorl almost flat sided, with periphery at abapical cord placed just above suture. Suture deeply impressed. Sculpture on penultimate whorl of 16 narrow, slightly prosocline ribs, overrun by four subequal spiral cords. Small, rounded tubercles developed at sculptural intersection. Last whorl evenly ovate, with five tubercles cords above the level of the aperture and four non-tubercular cords over the base. Aperture ovate-pyriform, outer lip thickened by varix, with beveled edge, six weak denticles within, anal sinus weakly developed. Columella oblique, peristome complete.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3C096AFF1DF99AFD8E776B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Alvania mediolittoralis Gofas, 1989 is an extant endemic species from the Azores and Madeira with a paucispiral protoconch. The Azorean specimen at hand is missing the apex and half of the first teleoconch whorl. However, the conical spire profile, the whorls separated by deep canaliculate suture, and the character of the sculpture with five tubercular cords above the aperture and three or four smooth cords over the base, are consistent with the species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3C096AFF1DF99AFD8E776B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper). Present-day: Atlantic, Azores (Gofas 1989; Hoenselaar & Goud 1998; Ávila 2000; Ávila et al. 2005; Martins et al. 2009; Ávila et al. 2009 b), Madeira (Hoenselaar & Goud 1998).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3D0975FF1DFC87FAAB75D3.taxon	description	Plate 3 B, C 1 - C 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3D0975FF1DFC87FAAB75D3.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 3.2 mm, width 1.8 mm. DBUA-F 962 - 3 (1), DBUA-F 1058 - A (1), DBUA-F 827 - B (3), DBUA-F 471 - 4 (1), Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 1044 - A (1), Pedra-que-pica, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3D0975FF1DFC87FAAB75D3.taxon	description	Description. Shell medium sized for genus, rissoiform, imperforate, with scalate spire. Protoconch paucispiral, of 1.5 whorls, nucleus medium sized, post-nuclear whorl bearing spiral cords. Teleoconch of three shouldered whorls, subsutural ramp moderately wide, delimited by adapical spiral cord, weakly convex below. Suture undulating and weakly impressed. Sculpture of axial ribs and spiral cords, about one-third as wide as their interspaces, forming a square reticulate pattern. Axial sculpture of strong, orthocline, rounded ribs, about 14 on penultimate whorl. Spiral sculpture of strong rounded cords, two on spire whorls, with a third appearing just above the abapical suture on second half of penultimate whorl with pointed tubercles developed at sculptural intersection. Last whorl 70 % of total height, with three spirals placed above aperture, two further spirals over base. Aperture ovate, peristome complete. Outer lip greatly thickened by broad labial varix bearing coarse tubercles where the spiral cords run onto the lip, inner edge bevelled, smooth within, anal sinus shallow. Peristome broad and greatly thickened.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3D0975FF1DFC87FAAB75D3.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Alvania sleursi (Amati, 1987) is characterised by its paucispiral protoconch bearing spiral cords, scalate spire whorls, and coarsely cancellate teleoconch sculpture with two spiral cords on spire whorls and three above the aperture on the last whorl. The Pliocene specimens from the Azores are some of the few in which the protoconch is preserved and confirms the identification. Today, A. sleursi is reported from the Azores, Madeira and Selvagens (Hoenselaar & Goud 1998: Ávila 2000 b; Freitas et al. 2019). It seems therefore, that these two species of Alvania species (A. mediolittoralis and A. sleursi) was already present in the Lower Pliocene. For further discussion see under A. cancellata (da Costa, 1778).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3D0975FF1DFC87FAAB75D3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Meireles et al. 2013). Present-day, Atlantic, Azores (Amati 1987; Hoenselaar & Goud 1998; Ávila 2000; Martins et al. 2009; Ávila et al. 2009 b; Amati & Chiarelli 2017), Madeira and Selvagens Archipelago (Hoenselaar & Goud 1998). Genus Rissoina d’Orbigny, 1840	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C3D0975FF1DFC87FAAB75D3.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Rissoina inca d’Orbigny, 1840 (d’Orbigny 1840: 394), by monotypy. Present-day, Peru.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C220974FF1DFE3AFA9E76FB.taxon	description	Plate 3 D 1 - D 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C220974FF1DFE3AFA9E76FB.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 6.5 mm, width 2.3 mm. DBUA-F 488 - 1 (2), DBUA-F 827 - G (17), Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 1295 - I (2), Malbusca (east cave); DBUA-F 830 - B (1), 1292 - D (1), DBUA-F 826 - A (2), Ponta dos Frades; DBUA-F 1287 - A (1), DBUA-F 1027 - D (9), 1189 (3), 1189 A, F (2), Pedra-que-pica, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C220974FF1DFE3AFA9E76FB.taxon	description	Description. Shell small, solid, moderately slender rissoiniform, slightly scalate spire. Protoconch not preserved in Azorean material. Teleoconch of six to seven initially convex, later almost flat-sided whorls, with periphery at abapical suture. Suture finely undulating, deeply impressed. Axial sculpture of close-set, slightly opisthocline to orthocline, narrow rounded ribs, slightly narrower than their interspaces, 18 - 22 on penultimate whorl. Spiral sculpture of very fine, close-set threads, visible only in axial interspaces and slightly stronger irregular cords over base. Last whorl about 50 % of total height, weakly convex below suture, rounded at base. Aperture ovate, about 35 % total height; outer lip thickened by strong labial varix, expanded abapically, smooth within, anal sinus narrow V-shaped; siphonal canal marked by small narrow notch at medial border of outer lip. Columella broadly excavated in mid-portion. Columellar and parietal callus strongly thickened forming narrow callus rim, with small tubercle formed at medial border of siphonal canal and small parietal pad developed. Intraspecific variability. The number and thickness of the axial ribs is somewhat variable. The Azorean specimen have slightly fewer ribs (14 vs. 18 - 22) but otherwise comparable.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C220974FF1DFE3AFA9E76FB.taxon	discussion	Discussion. This species is characterized by the close-set, weakly opisthocline to orthocline axial ribs and poorly developed, irregular spiral sculpture. Several similar species are known from the European Neogene assemblages. Rissoina exdecussata Sacco, 1895 from the French Atlantic Pontilevian, Middle Miocene has less numerous, more strongly opisthocline axial ribs and stronger spiral sculpture. The Mediterranean Miocene to Recent R. bruguierei (Payraudeau, 1826) has even fewer axial ribs than the previous species, with stronger spiral sculpture, giving the ornament a somewhat serrated appearance. The specimen of R. bruguierei figured by Cavallo & Repetto (1992: fig. 084) is identical to our specimens from Estepona and shows a shell with numerous, almost orthocline ribs and a subobsolete spiral sculpture, quite unlike the illustrations of the Recent R. bruguierei in Giannuzzi-Savelli et al. (1997: 118, fig. 507). Specimens from the Neogene Paratethys ascribed to Rissoina pusilla by H ̂ rnes (1856: 557, pl. 48, fig. 4) and Friedberg (1914: 358, pl. 20, fig. 22) represent a separate species, R. podolica Cossmann, 1921 (see Bałuk 1975: 90). As noted under the intraspecific variability, the Azorean specimens have slightly fewer ribs. They are otherwise similar to the Mediterranean specimens and bearing in mind the poor preservation of the material at hand, they are considered conspecific. Mayer (1864: 57) described a further specimen from Bocca [sic] da Cré (= Cré; for discussion on the location of this outcrop see Madeira et al. 2007), Santa Maria Island, under the name Rissoina bronni Mayer, 1864. Judging from the original figure, this specimen is somewhat slenderer than usual for R. pusilla, not unlike one of the specimens illustrated by Chirli (2006: pl. 24, figs. 1). However, we do not formally synonymise the two as we do not have any specimen of R. pusilla from Cré.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C220974FF1DFE3AFA9E76FB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: central Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Zunino & Pavia 2009). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864); western Mediterranean, NE Spain (BL pers. comm.; NHMW coll.); central Mediterranean, Italy (Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Chirli 2006; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010; Tabanelli et al. 2011; Brunetti & Cresti 2018; Tabanelli et al. 2020). Upper Pliocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Brunetti & Vecchi 2014), western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, S. Spain (Landau et al. 2004 a).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C230974FF1DFC87FEF17793.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Sigaretus problematicus Deshayes, 1864 (Cossmann 1888: 184), by original designation. Middle Eocene, France.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C230977FF1DFBDFFBAA7747.taxon	description	Plate 3 E 1 - E 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C230977FF1DFBDFFBAA7747.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 1.4 mm, width 3.1 mm. DBUA-F 1023 - 3 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C230977FF1DFBDFFBAA7747.taxon	description	Description. Shell small, fragile, depressed, auriform, perforate, with very low depressed spire. Protoconch paucispiral, consists of 1.4 smooth convex whorls, with a medium-sized nucleus, coiled slightly obliquely to shell axis. Junction with teleoconch sharply delimited by prosocline scar. Teleoconch consists of 1.25 flattened whorls, with periphery at abapical suture. Suture linear, deeply impressed. Sculpture of numerous, rounded, subequal spiral cords, broader than their interspaces. Axial sculpture absent, except for growth lines. Last whorl greatly expanded and depressed, weakly convex and roundly angular at periphery. Base convex, devoid of spiral sculpture, but bearing prominent close-set axial growth lamellae. Aperture large, ovate. Outer lip thin, without labial varix, smooth within and regularly convex. Columella rectilinear, not thickened, forming the medial border of the wide umbilicus. Umbilicus very wide, about two-thirds diameter of base, deep, with rounded edge, walls tapering inwards gently, sculptured with strong axial growth lines within.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C230977FF1DFBDFFBAA7747.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The teleoconch characteristics; small, depressed shell, auriform, with a wide umbilicus and an oblique aperture, coincide well with the genus Macromphalina Cossmann, 1888. The protoconch characteristics, as described by Rubio & Rolán (1993: 48); three to four whorls, with a sculpture of spiral cords and fine axial ribs typical of species with planktotrophic development, are not seen in this species, which has a smooth paucispiral protoconch suggestive of non-planktotrophic development. The same authors (1998) described numerous members of the genus from the Recent Caribbean, some of which also have smooth paucispiral protoconchs also suggestive of non-planktotrophic development (i. e., M. floridana Moore, 1965, M. apexplanum Rolán & Rubio, 1998, and M. susoi Rolán & Rubio, 1998). Therefore, the protoconch characteristics are not genus specific in this group (Landau et al. 2004 a: 77). We consider the Azorean specimen conspecific with that from the Atlantic Lower Piacenzian Upper Pliocene, Estepona Basin of Spain, illustrated by Landau et al. [2004 a: pl. 16, fig. 3 (except 3 e), pl. 17, fig. 4)] as Macromphalina depressa (Boettger, 1907). The spiral sculpture is not as evident in the Azorean specimen because it is somewhat decalcified. Originally described from the middle Miocene Paratethys, the Estepona occurrence was the first Pliocene record for the species. Subsequently, it has been recorded in the Lower Pliocene central Mediterranean of Italy (Brunetti & Cresti, 2018) and now from the mid-Atlantic oceanic islands (hoc opus). No Recent European species are similar to M. depressa. Two present-day West African species also have prominent spiral sculpture. The most similar, M. dautzenbergi Adam & Knudsen, 1969 has spiral sculpture of similar strength, but a protoconch of 2.5 whorls, which is coiled more obliquely to the axis of the teleoconch and bears some spiral sculpture. Macromphalina gofasi Rubio & Rolán, 1993 has a more elevated shell, with a strong angulation at the base and a sculpture of broader spiral cords. It again has a protoconch consisting of 2.5 whorls.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C230977FF1DFBDFFBAA7747.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene: Paratethys, Poland (Bałuk 1995), Romania (Boettger 1907). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper); central Mediterranean, Italy (Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2004 a).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C200977FF1DFBFBFAC47003.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Patella chinensis Linnaeus, 1758 (Lamarck 1799: 78), by monotypy. Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C200971FF1DFB2FFF5A75AF.taxon	description	Plate 3 F	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C200971FF1DFB2FFF5A75AF.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum diameter 18.0 mm. DBUA-F 926 - 1 (1), Malbusca 2 (internal mould), Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C200971FF1DFB2FFF5A75AF.taxon	description	Description. It is not possible based on the Azorean material. For description of fossil specimens see Landau et al. (2004 a: 71).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C200971FF1DFB2FFF5A75AF.taxon	discussion	Discussion. As discussed by Landau et al. (2004 a, 2013, 2020), this species has an extremely variable shell in both profile and sculpture. Having said this, the size and position of the protoconch varies between populations and it is possible that it represents a species complex rather than a single taxon (B. Landau pers. obs.). Either way, the Azorean material consist of a single internal mould, which we can be ascribed to the genus Calyptraea based on the oblique linear groove left by the internal septum, quite unlike the horse-shoe shaped septum of Cheilea species, which also occurs in the Azores and is the only species with which this could be confused.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C200971FF1DFB2FFF5A75AF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Paratethys (Aquitanian): Vienna Basin, Austria (Schaffer 1912); Proto-Mediterranean (Burdigalian): Colli Torinesi, Italy (Sacco 1896 b). Lower-Middle Miocene: NSB (late Burdigalian-Langhian): Belgium (Glibert 1952 b), Germany (Anderson 1964), Netherlands (Janssen 1984). Middle Miocene: Atlantic (Langhian-Serravallian): Aquitaine Basin, France, (Cossmann & Peyrot 1919), (Langhian): Loire Basin, France (Glibert 1949); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian): Poland (Friedberg 1923; Bałuk 1975), Vienna Basin, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1856; Schultz 1998), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960), Hungary (Strausz 1966), Ukraine (Zelinskaya et al. 1968), eastern Paratethys (Iljina 1993); Proto-Mediterranean (Burdigalian-Langhian): NE Spain (Solsona 1998), (Serravallian): Karaman Basin, Turkey (Fischer 1866; Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian): NW France (Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2020), Cacela Basin, Portugal (Glibert 1963), Seville, southwestern Spain (Cárdenas et al. 2019); Proto-Mediterranean (Tortonian and Messinian): Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Venzo & Pelosio 1963; Boschele et al. 2021). Lower Pliocene: NSB, Coralline Crag, England (Wood 1848; Harmer 1921), Belgium (Glibert 1958; Marquet 1998 a); Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper); NW France (Brébion 1964; Van Dingenen et al. 2016), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (González-Delgado 1988; Landau et al. 2011; Brunetti 2022), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); NE Spain (Martinell 1979), Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1879); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Palla 1967; Caprotti 1974; Brunetti & Cresti 2018), Tunisia (Fekih 1975). Upper Pliocene: NSB, Red Crag, England (Wood 1848; Harmer 1921), Belgium (Glibert 1958; Marquet 1998); Atlantic, Pombal Basin, Portugal (Silva 2001), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2004 a); central Mediterranean, Italy (Malatesta 1974; Chirli 1988; Cavallo & Repetto 1992). Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene: NW France (Brébion 1964). Pleistocene: Atlantic, British Isles (Glibert 1963), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1912; Taviani et al. 1998; Brunetti & Vecchi 2016), Sicily (Glibert 1963); eastern Mediterranean (Chirli & Linse 2011). Present-day: northeastern Atlantic, British Isles to Zaire, Madeira and Canaries, Mediterranean, Black Sea (Poppe & Goto 1991).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C260971FF1DFD1BFE5377B7.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Cypraea infernoi Cerulli-Irelli, 1911 (Tomlin 1930: 24), by typification of replaced name. Pleistocene, Italy. Nom. nov. pro Globulina Cerulli-Irelli, 1911, non d’Orbigny, 1839 [Foraminifera], non Wagner, 1905 [Helicinidae]. Tomlin cited Cypraea utriculata Lamarck, 1811 as the type species of Schilderia, but this is not valid under Art. 67.8 (ICZN, 1999).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C260970FF1DFBFBFF5A761F.taxon	description	Plate 3 G 1 - G 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C260970FF1DFBFBFF5A761F.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 24.0 mm, width 15.0 mm. DBUA-F 869 - 2 (1), DBUA-F 867 (1), Ponta dos Cedros; DBUA-F 1295 - D (1), Malbusca (west cave); DBUA-F 161 - 10 (1), Pedreira do Campo; one specimen from LNEG collection (unnumbered), unknown locality, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C260970FF1DFBFBFF5A761F.taxon	description	Description. Azorean material too incomplete for description. See Landau & Fehse (2004: 8).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C260970FF1DFBFBFF5A761F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The best preserved specimen is an unnumbered complete adult in the LNEG collection, photographed by one of us (August 2012, SPA). Unfortunately, the specimen is slightly rotated on apertural view, and the photograph out of focus on dorsal view. On a subsequent visit to rephotograph the specimen it could no longer be found (May 2022, CS). The other Azorean specimens consist of fragments and internal moulds. Schilderia flavicula (Lamarck, 1810) and Schilderia garonettii Fehse, 2004, have a more elongated shell. Zonaria porcellus (Brocchi, 1814) is much larger with a more produced anterior extremity. Schilderia utriculata is a typically Mediterranean Pliocene species that survived into the early Pleistocene before becoming extinct. This would be the first Atlantic record for the species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C260970FF1DFBFBFF5A761F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene:? Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper); central Mediterranean, Italy (Chirli 2008; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau & Fehse 2004); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1894; Pavia & Demagistris 1970; Inzani 1985; Fehse 2001 c, 2004), Cyprus, Algeria (Inzani 1985). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1911; Malatesta 1960).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270970FF1DFD1BFB797723.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Voluta cypraeola Brocchi, 1814 (Risso 1826: 240), by monotypy. Pliocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270973FF1DFC4EFADD76FB.taxon	description	Plate 3 H 1 - H 3, I 1 - I 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270973FF1DFC4EFADD76FB.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype DBUA-F 1189 - C 1, height 7.7 mm, width 5.3 mm (Plate 3 H 1 - H 3), Pedra-que-pica; paratype DBUA-F 1291 - 1, height 8.9 mm, width 6.0 mm (Plate 3 I 1 - I 3), Ponta dos Frades. Santa Maria Island, Azores. Other material. Maximum height 8.9 mm, width 6.0 mm. DBUA-F 830 - A (1), DBUA-F 1292 - C (2), Ponta dos Frades; DBUA-F 469 (1), DBUA-F 1058 - C (1), DBUA-F 471 - G (2), Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 1189 - C 2 (1), Pedra-que-pica, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Type locality. Pedra-que-pica, Santa Maria Island, Azores. Type stratum. Touril Complex. Age. Lower Pliocene, Zanclean	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270973FF1DFC4EFADD76FB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after Karl David Wilhelm Mayer-Eymar (1826 – 1907), Franco-Swiss palaeontologist and geologist, in recognition of his pioneering work on the Santa Maria fossil assemblages. Erato gender feminine.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270973FF1DFC4EFADD76FB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Erato species of medium size for genus, solid, without pustules or dorsal sulcus, greatly thickened outer lip with finely denticulate inner edge, two terminal folds.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270973FF1DFC4EFADD76FB.taxon	description	Description. Shell medium sized for genus, solid, pyriform. Protoconch and spire whorls covered by callus, spire short. Last whorl greatly inflated, moderately constricted at anterior terminal. Dorsum smooth, rounded, without dorsal sulcus. Aperture about 90 % of total height, straight and narrow. Outer lip greatly thickened; smooth, inner edge finely denticulated. Columella almost straight, inner edge obscured by matrix, two terminal folds variably developed.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270973FF1DFC4EFADD76FB.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Erato mayeri nov. sp. is represented by several relatively well-preserved individuals in the Santa Maria Lower Pliocene assemblages. The outer lip is invariably greatly thickened and the inner labial teeth very fine. There are two folds in the terminal area strongly (Fig. 3 H 1) to weakly (Fig. 3 I 1) developed. The NE Atlantic and Mediterranean Erato voluta Montagu, 1803 differs in being higher spired, having stronger outer lip denticles and a single terminal fold. The Azorean species is most like E. prayensis Rochebrune, 1882, reported from present-day Cabo Verde and northwestern Africa, with which it shares a low spire, fine denticulation and bearing two folds at the terminal end of the columella. However, the shells of the extant West African species are characterised by surface pustules placed around the spire and subsutural area. None of the Santa Maria specimens have pustules. The Pliocene Mediterranean Erato species were reviewed by Fehse & Landau (2002). Of these, the Azorean species is most similar in profile to Erato subalata Sacco, 1894, but in that species the adapical portion of the outer lip is somewhat alate and it has strong apertural dentition that covers the inner half of the outer lip and the abapical portion of columella. Erato pieris De Stefani & Pantanelli, 1879, is larger shelled and again has stronger apertural dentition. In having weak apertural dentition, the Azorean species is most like E. elongata Seguenza, 1880, but that species is more elongate, has a narrower outer lip, and especially the anterior terminal is more produced. Erato pernana Sacco, 1894, like the Azorean species, has a bifid terminal fold but is smaller and stockier. The diversity of Erato in the European Pliocene was much greater than it is today, with different species present along the European Eastern Atlantic Frontage (see Van Dingenen et al. 2016) at the level of NW France (subtropical Pliocene French-Iberian palaeobiogeographic Province) and the Mediterranean (tropical Pliocene Mediterranean-West African Province) (Fehse & Landau 2002). All these species disappeared sometime between the mid-Pliocene cooling event and the Pleistocene, leaving only E. voluta, along the European Atlantic coast, Madeira, Canary Islands, and into the Mediterranean (Hernández et al. 2011: 158), and E. prayensis in Cabo Verde and NW Africa.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C270973FF1DFC4EFADD76FB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss, 1862; Mayer, 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C240973FF1DFCFFFEAA77DB.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Cypraea californiana Gray, 1827 (Fehse & Grego 2014: 14), by original designation. Present-day, California.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C240972FF1DFC17FB7B704B.taxon	description	Plate 3 J 1 - J 4	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C240972FF1DFC17FB7B704B.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype height 8.0 mm, width 6.0 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Mayer (1864: 85) wrote that he had received two specimens from the Heidelberg Museum. Fehse & Grego (2014: 54) alleged that the two specimens were sold to the USA. Those authors were unable to find any type material in Germany, Switzerland or the USA. They designated a neotype from the Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, from the locality of Baoranco [sic; Barranco] Seco, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The type material must have been lost sometime after 1967, as Schilder’s (1967: 74) shell formula was based on four specimens (see Historical section for further discussion). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 9.0 mm, width 6.5 mm. DBUA-F 469 - 1 (2), DBUA-F 937 - C (1), Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 1210 (1), DBUA-F 1428 - B (2), Ponta dos Cedros; DBUA-F 1189 - D (1), Pedra-que-pica; DBUA-F 1016 (1), Malbusca, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Original description. “ Unter den kleinen Trivia-artigen Cypräen von etwa 3 bis 4 Länge ausgezeichnet durch die anfänglich geringste Anzahl, gr ̂ sste Schärfe und nachherige stärkste Verästelung der Queerrippen. Am meisten stimmt sie mit C. Europaea Mtg. bei H ̂ rnes ̧ berein, die aber ebenfalls mehr und feinere Rippchen hat. (Fig. e ist von der Seite in nat ̧ rlicher Gr ̂ sse gesehen.) [Among the small Trivia - like cypraeids of about 3 to 4 [?] lengths, distinguished by the initially smallest number, and sharpness and subsequently strongest bifurcations of the transversal ribs. It most agrees with C. Europaea Mtg. at H ̂ rnes, which also has more and finer ribs. (Fig. e is seen from the side in natural size.)] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 24). Latin description. “ Testa parva, ovata, ventre subdepressa, labro externo marginata; dorso gibbo linea mediana impresso utrinque noduloso, nodulis septenis vel octonis in costulas acutas semel aut bis furcatas excurrentibus; costulis labii utriusque 16 - 18, aliis 1 - 2 brevioribus. ” (Bronn in Reiss, 1862: 24). Revised description. “ Shell small, solid and ovate. Spire covered by callus. Body whorl elongated-globose and rounded, almost 90 % total of height. Terminals not produced with blunt tips. Dorsum roundly elevated, completely covered by 6 fine, irregular ribs, which are somewhat wavy and frequently branched on both dorsal sides. A short, incised dorsal sulcus extends longitudinally across the centre of the dorsum, bisecting all of the ribs, the latter not thickened adjacent to the furrow. Ventrum convex. The aperture narrows over its entire length. Labrum broadened, convex, widest in mid-portion becoming narrower towards the terminals and regularly rounded. Out margin angularly callused. The lip bear 12 - 16 fine, equal teeth. Siphonal and anal canals follow the shell profile. Parietal lip almost straight, slightly keeled, crossed by 11 - 14 ribs. Fossula concave and not clearly delimited from the rest of the columella. Inner fossular edge slightly protruded. ” (Fehse & Grego, 2014: 54). Intraspecific variation. The material at hand from the type island of Santa Maria has 14 labial denticles and 14 columella denticles. The ribs on the dorsum of the only complete specimen fade some distance from the apex leaving a smooth elongated area at the top. The Santa Maria specimens differ from those from the Canary Islands in having a broader smooth dorsal area and they seem to have a wider aperture. They probably represent the same species, but it would have been preferable to choose a neotype from the type locality.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C240972FF1DFC17FB7B704B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Fehse & Grego (2014: 47) erected the genus Pseudopusula based mainly on radula morphology. According to those authors the dorsal depression distinguishes Pseudopusula from Trivia Broderip, 1837, Pusula Jousseaume, 1884 and Quasipusula Fehse & Grego, 2014. We await molecular data to verify the validity of these genus groups. Pseudopusula canariensis (Rothpletz & Simonelli, 1890) from Gran Canaria was said to differ from P. parcicosta in having a slenderer shell and more numerous ribs (original description: 19 labral, 15 columellar). The number of labral and columellar ribs seen in the neotype illustrated by Fehse & Grego (2014: pl. 27, figs. 172) does have more ribs. However, a further specimen from Las Palmas (2014: pl. 16, figs. 96) has fewer ribs and it is closely similar to the Santa Maria specimens of P. parcicosta. It is possible that these shells represent extreme forms of a single species, as already suggested by Fehse & Grego (2014: 59).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C240972FF1DFC17FB7B704B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864; Zbyszewski & Ferreira 1962), Gran Canaria (Mayer 1864), Las Palmas (Fehse & Grego 2014).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C250972FF1DFAF7FA2171BF.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Strombus latus Gmelin, 1791 (Dekkers 2008: 35), by original designation. Present-day, West Africa.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C25097DFF1DF9F3FAD07100.taxon	description	Plate 4 A	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C25097DFF1DF9F3FAD07100.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 119.1 mm, width 107.2 mm. Figueiral: CIADP-F 32 (1) Casa dos Fósseis Museum, Santa Maria (collection Dalberto Pombo); DBUA-F 1011 (2), DBUA-F 1236 (1), DBUA-F 533 (1), Malbusca; DBUA-F 928 - A (1), Malbusca, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C25097DFF1DF9F3FAD07100.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Dekkers (2008) erected the genus Tethystrombus with the West African Strombus latus Gmelin, 1791 as type species. He included in his new genus the European fossil Strombus bubonius Lamarck, 1822 and S. coronatus Defrance, 1827. The ongoing heated discussion as to the phylogeny of this group (i. e., Dekkers, 2008, vs. Kronenberg & Vermeij 2002) will not be entered into here. The presence of Tethystrombus coronatus (Defrance, 1827) in the Santa Maria assemblages and its biogeographic, palaeoecological and palaeoclimatological implications were fully discussed in Ávila et al. (2016 b).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C25097DFF1DF9F3FAD07100.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene: Atlantic, Aquitaine Basin (Cossmann & Peyrot 1924), Loire Basin (Glibert 1949). Upper Miocene: Atlantic, Portugal (Pereira da Costa 1867); Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1893). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Ávila et al. 2015 b, 2016 b, 2018 a, 2020 a, 2022; Rebelo et al. 2016; Uchman et al. 2017, 2020; Dávid et al. 2021), Madeira and Porto Santo (Mayer 1864), Canary Islands (Meco 1977), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); western Mediterranean, NE Spain, (Martinell 1979; Martinell & Marquina 1981), France (Fontannes 1879; Chirli & Richard 2008); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1893; Pavia 1976 a; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Chirli 2008; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010; Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Upper Pliocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Brunetti & Vecchi 2016), western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (Landau et al. 2004 a).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2A097DFF1DF9BEFA8572BF.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Murex parfaiti de Folin, 1887 (de Folin 1887: 211), by monotypy. Present-day, NE Atlantic.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2A097FFF1DF8F2FDF077B7.taxon	description	Plate 4 B	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2A097FFF1DF8F2FDF077B7.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 9.0 mm, width 6.0 mm. Two specimens from LNEG collection (unnumbered specimen), Ponta do Norte lighthouse, DBUA-F 829 - 1 (1) Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 830 - D (1), Ponta dos Frades; one specimen from LNEG collection (unnumbered), Ponta dos Cedros, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2A097FFF1DF8F2FDF077B7.taxon	description	Description. ‘ coriacea form’: “ Shell medium-sized, solid, fusiform, slightly dorsoventrally compressed, with an elevated, scalate spire. Protoconch dome-shaped, of 3.25 smooth convex whorls, diameter 2.0 mm, height 1.83 mm, with small nucleus, diameter 0.29 mm, suture impressed. Junction with teleoconch sharply delimited, prosocline. Teleoconch of five angular whorls separated by superficial, linear suture. Spire whorls with very broad, concave sutural ramp, delimited by rounded spiral cord forming periphery, and by narrow concave abapical potion. Axial sculpture of 11 - 12 almost obsolete ribs, developed only on spiral sculpture, where small, rounded nodules are formed. Entire teleoconch surface covered in fine spiral sculpture of horizontally elongate granules. Varices present on all whorls at intervals of c. 190 º. Last whorl approximately 70 % total height, convex, slightly angled at shoulder just above mid-whorl, rounded at base. Last whorl bears four subobsolete nodular cords, adapical cord most strongly developed and most nodular; cords weaken abapically. Aperture ovate, approximately 50 % total height. Outer lip convex, thickened by prominent labial varix, deticulate within, with four to five sets of denticles, each set consisting of two or, in a few specimens, three denticles. Anal canal shallow, narrow; siphonal canal short, narrow, strongly adaxially recurved. Columella concave, with narrow parietal fold, below which entire columella bears numerous irregular elongate ridges. Parietal and columellar callus thickened, weakly expanded, sharply delimited. Columellar callus slightly detached over neck. Siphonal fasciole very short, bearing eight to ten finely beaded secondary spiral cords ”. (Landau et al. 2004 b: 67).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2A097FFF1DF8F2FDF077B7.taxon	discussion	Discussion. In their molecular phylogeny of frog shells, Sanders et al. (2020) found the genus Bursa R ̂ ding, 1798 to be polyphyletic, and resurrected the monotypic genus Talisman de Folin, 1887 for the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Murex scrobilator Linnaeus, 1758. As discussed by Landau et al. (2004 b: 67) two forms occur, the ‘ nodosa ’ Borson, 1825 and the ‘ coriacea ’ Reeve 1844. As suggested by the name, the ‘ nodosa ’ form has larger and fewer tubercles placed at the shoulder than the typical Mediterranean form of Talisman scrobilator (Linnaeus, 1758) and the ‘ coriacea ’ form is relatively smooth compared to typical present-day Mediterranean form. Those authors considered these forms to represent extreme morphotypes of a single species. The specimen from the Azores is juvenile but suggests that it belongs to the ‘ coriacea ’ form which today occurs along the west coast of Africa, from Morocco to Angola, including the Azores. In fact, those authors stressed that in the Azores the typical scrobilator and ‘ coriacea ’ forms coexist, suggesting that they do indeed represent a single species. For further discussion, see Landau et al. (2004 b, 2009).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2A097FFF1DF8F2FDF077B7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Talisman scrobilator, ‘ nodosa form’: Middle Miocene: Paratethys Austria, (H ̂ rnes 1856; Landau et al. 2009), Poland (Bałuk 1995). Upper Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1873; Sacco 1904), France (Cossmann & Peyrot 1924). Lower Pliocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1873; Pavia 1976 b; Chirli 2008). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2004 b); central Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1873; Glibert 1963; Sacco 1904; Caprotti 1970; Damarco 1993). Lower Pleistocene: Agaete, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Meco et al. 2002); Balearic Islands (Cuerda Barceló 1987). Talisman scrobilator, ‘ coriacea form’: Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper); Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2011). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al., 2004 b). Lower Pleistocene boundary: Caribbean, Moin Formation, Costa Rica (Gabb, 1881; BLP coll.; Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, many localities; Tulane University collections, now in USNM and IGNS). Present-day: Mediterranean, Straits of Gibraltar, Portugal and Canaries (Hernández et al., 2011), and northern Morocco (B. scrobilator, (“ typical ” form); southwards along the West African coast, Madeira, Cabo Verde Islands and Selvagens Islands (Rolán, 2005) to Angola (“ coriacea ” form); the two forms intergrade at the Azores. Lives on rocky shores, 10 - 100 m depth (Poppe & Goto, 1991).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C28097FFF1DFBFBFDD270DF.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Ranella laevigata Lamarck, 1822 (= Buccinum marginatum Gmelin, 1791) (H. Adams & A. Adams 1853: 106), by monotypy. Pliocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C280979FF1DFB12FF5A71E3.taxon	description	Plate 4 C	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C280979FF1DFB12FF5A71E3.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 28.0 mm, width 20.0 mm. DBUA-F 946 - 1 (1), DBUA-F 1428 - 1 (1), DBUA-F 1428 - A (1), Ponta dos Cedros; DBUA-F 1283 - C (1), Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 165 - 3 (1), Baía da Cré, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C280979FF1DFB12FF5A71E3.taxon	description	Description. “ Shell medium-sized, very solid, ovate, dorsoventrally compressed, with very short spire and globose last whorl. Protoconch dome-shaped, of 3 - 3.5 smooth convex whorls, diameter 2700 µm, height 1910 - 1850 µm, with a medium-sized nucleus, diameter 380 µm, diameter first whorl 640 µm. Junction with teleoconch sharply delimited, prosocline. Teleoconch of four depressed whorls, with periphery at abaxial suture on spire whorls; suture impressed, irregular or slightly undulating. First half teleoconch whorl convex, with sculpture of five rounded spiral cords and 12 - 14 prosocline rounded axial ribs; small-rounded tubercles formed at the sculptural intersections. First varix after first half teleoconch whorl. Intermediate whorls flat-sided, sculpture weakening abapically; cords more numerous than on early whorls, alternating in strength on most specimens, axial ribs subobsolete. Most abapical primary cord becomes slightly stronger, forming weak carina, bearing a row of small tubercles. Sculpture weakens further on last few whorls, cords becoming flattened, carina and tubercles disappearing. Varices present down entire teleoconch at intervals of 180 º, aligned to form two ridges up opposing side of shell. Last whorl globose, approximately 80 % of total height, regularly convex in profile, apertural side somewhat depressed, dorsal side slightly gibbous. Sculpture of flattened spiral cords, irregular or alternate in strength, separated by finely incised grooves. In many specimens sculpture absent from last whorl, surface completely smooth. Aperture elongate-ovate, about 70 % total height, weakly convex, slightly flared abapically. Outer lip thickened by poorly delimited labial varix, bearing five to six groups of denticles within, each group consisting of two to four denticles. Anal canal very long, straight and narrow. Siphonal canal short, relatively narrow, abaxially recurved. Centre of columella deeply concave, bearing one broad parietal ridge delimiting medial border of anal canal, irregular ridges below and three to four denticles on abapical portion. Parietal callus strongly thickened, forming prominent parietal pad. Columellar callus thickened, closely adherent, expanded over abapical half of base. Siphonal fasciole very short, strongly abapically recurved, bearing four to five narrow flattened cords. ” (Landau et al. 2004 b: 70).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C280979FF1DFB12FF5A71E3.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Landau et al. (2004 b: 70) considered the mid Miocene to present-day populations to represent a single species, Aspa marginata (Gmelin, 1791), forming part of an evolutionary lineage with Aspa subgranulata (d’Orbigny, 1852) ancestral to it. The Lower Miocene A. subgranulata has a relatively tall, pointed spire with tubercles on the spire whorls, whereas Pliocene Mediterranean forms have a smooth depressed spire. Middle Miocene specimens examined (Paratethys, eastern Proto-Mediterranean; NHMW coll.) have intermediate spire characters. The Azores specimen is low-spired, typical of the Pliocene form. Since Miocene times, this species has suffered a range contraction due to cooling events and today is found off the coast of West Africa from Morocco to Angola. It is also reported from Madeira, Canaries and Cabo Verde archipelagos. This species is also of note as it was recorded by Robinson (1991: 340, pl. 14, figs. 11 - 12) from the Lower Pleistocene of Costa Rica. This and Monoplex comptus (A. Adams, 1855) are the two Plio / Pleistocene amphiatlantic species present in Azorean Pliocene assemblages.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C280979FF1DFB12FF5A71E3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Paratethys (Burdigalian): Hungary (Steininger 1973; Harzhauser 2004 a); Proto-Mediterranean (Burdigalian): Colli Torinesi, Italy (Bellardi 1873). Middle Miocene: Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian): Vienna Basin, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1853; Glibert 1963; Schultz 1998; Landau et al. 2009 a), Poland (Friedberg 1912; Bałuk 1995; Bałuk & Radwanski 1996), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960), Hungary (Csepreghy-Meznerics 1954; Strausz 1966; Kovács & Vicián 2017), Bosnia (Atanackoviìc 1985), Romania (Hoernes & Auinger 1884; Boettger 1906), Ukraine (Zelinskaya et al. 1968). Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Serravallian): Karaman Basin, Turkey (Eru ̈ nal-Erento ̈ z 1958). Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian): Cacela Basin, Portugal (Pereira da Costa 1867), France (Cossmann & Peyrot 1924), Seville, southwestern Spain (Cárdenas et al. 2019); Proto-Mediterranean (Tortonian): Po Basin, Italy (Bellardi 1873; Montanaro 1935; Glibert 1963 a; Marasti 1973; Boschele et al. 2021). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (González Delgado 1988; Landau et al. 2011; Brunetti 2022); western Mediterranean, NE Spain, (Martinell 1979; Solsona 1998), Rousillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1879; Glibert 1963 a; Chirli & Richard 2008), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); central Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1873; Pelosio 1967; Caprotti 1974; Malatesta 1974; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Chirli 2008; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010), Tunisia (Fekih 1975). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (Landau et al. 2004 b), central Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1873; Glibert 1963 a; Palla 1967; Caprotti 1970; Malatesta 1974), Sicily (Glibert 1963 a), Algeria (Glibert 1963 a). Lower Pleistocene: Caribbean, Moin Formation, Costa Rica (Robinson 1991; Beu 2010). Present-day: West Africa, Morocco to Angola, Madeira; occasionally in the Canaries (Hernández et al. 2011) and Cabo Verde, at depths 6 - 60 m (Poppe & Goto 1991).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2E0979FF1DF9D7FE2E72C3.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Monoplex australasiae Perry, 1811 (Perry 1810: sgn. M 7), by subsequent designation (Dall, 1904). Present-day, Australia.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2E0978FF1DF8EFFF5A72DE.taxon	description	Plate 4 D 1 - D 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2E0978FF1DF8EFFF5A72DE.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 25.0 mm, width 14 mm. Two fragments from Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2E0978FF1DF8EFFF5A72DE.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Tritonium secans Bronn, 1862 was based on four fragments, two from Pinheiros, one from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas) and one from Cré. No further material is available, but the figure undoubtedly represents a Monoplex species, which in our opinion is M. comptum (A. Adams, 1855). The specimen illustrated by Bronn in Reiss (1862: pl, 1, fig. 10; refigured pl. 4, fig. 4 D 1) and by Mayer (1864: pl. 7, fig. 52; refigured pl. 4, fig. 4 D 2) is undoubtedly the same specimen, but the illustrator has highlighted the primary spiral cords much more strongly in Mayer’s illustration. For full discussion and comparison with related congeners, see Beu (2010: 149). This species and Aspa marginata (Gmelin, 1791) are the two amphiatlantic species present in the Azorean Pliocene assemblages.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2E0978FF1DF8EFFF5A72DE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: eastern Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864). Lower Pleistocene: eastern Atlantic, Moín formation, Costa Rica. Pleistocene or Holocene: Atlantic, Panama; Red Sea, Egypt (NHMW coll.). Present-day: western Atlantic, Bermuda, Carolinian biogeographic province, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brasil; eastern Atlantic, Canary Islands, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea (all references from Beu 2010).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2F0978FF1DF8DBFEE473BE.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Murex anus Linnaeus, 1758 (R ̂ ding 1798: 133), by subsequent designation (Pilsbry, 1922). Present-day, Indo-Pacific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2C097AFF1DFF77FBF07487.taxon	description	Plate 4 E 1 - E 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2C097AFF1DFF77FBF07487.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 31.0 mm, width 18.0 mm. DBUA-F 1189 - 1 (1), Pedra-que-pica, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2C097AFF1DFF77FBF07487.taxon	description	Revised description. See Beu (2010: 92).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2C097AFF1DFF77FBF07487.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Distorsio mcgintyi Emerson & Puffer, 1953 is a member of a group of strongly distorted Distorsio species including also Distorsio constricta (Broderip, 1833), Distorsio jenniernestae Emerson & Piech, 1992 and Distorsio minoruohnishii Parth, 1989. Distorsio mcgintyi has the most distorted shell of this group. For full discussion and comparison see Beu (2010). This is the first record of the species outside the western Atlantic area, and it is interesting to record that in the early Pliocene the range of D. mcgintyi extended to include the Azores Archipelago. The rest of the Santa Maria assemblage has a more strongly Mediterranean character but the typical Pliocene Mediterranean D. cancellina (Lamarck, 1803) is easily separated by its less distorted spire and more rounded last whorl. Therefore, three Tonnoidean species are shared in common with the Tropical West Atlantic: D. mcgintyi, Monoplex comptum (A. Adams, 1855), and Aspa marginata (Gmelin, 1791).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2C097AFF1DFF77FBF07487.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Kendace Siltstone, Carriacou (Beu 2010); Baitoa Formation, Dominican Republic (Beu 2010); Cantaure Formation, Venezuela (Beu 2010). Middle Miocene: Carriacou, Grenadine Islands (Beu 2010); Mayo River, Trinidad (Beu 2010). Upper Miocene: Cercado Formation, Dominican Republic (Beu 2010); Gatun Formation, Panama (Beu 2010); Mataruca Member of Caujarao Formation, El Carrizal, Venezuela (Beu 2010). Lower Pliocene: Araya Formation, Cubagua Island, Venezuela (Landau & Silva 2010); Punta Gavilán Formation, Falcón, Venezuela (Beu 2010); Bocas del Toro, Panama (Beu 2010); Gurabo Formation, Dominican Republic (Beu 2010); Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper). Lower-Upper Pliocene: Cayo Agua and Shark Hole Point Formations, Bocas del Toro, Panama (Beu 2010); Bowden Formation, Jamaica (Woodring 1928 (partim), as D. decussatus simillimus; Robinson, 1991). Upper Pliocene: Agueguexquite Formation, Mexico (Beu 2010). Lower Pleistocene: Moin Formation, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica (Beu 2010). Upper Pleistocene: Swan Cay Formation, Bocas del Toro, Panama (Beu 2010). Recent: Western Atlantic, from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, Florida and Bermuda to southernmost Brazil, and possibly further south (Beu 2010).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2D097AFF1DF9ABFDE672AF.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Gibberula zonata Swainson, 1840 (= Volvaria oryza Lamarck, 1822) (Swainson 1840: 323), by monotypy. Present-day, eastern Atlantic.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2D097AFF1DFE3BFD6D761F.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Xenophora laevigata Fischer von Waldheim, 1807 (Fischer von Waldheim 1807: 213), by subsequent designation (Harris, 1896). Present-day, Caribbean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2D0905FF1DF8C3FC1A7173.taxon	description	Plate 4 G 1 - G 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2D0905FF1DF8C3FC1A7173.taxon	description	Description. Shell small for genus, solid, cylindrical-ovate, with low spire. Protoconch covered by callus. Teleoconch of about two whorls, suture superficial. Last whorl more than 95 % total height, convex, maximum diameter situated just above mid-height, not constricted at base. Surface smooth and glossy. Aperture narrow, elongate, weakly curved, slightly wider abapically. Outer lip moderately thickened, not extending adapically to level of suture, abapically extending just beyond tip of siphonal fasciole, smooth within; siphonal canal very short, open, shallowly notched. Columella weakly convex, bearing about six plications on the lowe half, the adapical two subobsolete, abapical four plications more strongly developed, strengthening abapically. Two abapical plications extend externally over columella. Parietal callus weakly developed, narrowly expanded over venter. Siphonal fasciole not delimited.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2D0905FF1DF8C3FC1A7173.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Gibberula vignali (Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1896), is characterised by small sized shells for the genus, low spire, outer lip that slopes steeply downwards from the point of insertion, and is not alate adapically, the inner lip bearing small, weak denticles and columella seven folds, increasing in strength abapically. The last two folds do not extent over the venter as they do in some of its congeners. Contreras (1992) described G. lazaroi from present-day Pico and Terceira Islands, Azores. In his discussion he did not compare his new taxon to G. vignali. Comparing the illustration of the holotype (Contreras 1992: 45, unnumbered figure) with that of G. vignali (Dautzenberg & Fischer 1896: pl. 15, fig. 17) we fail to see any significant differences between the two, which are both 2.0 mm in height. On the WoRMs database is a photograph of a specimen identified as G. vignali from Morocco. This specimen is squatter with a more alate outer lip and fewer columellar folds than the holotype, and we are unsure if it represents the same species. We have not seen the holotypes of these two species and therefore refrain from synonymising them. Several small, eastern Atlantic Gibberula species need to be compared. Gibberula lazaroi is closely similar to G. jansseni Van Aartsen, Menkhorst & Gittenberger, 1984, from the Bay of Algeciras, Spain, but differs in being slightly more globose and having more numerous columellar folds, which are coarser. Gibberula hernandezi Contreras & Talavera, 1988, from the Madeira, Selvagens and the Canary Islands, is immediately separated by a taller spire with two sutures visible and the anterior columellar folds that extend over the venter. Gibberula vignali, together with Alvania mediolittoralis Gofas, 1989, and A. sleursi (Amati, 1987) form part of the endemic Azorean fauna that was already present in the early Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C2D0905FF1DF8C3FC1A7173.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper). Present-day: Atlantic, Azores (Dautzenberg & Fischer 1896;? Contreras 1992; Martins et al. 2009).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C520905FF1DF9D7FD6B729F.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Voluta reticulata Linné, 1767 (Lamarck 1799: 71), by monotypy. Present-day, western Atlantic.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C520905FF1DF9D7FD6B729F.taxon	discussion	Note. This genus is used in its widest sense herein.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C520905FF1DF8D3FE977309.taxon	description	Plate 4 H 1 - H 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C520904FF1DF87AFAE0712A.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen, height 10.0 mm, width 6.5 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Ein an der äussern Lippe etwas unvollständiges Exemplar hat bei wenig mindrer Gr ̂ sse ganz die Form der C. scrobicularia H ̂ rnes, ihr hohes Gewinde mit 6 Umgängen, deren rechtkantig Treppen f ̂ rmigen Absätze, und die 5 - 6 Rippen auf jedem Umgange; dagegen ist die Oberfläche fast glatt, indem nur 4 - 5 und auf dem letzten Umgange 6 sehr feine Spiral-Linien auf dem Gewinde ausserhalb deren Kante zu unterscheiden sind, welche am Nabel verschwinden, der nur durch einen engen seichten Spalt angedeutet ist. Die Zahl der Spindel-Falten nicht genau erkennbar. Der letzte Umgang beträgt 2 / 5 von der Gesammt-Länge, seine Dicke ̧ ber die Hälfte derselben. Von C. Geslini Bast. Unterscheidet sich diese Art durch etwas gestrecktere Form, schmälere vertiefte Naht Flächen, gr ̂ bre Rippen und feinre Streifen [A specimen with a somewhat incomplete outer lip has, with slightly smaller size, the shape of C. scrobicularia [sic] H ̂ rnes, with its high spire with 6 whorls, its rectangular stepped suture, and 5 - 6 ribs on each whorl; on the other hand, the surface is almost smooth, in that only 4 - 5 on the last whorl and 6 very fine spiral lines on the thread outside its edge can be distinguished, which disappear at the umbilicus, which is indicated only by a narrow shallow gap. The number of columellar folds is not exactly recognizable. The last whorl is 2 / 5 of the total length, its thickness over half of the same. This species differs from C. Geslini Bast. by its slightly more elongated shape, narrower deeper suture coarser ribs and finer cords.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 27). Latin description. “ Testa imperforata, oblongo-turrita, subscalariformi, solidula; spira longiuscula, acuta, anfractibus 6 (embrionalibus 2 laevibus) carinatis, parce et obsolete spiraliter striatis, superne plano-concavis; costis longitudinalibus validis, fere rectis, distantibus, ad angulum carinae acutis, subspinosis; ultimo anfractu spiram aequante; apertura satis parva, subovata; columella biplicata. ” (Mayer 1864: 68).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C520904FF1DF87AFAE0712A.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Cancellaria parcestriata Bronn, 1862 was based on a small single specimen from Pinheiros that is most likely a juvenile. The drawing given by Bronn in Reiss (1862: pl. 1, fig. 7) is more likely to be representative of the species than that given by Mayer (1864: pl. 7, fig. 51), in which the aperture is most ‘ uncancellaria-like’. Judging by Bronn in Reiss’ figure, the specimen is likely to represent a Scalptia Jousseaume, 1887 species like S. scrobiculata (H ̂ rnes, 1854) (see Harzhauser & Landau 2012: figs. 9 D 1 - D 3), a similarity already pointed out by Bronn in Reiss (1862: 27). However, the shell in Bronn’s species is imperforate. Mayer (1864: 68) said his new taxon had characters between C. acutangularis and C. uniangulata. The former, Gulia acutangulata (Faujas, 1817) from the Atlantic Lower Miocene of the Aquitaine Basin of France, is a much larger shelled species, with a less angular shoulder. The latter, Tribia uniangulata (Deshayes, 1830), known from the Atlantic and Mediterranean Pliocene (Landau et al. 2006 c), differs in having a less horizontal subsutural platform. The dorsal view looks very much like a small specimen of Trigonostoma bellardii (De Stefani & Pantanelli, 1880), widespread in the Mediterranean Pliocene, but that species has a deep umbilicus. We hesitate to speculate further based on the original illustrations and no further specimens are available to us.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C520904FF1DF87AFAE0712A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C530904FF1DF927FB5A7332.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Costoanachis saccostata Radwin, 1977 [= Columbella (Anachis) turrita Sacco, 1890, non Columbella turrita Sowerby, 1832] (Sacco 1890: 57), by subsequent designation (Pace, 1902). Miocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C500907FF1DFF77FE9D7280.taxon	description	Plate 4 I 1 - I 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C500907FF1DFF77FE9D7280.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 6.9 mm, width 3.0 mm. DBUA-F 1034 - 4 (3), Macela viewpoint; DBUA-F 540 - B (1), Ponta dos Frades; DBUA-F 1287 - B (1), DBUA-F 1189 - B, E (4), Pedra-que-pica, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C500907FF1DFF77FE9D7280.taxon	description	Description. Shell small, fusiform. Protoconch tall dome-shaped multispiral, consisting of 3.25 smooth, convex whorls. Junction with teleoconch marked by sinusigera. Teleoconch of five weakly convex whorls with periphery at abapical suture. Suture deeply impressed, linear. Axial sculpture of about 14 opisthocline ribs, extending between the sutures that weaken rapidly on the third whorl, becoming obsolete, or almost so, on the last 2.5 whorls. Spiral sculpture absent. Last whorl evenly rounded, moderately constricted at base, about eight rounded spiral cords over siphonal fasciole. Aperture elongate (damaged in Azores material); outer lip slightly thickened by varix, bearing six or seven robust, elevated denticles within, D 2 and D 3 slightly stronger; anal sinus weakly developed, narrow U-shaped; siphonal canal open, relatively broad, notch at tip. Columella excavated in upper third, straight below, bearing row of four or five robust tubercules. Columella callus thickened, sharply delimited, adherent. Parietal callus thin, not develop in some species. Intraspecific variability. The species is highly variable in the number of axial ribs on the early teleoconch whorls and their extent. In most specimens the ribs stop abruptly on the second half of the third whorl, but they can fade earlier or persist later in some specimens. Some variability is also seen in the strength of the labral denticles and the presence or absence of a thin parietal callus. The Azorean specimens are typical for the species with the axial sculpture weakening on the third teleoconch whorl.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C500907FF1DFF77FE9D7280.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Costoanachis semicostata (Sacco, 1890) is characterised by the early disappearance of the axial sculpture. Costoanachis semiplicata (Sacco, 1890) from the upper Miocene of Italy is closely similar. The syntype illustrated by Ferrero Mortara et al. (1984: pl. 58, fig. 10) seems to have broader ribs that persist onto the penultimate whorl and the base is slightly less constricted. Costoanachis procorrugata (Sacco, 1890) (syntype illustrated by Ferrero Mortara et al. 1984, pl. 58, fig. 9) from the middle Miocene Colli Torinesi of Italy and Costoanachis rectecostata (Sacco, 1890) (syntype illustrated by Ferrero Mortara et al. 1984: pl. 58, fig. 3) both differ in having broader ribs that persist onto the last whorl. Costoanachis semicostata (Sacco, 1890) is a typical Italian Pliocene Mediterranean species, recently also described from the eastern Mediterranean Pliocene (Kolokotronis 2022), and certainly present in the western Mediterranean Estepona Basin assemblages of Spain (BL unpublished data). It has not previously been recorded from the Atlantic, highlighting the ancient biogeographical relationships of the gastropod Azorean fauna with that of the Mediterranean Sea (Ávila 2005; Ávila et al. 2022), a pattern that still holds in the present-day (Ávila 2000 b; Ávila et al. 2009 a, 2015 a; see Freitas et al. 2019).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C500907FF1DFF77FE9D7280.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper); western Mediterranean, NE Spain (NHMW coll.); central Mediterranean, Italy (Ferrero Mortara et al. 1984; Chirli 2002; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010; Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, S. Spain (NHMW coll.); central Mediterranean, Italy (Malatesta 1974). Pliocene (indeterminate): eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus (Kolokotronis 2022).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C510906FF1DFCCCFE0077CD.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Fasciolaria aurantiaca Lamarck, 1816 (Snyder, Vermeij & Lyons 2012: 44), by original designation. Present-day, Indo-Pacific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C510901FF1DFC1BFAB4761F.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Single specimen, size not specified, from Ponta dos Mattos [sic], Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C510901FF1DFC1BFAB4761F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. This species was recorded based on a single specimen from Ponta dos Matos. It is a very characteristic Miocene European Atlantic and Mediterranean species. Although no further specimens are at hand, we have no reason to doubt this determination. For full discussion, see Landau et al. (2013: 197).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C510901FF1DFC1BFAB4761F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Atlantic (Burdigalian-Aquitanian): Aquitaine Basin, France (Peyrot 1928), Tagus Basin (Burdigalian), central-West Portugal (Zbyszewski 1957). Middle Miocene: Atlantic (Langhian): Aquitaine Basin, France (Grateloup 1845; Peyrot 1928); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian): Vienna Basin, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1854; Hoernes & Auinger 1890), Poland (Bałuk 1995), Hungary (Strausz 1962, 1966), Romania (Hoernes & Auinger 1890); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Serravallian): Karaman Basin, Turkey (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian): Cacela Basin, Portugal (Pereira da Costa 1867), southwestern Spain, Seville (Cárdenas et al. 2019); Proto-Mediterranean (Tortonian and Messinian): Po Basin, Italy (Sacco 1904; Montanaro 1935; Venzo & Pelosio 1963). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (González-Delgado 1989; Ruiz Muñoz et al., 1997; Landau et al. 2011; Brunetti 2022), central Mediterranean, Italy (Tabanelli 2014). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Muñiz Solis 1998).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C560901FF1DFD1BFE3E77FF.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Fusinus vindobonensis Hoernes & Auinger, 1890 (Vermeij & Snyder 2018: 71), by original designation. Miocene, Paratethys.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C560900FF1DFC33FC7A758B.taxon	description	Plate 4 K	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C560900FF1DFC33FC7A758B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 36.0 mm, width 18.1 mm. One specimen from LNEG collection (unnumbered), exact locality unknown, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C560900FF1DFC33FC7A758B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. An incomplete internal mould comprising the last whorl and siphonal canal, identified as Angustifusus longiroster (Brocchi, 1814) in the LNEG collection, most likely represents the species which is characterised by its very long and straight siphonal canal. The character of this very long and slender narrowly open siphonal canal and reduced axial and spiral sculpture in adult specimens are characters of the genus Angustifusus Vermeij & Snyder, 2018. Vermeij & Snyder (2018: 72) suggested that the unusual species Fusinus clavilithoides Landau, Harzhauser, B ̧ y ̧ kmeriç & Breitenberger, 2016 from the middle Miocene eastern Mediterranean Karaman Basin of Turkey, might be placed in this genus. However, the character of the siphonal fasciole is quite different from other members in this group. For further discussion on this species, see below under Fusinus sp.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C560900FF1DFC33FC7A758B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Upper Miocene: central Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Montanaro 1935). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper), central Mediterranean, Italy (Pelosio 1966; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Chirli 2000; Tabanelli 2014; Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Upper Pliocene: North Sea Basin, Belgium (Marquet 1997, 1998); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (NHWN collection), South France (Chirli & Richard 2008); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1904; Ruggieri et al. 1959; Malatesta 1974; Caprotti 1976). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1911; Malatesta 1960); eastern Mediterranean, Rhodes Island (Chirli & Linse 2011). Upper Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Tabanelli 2014).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C570900FF1DFDA7FE9B76B3.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Murex colus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rafinesque 1815: 145), by typification of replacement name. Present-day, Pacific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C570900FF1DF8D3FE3A73C7.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Buccinum reticulatum Linnaeus, 1758 (Risso 1826: 172), by subsequent designation, (Gray 1847 b). Present-day, Europe.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C540903FF1DFF77FF5A731B.taxon	description	Plate 5 A 1 - A 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C540903FF1DFF77FF5A731B.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Four specimens, height 16.0 mm, width 9.0 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 13.0 mm, width 6.5 mm. DBUA-F 1295 - 2 (5), Malbusca (east cave); DBUA-F 908 (1), DBUA-F 1305 - A (3), Malbusca; DBUA-F 924 - A (2), Malbusca; DBUA-F 542 - 3 B (1), Ponta dos Frades; two specimens from LNEG collection (unnumbered), unknown locality, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Original description. “ In Gr ̂ sse und Bildung ganz mit der vorigen (B. vetulum) ̧ bereinstimmend, mit 5 - 6 Umgängen, aber dicker und kürzer von Form, so dass die Dicke der Schaale ⅝ der Länge beträgt und der letzte Umgang fast 6 / 8 der ganzen Schaale ausmacht; der nicht dicke Umschlag der innern Lippe reicht ̧ ber den ganzen Bauch hinweg und bis an die Naht des vorletzten Umganges. An der Spitze des Gewindes zeigen sich schon feine Längs-Rippchen (queer auf den Umgängen), und die äussre Lippe ist innen fein spiral-streifig, feiner als in B. corniculum. Der letzte Umgang hat an seiner Basis auch einige feine Spiralstreifen. Die Naht ist nur schwach vertieft [In size and form quite identical to the previous one (B. vetulum), with 5 - 6 whorls, but thicker and shorter in shape, so that the thickness of the shell is ⅝ of the length, and the last whorl is almost 6 / 8 of the whole shell; the not thick callus of the inner lip extends over the whole venter and up to the suture of the penultimate whorl. At the top of the whorls there are already fine longitudinal ribs (strange on the whorls), and the outer lip is finely lirate inside, finer than in B. corniculum. The last whorl also has some fine spiral cords at its base. The suture is only slightly deepened.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 26). Latin description. “ Testa obovato-conica, perpaulum obliqua, crassiuscula, solidula, sublevi; spira acuta; anfractbius 6, convexiusculis, angustis, sutura profunda separatis, tenuissime et laxe spiraliter striatis; ultimo magno, 5 / 8 testae longitudinais efformante, paulum obliquum, basisulcato; apertura ovata, in canalem brevíssimo, truncato, exeunte; labro laeviter marginato; columella callo repando ” (Mayer 1864: 75). Revised description. Shell small, solid, bucciniform, with a moderately elevated, conical spire. Protoconch dome-shaped, consisting of 3.25 - 3.5 convex whorls, with a small nucleus. Junction with teleoconch sharply delimited. Teleoconch consisting of four weakly convex to flat-sided whorls with periphery at abapical suture. Suture impressed, linear. Axial sculpture of low, slightly prosocline, poorly define ribs, that weaken rapidly on the penultimate whorl. Last two whorls devoid of ribs. Spiral sculpture consisting of about eight very weakly developed flattened cords, separated by shallow grooves, the sculpture weakening abapically, indistinct on the penultimate whorl. Last whorl relatively globose, broadly rounded, about 70 % of total height, hardly constricted at the base, with sculpture obsolete, except for a few flattened cords separated by narrow grooves over the base and siphonal fasciole; fasciole not delimited. Aperture pyriform, outer lip slightly thickened adapically by a weak labral varix, rounded in profile, filled with matrix within; anal canal marked by narrow groove; siphonal canal short, open. Columella concave in the mid-portion, smooth. Colummelar and parietal calluses reduced to a poorly defined callus wash over venter.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C540903FF1DFF77FF5A731B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Tritia atlantica (Mayer, 1862) is closely similar to T. pyrenaica (Fontannes, 1879) from the Atlantic and Mediterannean Miocene and Pliocene, but the latter differs in having weak ribs on the early teleoconch whorls that fade on the penultimate whorl. Tritia atlantica is completely devoid of axial sculpture. These two species are somewhat analogous to T. semistriata (Brocchi, 1814) and T. elata (Gould, 1845) which are separated by the presence of axial ribs on the early ribs in the latter (Landau et al. 2009). The protoconch is well preserved in the Azorean material; multispiral and dome-shaped which is typical for most European Tritia species (Landau et al. 2009).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C540903FF1DFF77FF5A731B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C550902FF1DFF77FF5A70F5.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen, dimensions not given, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Ein wohl-erhaltenes Exemplar, wovon jedoch das Innere der M ̧ ndung nicht zu enthl ̂ ssen ist. Es ist ¾ " lang, mit etwas bauchigen Umgängen und vertiefter Naht; der letzte Umgang genau von halber Länge des Ganzen; die innere Lippe d ̧ nn, aber breit ̧ ber den Bauch des vorletzten Umgangs her ̧ ber und bis gegen die Naht zurück-reichend; die äussere Lippe schief, wulstig; ein früherer Lippen-Wulst liegt um ⅔ Umgänge weiter zur ̧ ck und wirkt mit den Bauch etwas mehr abzuplatten. Herr Mayer, welcher diese Art schon fr ̧ her aufgestellt, kennt sie aus dem Helvétien von Turin [A well-preserved specimen, from which, however, the matrix inside the aperture cannot be removed. It is ¾ " [inches?] long, with somewhat bulbous whorls and deepened suture; the last whorl of exactly half the length of the shell; the inner lip callus thin, but broadly expanded over the venter of the penultimate whorl and reaching the suture; the outer lip crooked, bulging; an earlier lip bulge is ⅔ [of the whorl] further back and has a slightly flattening effect on the venter. Mr. Mayer, who described this species before, knows it from the Helvétien of Turin.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 26).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C550902FF1DFF77FF5A70F5.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Bronn in Reiss (1862: 26) erected the taxon Buccinum (Nassa) Doderleini based on a specimen from Turin, Italy. The shell was apparently sent to Mayer and the taxon attributed to him by those authors. Mayer (1864: 75 - 76) commented that he had not received the specimen back a second time and could therefore offer neither a diagnosis nor figure of the species. He went on to say that “ The fossil remains of Turin, to which I have previously given the name, would most likely after more precise comparison, represent a somewhat shorter, almost entirely smooth variety of B. Hoernesi (B. semistriatum Hoern., non Broc.). The specimen from Santa Maria, however, should form a species of its own because, according to Bronn, its columella callus expands, which is not the case with B. Hoernesi ”. With no further specimens that fit this description, we cannot comment further. Today, these European nassariids are assigned to the genus Tritia Risso, 1826.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C550902FF1DFF77FF5A70F5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C55090CFF1DFB33FEFB7487.taxon	description	Plate 5 B 1 - B 2, C 1 - C 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C55090CFF1DFB33FEFB7487.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 8.1 mm, width 4.2 mm. DBUA-F 1292 - A (1), DBUA-F 542 - 3 C (1), Ponta dos Frades; DBUA-F 1034 - 3 (4), Macela viewpoint, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C55090CFF1DFB33FEFB7487.taxon	description	Description. “ Shell small, robust. Protoconch dome-shaped, consisting of 3.5 - 4 smooth convex whorls (dp = 680 - 1030 μ, hp = 530 - 900 µ, dp / hp = 1.0 - 1.48, n = 50 μ, dV 1 = 125 μ). Junction with teleoconch marked by the appearance of two or three opisthocyrt ribs. Four or five convex teleoconch whorls, with the periphery below mid-whorl. Suture impressed, undulating. Axial sculpture consisting of 10 - 12 prominent, elevated, rounded, orthocline ribs, about equal in width to their interspaces. The ribs at the suture are usually intercalated between the ribs on the preceding whorl. One or two ribs per whorl on later whorls are thickened into prominent varices. Spiral sculpture overrides the axial ribs, consisting of numerous, narrow flattened cords separated by very narrow incised grooves, seven to eight on the first teleoconch whorl, increasing abapically to 15 - 20 on the last whorl. Aperture small, ovate, outer lip rounded, strongly thickened by a prominent labral varix, 6 - 7 elongated denticles within; anal canal distinct, rounded; siphonal canal very short, open; Columella strongly concave, narrowly callused, with a parietal tooth. Siphonal fasciole with three to five narrow spiral cords. ” (Landau et al. 2009: 41).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C55090CFF1DFB33FEFB7487.taxon	discussion	Discussion. As pointed out by Landau et al. (2013: 182) the authorship of this species should go to H ̂ rnes (1852) and not Bronn (1831), who only mentioned the species by name without giving any diagnosis or description, rendering his name a nomen nudum. The Azorean specimens show the typical protoconch and teleoconch characters for the species. For comparison with similar congeners, see Landau et al. (2009: 41). In recent years, revisions of European nassariids have shown them to be of palaeobiogeographic importance, and most Nassarids have a much narrower geographic range than originally thought (Gili 1991; G ̧ rs 2002; Wienrich 2001; Złotnik 2003; Harzhauser & Kowalke 2004; Landau et al. 2009, 2015). In the Pliocene, Tritia serraticosta (H ̂ rnes, 1852) is restricted to the tropical Pliocene Mediterranean-West African biogeographic Province.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C55090CFF1DFB33FEFB7487.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: northeastern Atlantic (Burdigalian), Aquitaine Basin, France (Peyrot 1925). Middle Miocene: North Sea Basin (late Burdigalian-Langhian), Netherlands (van Voorthuysen 1944), Germany (Sorgenfrei 1958; A. W. Janssen 1972; Mostafavi 1978; Wienrich 2001); Proto-Mediterranean (Burdigalian-Langhian), Colli Torinesi, Italy (Bellardi 1882); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian): Vienna Basin, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1852; Beer-Bistricky 1958; Harzhauser & Kowalke 2004), Hungary (Strausz 1966; Bohn-Hava 1973; Harzhauser & Kowalke, 2004), Poland (Friedber 1928; Bałuk 1997), Bosnia (Atanackovic 1985; Harzhauser & Kowalke 2004), eastern Paratethys (Zelinskaya et al 1968; Iljina 1993); Proto-Mediterranean (Serravallian), Karaman Basin, Turkey (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean (Tortonian and Messinian), Po Basin, Italy (Bellardi 1882; Montanaro 1939; Venzo & Pelosio 1963). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper), Guadalquivir Basin (González Delgado 1989; Landau et al. 2009, 2011); western Mediterranean, NE Spain (Almera & Bofill 1898; Martinell 1982; Martinell & Domenéch 1985; Gili 1991), Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1879; Gili 1991); central Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1882; Caprotti 1974; Chirli 2000; Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Upper Pliocene: Atlantic, Mondego Basin, Portugal (Silva 2001; Landau et al. 2009); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2009), Alpes Maritimes, France (Gili 1991; Chirli & Richard 2008); central Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1882; Ruggieri et al. 1959; Malatesta 1974; Cavallo & Repetto 1992). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1911); eastern Mediterannean, Rhodes Island (Chirli & Linse 2011).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5B090CFF1DF963FE5F7377.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Murex plicatus forma serzus De Gregorio, 1885 (de Gregorio 1885: 279), by subsequent designation (Vokes 1971). Neogene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5B090CFF1DFEA1FF5A718D.taxon	description	Plate 5 D	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5B090CFF1DFEA1FF5A718D.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen height 12.0 mm, width 6.0 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ In Form und Gr ̂ sse mit Buccinum corniculum Olivi (B. fasciolatum Lk.) ̧ bereinstimmend, aber etwas schlanker. Die innre Lippe, wenn auch nicht sehr dick, doch fast ̧ ber die ganze Bauch-Seite des letzten Umganges her ̧ ber-geschlagen. Form konisch, halb so dick als lang, und der letzte Umgang von halber Länge der Schaale; die 6 Umgänge des Gewindes wenig gew ̂ lbt, an der Naht fein Treppen-artig abgesetzt; die äussre Lippe aussen schwach gerandet (das Innere nicht sichtbar): die Oberfläche schwach spiral-streifig, am Grunde des letzten Umganges mit einigen schärfern Streifen [Consistent in shape and size with Buccinum corniculum Olivi (B. fasciolatum Lk.), but slightly slenderer. The inner lip callus, although not greatly thickened, but almost over the entire venter. Shape conical, half as wide as long, and the last whorl of half the length of the shell; the 6 whorls of the spire slightly curved, slightly scalate; the outer lip weakly varicose (the inside not visible): the surface weakly spirally sculpted with some sharper cords at the base.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 26). Latin description. “ Testa obovato-conica, crassiuscula, solida, transverssim tenuissime sulcata; spira acuta; anfractibus 7, convexo-planis, subcontiguis, sutura subcanaliculata separatis, ultimo dimidiam testae longitudinis paulo superante, basi attenuato, multisulcato, sulcis profundis, dorsum versus sensim humilioribus, apertura angusta, ovata, in canalem obliquum, brevem, angustum, exeunte, labro incrassato, columella arcuata, callo mediocriter repando. ” (Mayer, 1864: 76).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5B090CFF1DFEA1FF5A718D.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Buccinum vetulum Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss, 1862 clearly belongs within the Nassarius semistriatus species group of Landau et al. (2009: 12). The genus used for all these species now is Tritia Risso, 1826. Mayer’s in Bronn in Reiss (1862: 26) original comment that the species was similar to T. semistriata (Brocchi, 1814) and comparison to his new taxon T. atlantica (Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss, 1862) is correct. His later comment in Mayer (1864: 76) were he liked it to certain columbellids is odd, as the figure clearly represents a Tritia species. According to Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss (1862), T. vetulum differ from T. atlantica in being smaller and slenderer. From the illustration, it seems that the spiral sculpture may be a little stronger than that seen in the figure of T. atlantica. These differences are not totally convincing, and it might be that they represent extremes of a single species. However, in the absence of further material we maintain the two species separate.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5B090CFF1DFEA1FF5A718D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C58090FFF1DF91FFEE873FB.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Murex breviculus G. B. Sowerby II, 1834 (Jousseaume 1880: 335), by original designation. Present-day, Philippines.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C58090FFF1DFBFAFBF6721B.taxon	description	Plate 5 F 1 - F 2 cf. * Pollia bellardiana Foresti, 1884: 304, pl. 1, fig. 2. cf. Pollia bellardiana Foresti, 1884 — Ceregato et al. 2010: 56, pl. 1, figs. 10 - 12. cf. Orania bellardiana (Foresti, 1884) — Brunetti & Cresti 2018: 74, fig. 267.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C58090FFF1DFBFAFBF6721B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 17.0 mm, width 12.0 mm. DBUA-F 828 - 2 (1), Ponta dos Frades, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C58090FFF1DFBFAFBF6721B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The single specimen from Santa Maria is too poorly preserved to offer a description. Orania fusulus (Brocchi, 1814), from the Upper Miocene to present-day Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Angola, including the oceanic islands of Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands, is slenderer, with a longer siphonal canal. Orania turrita (Borson, 1821) has a similarly short siphonal canal, but is squatter, broader with a more scalate spire. In profile, the Azorean specimen is most like O. bellardiana (Foresti, 1884) from the Lower Pliocene of Italy. That species had not been refigured since its original description until recently (Ceregato et al. 2010: pl. 1, figs. 10 - 12; Brunetti & Cresti 2018: fig. 267). Better preserved material would be needed to confirm this identification.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C58090FFF1DFBFAFBF6721B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C58090FFF1DFC87FA8177B7.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Murex spadae Libassi, 1859 (Pallary 1900: 285), by original designation. Pleistocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C59090EFF1DFF77FEF07335.taxon	description	Plate 5 G 1 - G 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C59090EFF1DFF77FEF07335.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 19.0 mm, width 10.0 mm. DBUA-F 946 - 3 (1), Ponta dos Cedros, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C59090EFF1DFF77FEF07335.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Unfortunately, the Azorean specimen is decorticated, giving the surface a somewhat different aspect to that usually attributed to this species. Nevertheless, the size, general shape, penultimate whorl with two strong cords, and the last whorl with strong varices and a long recurved P 1 (terminology follows Merle 1999, 2001) at the shoulder are consistent with Favartia suboblonga (d’Orbigny, 1852). For detailed description and discussion on the species, see Landau et al. (2009, 2013, 2019).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C59090EFF1DFF77FEF07335.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene (Langhian and Serravallian): Atlantic, Loire Basin, France (Glibert 1952), Aquitaine Basin (Cossmann & Peyrot 1924); Paratethys, Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1853), Poland (Bałuk 1995),? Romania (Boettger 1902; Zilch 1934); Proto-Mediterranean (Serravallian), Karaman Basin (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene (Tortonian): Atlantic, NW France (Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2019 a); Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Montanaro 1935). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, NW France (Brébion 1964; Ceulemans et al. 2016 b), Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper); western Mediterranean, France (Goret et al. 2013); central Mediterranean, Italy (Chirli 2000). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (Landau et al. 2007); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1904; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Andreoli & Marsigli 1992). Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene: Atlantic NW France (Brébion 1964).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5E0909FF1DFEC7FF6A75D2.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Voluta obsoleta Brocchi, 1814 (Harzhauser & Landau 2021: 14), by original designation. Pliocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5E0908FF1DFE12FBDB753F.taxon	description	Plate 5 H 1 - H 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5E0908FF1DFE12FBDB753F.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 5.9 mm, width 2.0 mm. DBUA-F 542 - 4 (1), Ponta dos Frades, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5E0908FF1DFE12FBDB753F.taxon	description	Description. Shell medium-sized, moderately slender fusiform with cyrtoconoid spire and narrowly incised suture. Protoconch not preserved. Teleoconch of four weakly convex whorls, with periphery at abapical suture, rapidly increasing in height. First teleoconch whorl with rounded axial ribs, crossed by spiral threads (specimen too worn to count cords). Regularly spaced predominant axial ribs crossed by about six or seven spiral cords on penultimate whorl. Last whorl almost straight sided (incomplete, missing siphonal part), hardly constricted at base, bearing narrow cords and broader ribs, too worn to count, adapical subsutural spiral cord most prominent. Cords over fasciole prominent. Aperture moderately narrow with shallow anal sinus. Columellar callus indistinct, poorly delimited. Columella with three prominent folds (incomplete). Outer lip thickened, denticulate within. Siphonal canal missing.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5E0908FF1DFE12FBDB753F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The genus Thala H. & A. Adams, 1853 has been used by authors for European Neogene species with a wide range of morphologies, none of which truly represents the genus Thala (Harzhauser & Landau 2021). Voluta obsoleta Brocchi, 1814, was placed in a new genus Bellardithala Harzhauser & Landau, 2021, characterised by medium-sized Thala - and Mitromica - like species with moderately slender fusiform shells, cancellate, weakly beaded or strongly reduced sculpture. Differing from Mitromica Berry, 1958, in their episodic growth, indicated by the formation of denticles in juvenile specimens and from Thala in the predominant axial sculpture on early spire whorls. Occasionally with elongate denticles within outer lip. The single Azorean specimen is incomplete and worn. Compared to specimens from the Mediterranean Pliocene the spiral cords are relatively fewer and stronger. However, there is some variability in the sculpture, and we provisionally consider them conspecific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5E0908FF1DFE12FBDB753F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Serravallian), Karaman Basin, Turkey (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Tortonian), Po Basin, Italy (Bellardi 1888; Davoli 2000). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2011), northeastern Spain (NHMW coll.), Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1880); central Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1888; Chirli 2002). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (NHMW coll.).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5F0908FF1DFDC3FDB370BB.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The presence of mitrid gastropods in the assemblages of Santa Maria was already recognised by Bronn in Reiss (1862) who erected the species Mitra volvaria for a specimen from Pinheiros and also recorded M. aperta Bellardi, 1850 from the same locality. Mayer (1864), refigured the specimen of M. volvaria, considered M. aperta from Santa Maria a new species erecting the name M. hoernesi Mayer, 1864, and described a third species, endemic to Santa Maria, M. peregrinula Mayer, 1864. The mitrid material collected since then is extremely poor, and all determinations below are speculative. As discussed by Landau et al. (2019: 193), placing European Neogene mitrid species into genera is almost impossible after the molecular phylogenetic work of Fedosov et al. (2018). Those authors showed that the three extant Mediterranean species fell into two separate clades that were indistinguishable based on shell characters. Mitra cornicula (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. zonata Marryat, 1818 they placed in Episcomitra, and M. cornea Lamarck, 1811 in Isara H. Adams & A. Adams (1853) (Fuscomitra Pallary, 1900 is a synonym). Genus Cancilla Swainson, 1840	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5F0908FF1DFDC3FDB370BB.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Mitra isabella Swainson, 1831 (Swainson 1840: 320), by subsequent designation (Herrmannsen, 1846). Present-day, Indo-Pacific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5F090BFF1DFAF7FAE077B7.taxon	description	Plate 5 I 1 - I 2, J	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5F090BFF1DFAF7FAE077B7.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen height 15.5 mm, width 5.5 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 10.9 mm, width 4.8 mm. DBUA-F 937 - 2 (1), DBUA-F 470 - 1 (1), DBUA-F 1283 - E (1), Ponta do Castelo; DBUA-F 1291 - 2 (1), Ponta dos Frades; one specimen from LNEG collection (unnumbered), Ponta do Norte lighthouse, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Original description. “ Eine ausgezeichnet Walzen-Spindel-f ̂ rmige ungerippte Art von 8 ''' - 9 ''' Länge mit 5 - 6 am Gewinde kaum von einander abgesetzten Umgängen und 3 - 4 Spindel-Falten; die M ̧ ndung genau halb so lang als die ganze Schaale, deren Breite kaum ⅓ von der Länge beträgt. Die Schaale auf dem ganzen Gewinde spiral streifig; der letzte Umgang in der Mitte glatt, hinten mit 9 - 10, vorn wieder mit 2 - 3 Streifen versehen, welche alle deutlich ausgeprägt und etwas entfernt von einander sind. Die äussre Lippe scharf und einfach. Auf der inneren Seite ist vor den Spindel-Falten ein kurzes Nabel-Fältchen. Die M ̧ ndung fast durchaus gleichbreit. Diese Art ist bei ihrer geringen Gr ̂ sse vor andern sehr ausgezeichnet durch ihre Form, ihre lange M ̧ ndung und Art der Streifung [A fine spindle-shaped, unribbed species of 8 ''' - 9 ''' (lines?) in length with a spire of 5 - 6 whorls hardly separated from each other and 3 - 4 columellar folds; the aperture is exactly half the height of the entire shell, the width is barely ¼ of the length. The spire whorls bear spiral cords; the last whorl bears 9 - 10 cords in the upper half, smooth mid-whorl, a further 2 - 3 cords below, which are all clearly delimited and somewhat distant from each other. The outer lip sharp and simple. On the ventral view there is a small umbilical chink in front of the columellar folds. The aperture is almost the same throughout. This species is very distinguished, due to its small size and its shape with a long aperture and the type of cords.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 25). Latin description. “ Testa cylindraceo-fusiformi; anfractibus 6, plano-convexis, sutus vix separatis; spira brevi, acuta, transversim striata; ultimo anfractu maximo, ¾ testae efformante, superne et ad basim transversim striato; apertura elongata, dimidiam teste longitudinem vix superante, angusta; labro tenui, perpaulum arcuato; columella quadriplicata. ” (Mayer, 1864: 82). Revised description. Shell small to medium sized, relatively solid, fusiform. Earliest spire whorls missing. Three slightly scalate whorls preserved, bearing four prominent spiral cords. Suture narrowly impressed, linear. Last whorl broadly rounded, weakly constricted at base, bearing flattened spiral cords, subobsolete mid-whorl. Aperture narrow, outer lip simple, anus sinus not developed, siphonal canal relatively short, notched at tip. Columella bearing four oblique folds shortening abapically.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5F090BFF1DFAF7FAE077B7.taxon	discussion	Discussion. We have placed this species in the genus Cancilla Swainson, 1840 based on the presence of relatively strong spiral sculpture. Cancilla species are also characterised by weak cancellate sculpture on the earliest spire whorls (Harzhauser & Landau, 2021: 7), but these are missing in the Santa Maria shell. The specimen here illustrated (Figs. 5 I 1 - I 2) does not fit exactly with the figure of the holotype (Fig. 5 J), which is slenderer and bullet-shaped. They do concur in the strong spiral sculpture and the presence of four strong folds on the columella. None of the fragments at hand agree with the holotype. Further material would be necessary to assess the number of mitrids present in the Santa Maria assemblages. Nevertheless, its presence is important as it is a marker of warm-water conditions.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5F090BFF1DFAF7FAE077B7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5C090BFF1DFBB3FC6570A7.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Mitra bulimoides Reeve, 1845 [= M. glabra Swainson, 1821] (H. Adams & A. Adams 1853: 171), by subsequent designation (Cossmann, 1899). Present-day, Indo-West Pacific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5C090AFF1DFACAFB2677B7.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Two specimens, dimension not stated, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene: whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Die vordre Hälfte einer Schaale aus anderthalb Windungen bestehend stimmt ganz mit der genannten miocänen Art, aber auch mit der im Mittelmeere lebenden M. cornea Lmk. ̧ berein, nur dass sie etwas gedrungener oder im Verhältniss zur Länge etwas dicker zu seyn scheint. Diese geringe Abweichung in Verbindung mit der Unvollständigkeit des Exemplars hindert uns an fester Bestimmung der Art. (Findet sich anderwärts im Mayencien, im Astésien, und im Helvétien zu Wien.) [The front half of a shell consisting of one and a half whorls corresponds entirely to the Miocene species mentioned, but also to the M. cornea Lmk. living in the Mediterranean, except that it seems to be somewhat stockier or somewhat thicker in relation to its length. This slight deviation in connection with the incompleteness of the specimen prevents us from firmly determining the species. (Found elsewhere in the Mayencian, in Astésian, and in the Helvétian of Vienna.] ” (Bronn in Reiss, 1862: 25).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5C090AFF1DFACAFB2677B7.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Bronn in Reiss (1862: 25) recorded M. aperta Bellardi, 1850, from Santa Maria without illustrating it. Mayer (1864: 82) considered the Santa Maria specimen conspecific with M. aperta in H ̂ rnes (1852 b: 97, pl. 10, figs. 1 – 3 [non Mitra aperta Bellardi, 1850]) from the Middle Miocene Badanian Paratethys of Austria. The Paratethyan species was recently revised and illustrated by Harzhauser & Landau (2021: 44). Those authors again stressed that it was impossible to separate Episcomitra and Isara based on conchological features alone, following the molecular phylogeny of Fedosov et al. (2018), and chose to place this species in Isara as it is morphologically closely similar to the present-day Isara cornea (Lamarck, 1811). Whether the Azorean specimens are conspecific or not with those from the Paratethys, is impossible to evaluate as the Santa Maria shells were never figured and presumed lost. No further specimen attributable to the species have been found.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5C090AFF1DFACAFB2677B7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene: Paratethys. Ukraine (Friedberg 1911), Austria (H ̂ rnes 1852 b; Harzhausen & Landau 2021), Czech Republic, Croatia (Pavlovsky 1957), Hungary (Csepreghy-Meznerics 1954), Romania (Hoernes & Auinger 1880; Popa et al. 2014), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva in Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960).? Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer, 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5D0915FF1DFBFAFBF6776A.taxon	description	Plate 5 K	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5D0915FF1DFBFAFBF6776A.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen height 5.5 mm, width 2.5 mm, Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas), Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Trotz ihrem u ̈ beln Erhaltungszustande, glaube ich diese minutio ̈ se Art doch als neu beschreiben zu mu ̈ ssen, da ihre Stellung eine ganz sichere ist und sie nur wenige Verwandte besitzt. Sie geho ̈ rt na ̈ mlich zur kleinen Gruppe Conelix und steht einzig der M. conica (C. conicus Swains.) nahe, zeichnet sich aber durch ihre Kleinheit, ihre noch ku ̈ rzere Gestalt und ihre gedra ̈ ngteren Spiralfurchen davor aus. Ich fand sie, wie so viele andere interessante Arten, im Kalktuff der Feiteirinhas [Despite its bad state of preservation, I think I have to describe this minute species as a new species, since its position is quite secure, and it has only a few relatives. It belongs to the small group of Conelix and it is only close to M. conica (C. conicus Swains.), but is characterized by its small size, it is even shorter shape and its more crowded spiral grooves. I found it, like so many other interesting species, in the tuff of Feiteirinhas.] ” (Mayer 1864: 82). Latin description. “ Testa minuta, turbinato-conica-transversisulcata; spira acuta, medio valde producta, acutissima; anfractibus numerosis, angustissimis; ultimo basi attenuato; labro simplici; columella basi plicata. ” (Mayer 1864: 82).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5D0915FF1DFBFAFBF6776A.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The type specimen was illustrated from the dorsal side only and shows a juvenile shell with a strongly coeloconoid pointed spire and a totally conic last whorl. Moreover, Mayer’s 1864 Latin description says that the columella has a single fold at the base, whereas mitrid gastropods have numerous columellar folds. We are not sure how to identify this specimen, but it might represent a very juvenile cone shell.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5D0915FF1DFBFAFBF6776A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer 1864). Mitra (s. l.) sp. Plate 5 L 1 - L 2 Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 12.9 mm, width 7.0 mm. DBUA-F 1295 - 3 (1), Malbusca (east cave), Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Revised description. Shell small to medium sized, relatively solid, spire missing. Penultimate whorl low, depressed, convex with periphery at abapical suture (low spire may in accentuated by wear), suture moderately impressed, linear. Last whorl somewhat globose, broadly rounded, moderately constricted at base, siphonal fasciole not delimited from base. Sculpture limited to a few weak cords over fasciole. Aperture elongate, very narrow adapically, widening slightly mid-aperture; anal sinus very narrow; siphonal canal moderate length, open, shallowly notched. Outer lip simple, not thickened by varix, weakly convex at extremities, flattened mid-aperture. Columella bearing narrow callus rim, abapical half thickened, bearing four prominent, oblique folds.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5D0915FF1DFBFAFBF6776A.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The columellar folds confirm taxonomic placement within the Mitridae. This species is represented by a single specimen with the apex missing and the last whorl abraded. We aren’t sure that the penultimate whorl is a low and rounded as it seems or this is a result of wear. If not due to wear, the species would have a very low spire. The last whorl is also unusually globose and constricted at the base compared to other mitrids. We await further material to better characterised this species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C5D0915FF1DFBFAFBF6776A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C420915FF1DF9F3FA21720A.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Conus cuneolus Reeve, 1843 (Petuch 1975: 262), by original designation. Present-day, Mauritanian.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C420915FF1DFC4FFA2971BE.taxon	discussion	Note. The presence of conoidean gastropods in the Santa Maria assemblages was already noted by Bronn in Hartung (1861: 117), who recorded Conus? pyrula Brocchi, without stating the exact locality. Bronn in Reiss (1862: 23 - 24) listed three species: C. canditatus Bronn in Mayer, C. trochulus Reeve, and C.? pyrula, the first two from Pinheiros. Mayer (1864: 76 - 80) re-listed C. candidatus, erected a new species C. trochilus Mayer, 1864, for Bronn’s record C. trochulus in Bronn in Reiss (1862), and referred to the C.? pyrula reference of early authors as Conus species indeterminata. In the material at hand, we recognized five species. The species herein determined as Lautoconus cf. anomalomamillus (Sacco, 1893) might be the same as the C.? pyrula recorded by previous authors, the other (Conus sl. sp. A) has not been recorded before. Although the following determinations are rather speculative and based on poor and incomplete material, conid diversity is important in the Pliocene of Europe as high diversity is characteristic of tropical MPPMU 1. The relative merits of using one genus or many for cones was discussed at length by Harzauser & Landau (2016: 35). In this paper, we follow those authors and Tucker & Tenorio (2009) in using the subgenera at full genus rank.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C420914FF1DF927FE6977DB.taxon	description	Plate 5 M	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C420914FF1DF927FE6977DB.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen length 16.0 mm, width 9.0 mm (incomplete spire fragment), Pinheiros (Baía da Cré), Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Eine kleine nur 6 ''' lange Art mit sehr flach-gew ̂ lbtem Gewinde, vielleicht dem flächsten unter allen von dieser geringen Gr ̂ sse, und ohne Abstufung seiner 7 - 8 Umgänge; die Kante des letzten derselben abgerundet und einfach. Die ganze Oberfläche glatt und nur nächst dem vordern Ende mit Spuren von einigen Spiral-Streifen. Viel kleiner und die äussre Kante des Gewindes ausgeprägter, als an der fr ̧ her als C. pyrula? aufgef ̧ hrten Art. Vielleicht dem Conus trochulus REEVE von den Capverdischen Inseln entsprechend? [A small species, only 6 ''' [lines] long species with very flattened spire, perhaps the flattest of all of this small size, and without the 7 - 8 spire whorls being scalate; the edge of the last is rounded and simple. The whole surface is smooth and only next to the anterior end are traces of some spiral cords. Much smaller and the outer edge of the suture more pronounced than on the previously mentioned as C. pyrula? Perhaps being the same as Conus trochulus Reeve from the Cape Verde Islands?] (Bronn in Reiss, 1862: 24).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C420914FF1DF927FE6977DB.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Tucker & Tenorio (2009: 83) placed this species in the genus Africonus Petuch, 1975, which are characterise by shells with cords on the spire whorls, the top of which may be concave, a shallow to moderately deep anal notch, and a paucispiral protoconch. No further specimens are available to further characterised this species. Today the genus is restricted to the Cabo Verde Islands.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C420914FF1DF927FE6977DB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864). Genus Lautoconus Monterosato, 1923	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C420914FF1DF927FE6977DB.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Conus mediterraneus Hwass in Bruguière, 1792 (Monterosato 1923: 11), by original designation. Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C430914FF1DFC16FF4A73FB.taxon	description	Plate 5 N 1 - N 2 cf. * Conus (Cheliconus) [sic]) taurinensis? var. anomalomamilla Sacco 1893: 99, pl. 9, fig. 52. cf. Conus (Chelyconus) taurinensis? var. anomalomamilla Sacco, 1893 — Ferrero Mortara et al. 1984: 128, pl. 20, fig. 2. cf. Conus (Chelyconus) cfr. anomalomamillus (Sacco, 1893) [sic] — Muñiz Solís 1999: 37, figs. 6 A-D.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C430914FF1DFC16FF4A73FB.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 22.0 mm, width 11.0 mm. DBUA-F 924 - 1 (1), Malbusca; DBUA-F 946 - B (1) Ponta dos Cedros, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C430914FF1DFC16FF4A73FB.taxon	description	Description. Shell small for genus, coniform, with mammillate spire. Protoconch and earliest teleoconch whorls missing. Spire whorls weakly convex in profile, smooth, separated by moderately impressed linear suture. Last whorl broadly and roundly shouldered, almost straight-sided below. Sculpture absent, except for a few cords over the siphonal fasciole. Apertural side obscured by matrix.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C430914FF1DFC16FF4A73FB.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The specimens from Santa Maria are very similar to what Muñiz Solís (1999: 37, figs. 6 A-D) called Conus (Chelyconus) cfr. anomalomamillus Sacco, 1893. They are characterised by their mammillate spires and convex spire whorls without spiral sculpture. Muñiz Solís’ material is from the lowermost Piacenzian Estepona Basin deposits. Although the Estepona assemblages are Upper Pliocene Piacenzian rather than Lower Pliocene Zanclean as are the Santa Maria assemblages, both were part of Pliocene Tropical MPPMU 1. Whether they are conspecific with the holotype from the Lower Miocene Colli Torinesi of Italy needs further confirmation.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C430914FF1DFC16FF4A73FB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper). Genus Plagioconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C430914FF1DFC16FF4A73FB.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Conus elatus Michelotti, 1847 (Tucker & Tenorio 2009: 111), by original designation. Miocene, Europe.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C400916FF1DFC4FFEE77643.taxon	description	Plate 5 P 1 - P 2, Q	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C400916FF1DFC4FFEE77643.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Single specimen, diameter 40.0 mm, height 22.0 mm (incomplete spire fragment), Pinheiros (Baía da Cré), Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum diameter 19.0 mm (apical fragment of juvenile). DBUA-F 913 (1), Ponta dos Frades, Santa Maria Island, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene. Original description. “ Eine Art mit Kronen-f ̂ rmigem Gewinde, wovon aber nur dieses selbst in einem einfachen Exemplare vorliegt und auf ein 1 ½ " grosses Individuum deutet. Die 9 - 10 Windungen sind oben mit 3 - 4 SpiralStreifen versehen, ein wenig nach aussen abfallend, schwach Treppen-f ̂ rmig abgesetzt und auf der gerundeten Kante mit je 11 - 12 Knoten geziert. Der obre Theil des letzten Umganges etwas bauchig, glatt. Stimmt (soweit er erhalten) im Ausehen etwas mit C. miliaris Lk., C, nebulosus Solander und zumal C. nocturnus ̧ berein; er ist aber etwas minder gestreckt, die Umgänge des Gewindes sind etwas h ̂ her und schärfer gekantet als an diesem. [A species with crown-shaped suture, of which only this is present as one specimen and points to a 1 ½ " [inches?] tall individual. The 9 - 10 whorls, slightly sloping outwards and slightly scaled, bear 3 - 4 spiral threads and the edge bears 11 - 12 tubercles. The upper part of the last whorl is a bulbous, smooth. Agrees (as far as it is preserved) somewhat with C. miliaris Lk., C. nebulosus Solander and especially also C. nocturnus; but it is somewhat less elongated, the circumferences of the thread are slightly higher and sharper than on this.] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 23). Latin description. “ C. testa mediocri, oblongo-conica; spira acuta, paulum depressa; anfractibus carinatis, scalatis, ad suturam plano-concavis, spiraliter lennuesulcatis, tuberculatisque; tuberculis crassis, obtusis, distantibus. ” (Mayer 1864: 78).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C400916FF1DFC4FFEE77643.taxon	description	Description. Apical fragment. Protoconch missing. Spire strongly depressed, slightly graded. Nine teleoconch whorls preserved, bearing broad, rounded poorly delimited tubercles and fine spiral sculpture.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C400916FF1DFC4FFEE77643.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The spire fragment illustrated by Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss (1862: fig. 1) has strong tubercles at the shoulder and can undoubtedly be ascribed to the genus Stephanoconus M ̂ rch, 1852. This was already noted by Tucker & Tenorio (2009: 125). The spire fragment at hand, from Ponta dos Frades, matches closely the fragment illustrated by Mayer (1864: fig. 58) and clearly shows the tubercles and spiral sculpture on the spire. Stephanoconus is a tropical genus included by Landau et al. (2008, appendix A) in their list of paciphile genera. That is, genera that prior to the closure of the Central America Seaway (CAS) were distributed on both sides of the Isthmus of Panama but became restricted to the Pacific side of their originally wider distribution during or subsequent to the closure. Today Stephanoconus occurs in the eastern Pacific, represented by S. bartschi (Hanna & Strong, 1949). In the Caribbean Neogene it is represented by S. wiedenmayeri Jung, 1965, and several species from the Dominican Republic (NHMW collection) (Hendricks 2015). This record in Santa Maria, Azores is the most western Atlantic for the genus and the only genus with strong tropical western Atlantic rather than Mediterranean affinities in the assemblage.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C400916FF1DFC4FFEE77643.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Mayer, in Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864). Genus Conus s. l.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C410916FF1DFD8AFBF6706F.taxon	description	Plate 6 A 1 - A 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C410916FF1DFD8AFBF6706F.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 19.0 mm, diameter 13.0 mm. DBUA-F 1292 - 1 (3), Ponta dos Frades; DBUA-F 1295 - E (4) Malbusca (east cave), Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C410916FF1DFD8AFBF6706F.taxon	description	Description. Juvenile cone with apex missing, spire whorls greatly depressed, weakly concave in profile, bearing a few faint spiral cords, separated by moderately impressed linear suture. Last whorl sharply angled at shoulder, placed just below level of suture, almost straight sided below, hardly constricted at base, smooth, except for a few spiral cords over siphonal fasciole.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C410916FF1DFD8AFBF6706F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The specimen probably represents a species of the genus Monteiroconus da Motta, 1991, which is characterised by a low spire and concave spire whorls. It is too immature for further determination.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C410916FF1DFD8AFBF6706F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C410916FF1DFB4BFEED714F.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Clavatula linneata Lamarck, 1816 (Wenz 1943: 1383), by typification of replacement name. Present-day, West Africa.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C460911FF1DFE31FAC17653.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Pleurotoma maravignae Bivona, 1838 (Monterosato 1884: 127), by monotypy. Pleistocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C460913FF1DFD92FCDB751B.taxon	description	Plate 6 C, D	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C460913FF1DFD92FCDB751B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material. Maximum height 12.0 mm, width 4.5 mm. Single specimen from Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C460913FF1DFD92FCDB751B.taxon	description	Description. (Based on Estepona Basin specimens, as no specimens from Santa Maria are available). Shell small to medium-sized, solid, fusiform, with tall, conical spire. Protoconch multispiral, conical, of 3.5 smooth, convex whorls, with small nucleus. Junction with teleoconch sharply delimited by sinusigera. Teleoconch of up to seven whorls with almost vertical, weakly concave subsutural ramp, poorly delimited by weak shoulder, convex below, separated by superficial, undulating suture. Axial sculpture of narrow, opisthocline sinuous ribs, 14 - 19 on last whorl, narrow over subsutural ramp, slightly swollen towards lower suture. Spiral sculpture restricted to 3 or 4 flattened cords over siphonal fasciole. Last whorl subsutural ramp slightly concave, broadly and weakly rounded below, not constricted at base, ribs weakening at periphery, extending over base in most specimens; base not delimited; siphonal fasciole weakly delimited, flattened, bearing broad spiral cords. Aperture ovate; outer lip strongly thickened by broad labial varix; anal sinus shallow, symmetrically U-shaped, occupying entire subsutural ramp, with apex mid-ramp; siphonal canal very short and broad, straight, unnotched. Columella straight, smooth. Columellar and parietal callus thickened, sharply delimited, forming moderately broad callus rim; well-developed tuberculose parietal pad developed adapically delimiting medial border of anal canal. Colour patten is preserved consisting of a single narrow orange horizontal stripe running at about two-thirds whorl height.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C460913FF1DFD92FCDB751B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. As discussed by Scarponi & Della Bella (2003: 22), the correct name for this species is Crassopleura maravignae (Bivona 1838), Dujardin’s (1837) name Pleurotoma incrassata being a primary homonym of P. incrassata G. B. Sowerby I, 1834. Bronn in Reiss (1862: 29) described Pleurotoma perturrita Bronn in Reiss, 1862 based on a single specimen from Pinheiros. Judging from the original illustration, this species is almost certainly synonymous with Crassopleura maravignae (Bivona 1838), and Bronn’s taxon is considered a junior subjective synonym herein. Some specimens with fewer ribs resemble specimens of Crassopleura sigmoidea (Bronn, 1831), but can be differentiated in that the anal sinus is evenly U-shaped and does not produce a notch on the parietal wall. Scarponi & Della Bella (2003) considered this difference to be of generic significance and placed ‘ C. ’ sigmoidea species in the genus with exclamation marks. Crassopleura maravignae (Bivona 1838) is widespread from the Middle Miocene to present-day European assemblages, although there are small differences between populations. Glibert (1954: 33) commented that the middle Miocene specimens from the Loire Basin were slightly slenderer than those from the Holocene Mediterranean and that the ribs were less serrated and more oblique. The Estepona specimens have 14 - 19 ribs on the last whorl. Scarponi & Della Bella (2003: 23) noted that the most common Mediterranean Pliocene form had a similar number of ribs (14 - 18), and Landau et al. (2020 c) counted 15 - 20 ribs for the upper Miocene specimens from northwestern France, all slightly fewer than present-day specimens (21 - 25). However, the older Atlantic Middle Miocene population from the Loire Basin had anything between 15 and 30 axial ribs per whorl (Glibert 1954: 33). The colour pattern preserved in the Estepona specimens is also seen in some, but not all, extant shells. Some references to Crassopleura maravignae (as Pleurotoma or Drillia incrassata) (Nyst 1878, 1882; Harmer 1915) do not correspond to this species, but to Elaeocyma nysti (Harmer, 1915) (Marquet 1998 a, b).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C460913FF1DFD92FCDB751B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene: Atlantic (Langhian), Loire Basin, France (Dujardin 1837; Glibert 1954); Paratethys, Austria (H ̂ rnes 1853); Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1877). Upper Miocene (Tortonian and Messinian): Atlantic, NW France (Millet 1854, 1865; Glibert 1954; Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2020 c); Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Bellardi 1877; Montanaro 1937). Lower Pliocene:? NSB, Coralline Crag, England (Harmer 1915); Atlantic, Santa Maria Island (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864), Guadalquivir Basin, S. Spain (Landau et al. 2011); western Mediterranean, NE Spain (Gili & Martinell 1993), S. France (Fontannes 1879); central Mediterranean, Italy (Chirli 1997; Scarponi & Della Bella 2003; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, S. Spain (Vera-Pelàez 1996, 2002; Landau & Harzhauser 2023), central Mediterranean, Italy (Calcara 1839, 1841; Bellardi 1877; Cipolla 1914; Bernasconi & Robba 1984). Present-day: Eastern Atlantic frontage from Portugal south to NW Africa, into the Mediterranean (Nordsieck 1977), central Mediterranean (Ardovini & Cossignani 1999) and the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C440913FF1DFE1FFD467747.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Pleurotoma vauquelini Payraudeau, 1827 (Sabelli & Spada in Spada et al. 2023: 38), by original designation (Gray 1847 b). Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C440913FF1DFE1FFD467747.taxon	discussion	Note — Pseudomangelia Sabelli & Spada (in Spada et al., 2023) was erected as a monotypic genus for Pleurotoma vauquelini Payraudeau, 1826 separating it from other mangeliids on both shell and soft tissue characters. Shell characters considered peculiar to the genus were flat spiral bands separated by narrow spiral grooves. For differences in soft tissue and radula, see Spada et al. (2023, p. 38).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C440912FF1DFC6BFDD376D7.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material. Two specimens from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas), size unknown, Santa Maria Island, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene, not illustrated.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C440912FF1DFC6BFDD376D7.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Pseudomangelia vauquelini (Payraudeau, 1826) is characterised by its solid, squat, biconic profile, paucispiral protoconch and teleoconch whorls which are angular at the shoulder and have strong broad axial ribs. Mayer (1864: 68) records two specimens from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas). We cannot confirm its presence in the Azorean assemblages. Chirli (1997: 73) recorded it from the Upper Miocene Tortonian of Montegibbio (Italy). This and other unillustrated records from the Miocene (e. g., Doderlein 1864; Mayer 1864; Bardin 1882) are excluded pending confirmation. For full discussion see Scarponi & Della Bella (2010).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C440912FF1DFC6BFDD376D7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island (fide Mayer 1864); central Mediterranean, Italy (Chirli 1997; Scarponi & Della Bella 2010). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2023); central Mediterranean, Italy (Brugnone 1862; Bellardi 1877; Sacco 1904; Malatesta 1974; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Scarponi & Della Bella 2010; Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1910). Present-day: Madeira (Segers et al. 2009), Selvagens (Albuquerque et al. 2009) and Canary Islands (Nordsieck & García-Talavera 1979), Morocco (Spada et al. 2023) western Mediterranean (Bucquoy et al. 1883), central Mediterranean (Bogi et al., 1979, Cachia et al. 2001), eastern Mediterranean (Özt ̧ rk 2021), whole Mediterranean (Spada et al, 2023).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C450912FF1DFC33FE0B7027.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Architectonica krebsii Mo ̈ rch, 1875 (Woodring 1928: 355), by original designation. Recent, West Indies and Florida, USA.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C45091CFF1DFB4BFBD4704B.taxon	description	Plate 6 E 1 - E 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C45091CFF1DFB4BFBD4704B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 1.5 mm, width 4.5 mm. DBUA-F 828 - 3 (1), Ponta dos Frades; DBUA-F 827 - F (2), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C45091CFF1DFB4BFBD4704B.taxon	description	Description. (UC = umbilical crenae, PUR = proxumbilical rib, UPR = upper peripheral rib, LPR = lower peripheral rib, IPR = infraperipheral rib. Terminology follows Bieler 1993: 9, 117, fig. 91). Shell medium sized, relatively solid, architectoniform. Dorsum depressed, weakly convex in profile, sharply angled at LPR, base flattened, umbilicus deep, moderately narrow. UPR and IPR moderately developed, weaker than LPR that forms periphery of last whorl. UC well developed, forming narrow crenulate margin of umbilicus, sharply delimited by groove laterally, weaker plicae radiating from basal groove to about mid-base, PUR not developed. Rest of surface smooth apart from strongly prosocline growth lines.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C45091CFF1DFB4BFBD4704B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Generic placement seems controversial. Bieler (1985) placed the Solarium simplex species group in the genus Philippia J. E. Gray, 1847, subgenus Psilaxis Woodring, 1928, which was later raised to full generic rank by Bieler (1993). This taxonomic placement was confirmed by Bieler to Moths et al. (2010: 81). However, Italian authors place it in the genus Basisulcata Melone & Taviani, 1985 (type species Philippia lepida Bayer, 1942, present-day, Mediterranean). Psilaxis simplex (Bronn, 1831) is widespread in the European Miocene and Pliocene assemblages and varies greatly is size and shape. The Azorean specimens are relatively small but otherwise typical for the species.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C45091CFF1DFB4BFBD4704B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Atlantic (Aquitanian and Burdigalian), Aquitaine Basin, France (Cossmann & Peyrot 1919; Lozouet et al. 2001); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Burdigalian), Colli Torinesi, Italy (Michelotti 1841 b; Sacco 1892 b); Paratethys (Aquitanian and Burdigalian), Austria (Harzhauser 2002). Middle Miocene: North Sea Basin (late Burdigalian-Langhian), Belgium (Glibert 1952 b), Germany (Anderson 1960, 1964; A. W. Janssen 1967; Wienrich 2007; Moths et al. 2010), Netherlands (Nordsieck 1972 a; A. W. Janssen 1984); Atlantic (Serravallian), Aquitaine Basin, France (Grateloup 1846; Cossmann & Peyrot 1919), (Langhian), Loire Basin (France (Glibert 1949); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian), Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1856), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960), Hungary (Csepreghy-Meznerics 1954; Strausz 1962, 1966), Poland (Friedberg 1923; Bałuk 1975), Ukraine (Zelinskaya et al. 1968); north- eastern Atlantic, Azores (Ferreira 1955); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Serravallian), Karaman Basin, Turkey (Eru ̈ nal-Erento ̈ z 1958; Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: northeastern Atlantic (Tortonian), Cacela Basin, Portugal (Dollfus et al. 1903), Seville southwestern Spain (Cárdenas et al. 2019); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Tortonian), Po Basin, Italy (Sacco 1892 b). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (González Delgado 1986; Ruiz Muñoz et al. 1997; Landau et al. 2011; Brunetti 2022), Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1880; Chirli & Richard 2008); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1892 b; Chirli 1988; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010), Tunisia (Fekih 1975). Upper Pliocene: Atlantic, Mondego Basin, Portugal (Zbyszewski 1959; Silva 1992, 2001), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, Spain (NHMW collection), Morocco (Lecointre 1952); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1892 b; Ruggieri & Curti 1959; Malatesta 1974; Caprotti 1970; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Bogi et al. 2002; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010; Chirli 2013). Lower Pleistocene: eastern Mediterranean, Rhodes Island (Chirli & Linse 2011).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4B091CFF1DFB2FFE3471E3.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Turbo quadricarinatus, Brocchi, 1814 (Semper 1865: 330), by subsequent designation (de Boury 1883). Pliocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4B091FFF1DFA2BFC8670D6.taxon	description	Plate 6 F	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4B091FFF1DFA2BFC8670D6.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 1.9 mm, width 1.1 mm (incomplete fragment). DBUA-F 1023 - 2 (1), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4B091FFF1DFA2BFC8670D6.taxon	description	Description. Azorean material too incomplete to offer a description.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4B091FFF1DFA2BFC8670D6.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The Azorean specimen consists of half of the penultimate and last whorls, attached to matrix that cannot be removed. Nevertheless, it shows the characteristic sculpture consisting of four primary cords: two weaker adapical and two stronger abapical cords. Fine lamellar axial sculpture makes the cords weakly to moderately beaded. The specimen from the Atlantic Lower Pliocene Guadalquivir Basin assemblage illustrated by Landau et al. (2011: pl. 22, fig. 3) as Mathilda granosa (Borson, 1821) represents M. quadricarinata (Brocchi, 1814). Mathilda granosa has one weaker adapical cord and two strong abapical cords that are far more strongly tubercular than in M. quadricarinata (see Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010: 66, unnumbered figure, middle row centre vs. middle row right). Mathilda cochlaeformis Brugnone, 1873, also from the present-day West African and Mediterranean coasts, differs in having a wider apical angle, two weak adapical cords and the third cord stronger than the fourth, making the whorls somewhat angular in profile. Mathilda gemmulata Semper, 1865, known from the Italian Pliocene and present coast of West African, is slightly slenderer than M. quadricarinata, and has one weak adapical primary cord and two stronger adapical cords.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4B091FFF1DFA2BFC8670D6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: central Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 a). Upper Miocene: central Proto-Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 a). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper), Guadalquivir Basin S. Spain (Landau et al. 2011); central Mediterranean, Italy (Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010; Chirli 2013; Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin, S. Spain (NHMW collection), France (Chirli & Richard 2008); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 a; Caprotti 1976; Tabanelli et al. 2021). Lower Pleistocene: eastern Mediterranean, Rhodes Island (Chirli & Linse 2011). Present-day: Portugal, Mediterranean, West African coast to Angola, Madeira, Canaries and Cabo Verde (Poppe & Goto 1991; Hernández et al. 2011; Giannuzzi-Savelli et al. 2014).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C48091FFF1DFA33FF4A7227.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Voluta tornatilis Linnaeus, 1758 (de Monfort 1810: 314), by original designation. Present-day, Europe.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C480919FF1DF967FAD075D3.taxon	description	Plate 6 G 1 - G 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C480919FF1DF967FAD075D3.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 7.3 mm width 3.9 mm. DBUA-F 191 - 9 (1). Malbusca, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C480919FF1DF967FAD075D3.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The specimen from the Azores is very poorly preserved and missing its spire. Nevertheless, the sculpture of spiral cords just below the suture and on the base of the last whorl are typical for the species. As discussed by Landau et al. (2013: 323; 2020 a: 264) ‘ Acteon ’ semistriatus (Férrusac, 1822) is a highly variable species in both profile with slender and squatter forms coexisting and in its sculpture that is hugely subobsolete mid-whorl on the last whorl but can persist along the entire last whorl in some specimen.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C480919FF1DF967FAD075D3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: Atlantic (Aquitanian and Burdigalian), Aquitaine Basin, France (Benoist 1889; Peyrot 1932); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Burdigalian), Colli Torinesi, Italy (Sacco 1897); Paratethys (Aquitanian and Burdigalian), Austria (Steininger 1973; Harzhauser 2002). Lower-middle Miocene: North Sea Basin (late Burdigalian-Langhian), Belgium (Glibert 1952 b), Denmark (Sorgenfrei 1958), Germany (Anderson 1964; Moths 1989; Wienrich 2007), Netherlands (Nordsieck 1972 a; A. W. Janssen 1984). Middle Miocene: Atlantic (Langhian and Serravallian): Aquitaine Basin, France (Grateloup 1846; Benoist 1889; Peyrot 1933), (Langhian), Loire Basin, France (Glibert 1952); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian), Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1856), Bulgaria (Kojumdgieva & Strachimirov 1960), Hungary (Kecskemeìtineì-Ko ̈ rmendy 1962; Strausz 1966), Poland (Friedberg 1928); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Serravallian), Karaman Basin, Turkey (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: North Sea Basin (Tortonian), Denmark (Rasmussen 1968; Schnetler 2005); Atlantic (Tortonian and Messinian): NW France (Millet 1854, 1865; Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2020 a), Algarve Basin, Portugal (Dollfus et al. 1903), Seville southwestern Spain (Cárdenas et al. 2019); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Tortonian), Po Basin, Italy (Sacco 1897). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, NW France (Brébion 1964; Ceulemans et al. 2018), Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper); Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (Ruiz Muñoz et al. 1997; Landau et al. 2011; Brunetti 2022); western Mediterranean, northeastern Spain, (Martinell 1982), Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1880); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1897; Chirli 2013), Tunisia (Fekih 1975). Upper Pliocene: western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (NHMW collection), southern France (Chirli & Richard 2008); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1897; Cavallo & Repetto 1992).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4E0919FF1DF9D2FADC7301.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material. Single specimen, size unknown, from Figueiral, Santa Maria Island, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4E0919FF1DF9D2FADC7301.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864) recorded the species from Figueiral, Santa Maria Island without a figure. We cannot confirm its presence in the Azorean assemblages and have not given a complete chresonymy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4E0919FF1DF9D2FADC7301.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic,? Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4E0919FF1DFD6FFE0C776B.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Bulla cylindracea Pennant, 1777 (Loveìn 1846: 142), by subsequent designation (Hermannsen 1852). Present-day, British Isles.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4F0918FF1DFEC7FA9D75F6.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Bulla cranchii Fleming, 1828 (Leach 1847: 268), by monotypy. Present-day, British Isles.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4F091BFF1DFE3BFF5A70BB.taxon	description	Plate 6 I 1 - I 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4F091BFF1DFE3BFF5A70BB.taxon	materials_examined	Type material (of Bulla micromphalus Mayer, 1864). Single specimen height 17.0 mm, width 10.0 mm, Pinheiros (Baía da Cré), Santa Maria Island, Azores; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 8.2 mm, width 4.5 mm. DBUA-F 1027 - 2 (2), Malbusca, Santa Maria, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4F091BFF1DFE3BFF5A70BB.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Roxania utriculus (Brocchi, 1814) typically has spiral sculpture on the last adult whorl restricted to the extremities, with the central portion of the whorl smooth. All Miocene to extant shells examined have this type of sculpture. However, some Miocene specimens at hand have spiral sculpture extending across the entire last whorl. This form was illustrated by Brunetti & Cresti (2018: 120) under the name Roxania utriculus totornata (Sacco, 1897) which probably should be synonymised. The Azorean specimens are slightly slenderer than usual, the surface is somewhat decalcified but show the characteristic fine spiral sculpture at the extremities. Roxania utriculus is widespread in Miocene to present-day European Atlantic and Mediterranean assemblages. In our opinion, specimens from the Pliocene Santa Maria assemblages originally identified as Bulla utriculus by Bronn in Reiss (1862: 34) and later described as a distinct species, Bulla micromphalus (Mayer, 1864), fall within the variability of Roxania utriculus. Mayer’s species is thus considered a junior subjective synonym herein.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4F091BFF1DFE3BFF5A70BB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Miocene: North Sea Basin (late Burdigalian-Langhian): Belgium (Glibert 1952 b), Denmark (Ravn 1907; Moths & Tu ̈ xen 2008), Germany (Sorgenfrei 1958; Anderson 1964; Moths 1989; Wienrich 2007; Moths et al. 2010), Netherlands (Nordsieck 1972 a; A. W. Janssen 1984). Middle Miocene: Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian): Austria (Ho ̈ rnes 1856; Berger 1953), Hungary (Bogsch 1936; Strausz 1966); Proto-Mediterranean (Serravallian): Karaman Basin, Turkey (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: North Sea Basin (Tortonian): Denmark (Schnetler 2005); Atlantic (Tortonian): Cacela Basin, Portugal (Dolfuss et al. 1904), Seville, southwestern Spain (Cárdenas et al. 2019); Proto-Mediterranean (Tortonian and Messinian): Po Basin, Italy (Sacco 1897; Venzo & Pelosio 1963). Lower Pliocene: North Sea Basin: Belgium (Marquet 1997 b, 1998 a); Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (Landau et al. 2011); northeastern Spain (Almer 1907; Martinell, 1982 c), Roussillon Basin, France (Chirli & Richard 2008), Tunisia (Fekih 1975); central Mediterranean, Italy (Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Chirli 2013; Brunetti & Crest 2018). Upper Pliocene: North Sea Basin, Belgium (Nyst 1845; Marquet 1997 b, 1998 a); northeastern Atlantic, Mondego Basin, central west Portugal (Silva 2001); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (NHMW collection); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1897). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1910). Present-day: northeastern Atlantic, Scandinavia, Shetlands, Hebrides, British Isles, Portugal to Canary Islands (Hernández et al. 2011) and the Mediterranean (Thompson 1988).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4C091BFF1DFABFFF4A719B.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Bulla lignaria Linnaeus, 1758 (de Montfort 1810: 334), by original designation. Present-day, Europe.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4C091AFF1DF9D7FE1E73A8.taxon	description	Plate 6 J 1 - J 2	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4C091AFF1DF9D7FE1E73A8.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 27 mm, width 15.5 mm. Internal mould from LNEG collection (unnumbered), locality unknow, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4C091AFF1DF9D7FE1E73A8.taxon	discussion	Discussion. We confirm this record from the Lower Pliocene of Santa Maria, based on an internal mould present in LNEG collection. Bronn in Mayer (1862) identified the specimens as Scaphander grateloupi Michelotti, 1847 [= Scaphander tarbelliana (Grateloup, 1837)]. That species from the Atlantic Lower Miocene Aquitanian and Burdigalian of the Aquitaine Basin, France and late Burdigalian-Langhian of the North Sea Basin is smaller, more fragile than S. lignarius, and the aperture does not rise above the apex, but most notably it has punctuated striations, which in Scaphander grateloupi are broader, the rounded punctations larger, widening the grooves (Ceulemans et al. 2018). The Middle and Upper Miocene form represents S. dertonensis (Sacco, 1897) which differs from S. lignarius in being a thicker shell, in having a more conical shape, the aperture is narrower and less expanded anteriorly, the spiral grooves on the last whorl are more widely spaced, the outer lip rises further above the apex adapically, and the columellar callus is a little thicker (Landau et al. 2013: 335). It is difficult to decide based on an internal mould, as the surface sculpture is not preserved, but the shape of the Azorean mould suggests that it represents S. lignarius.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C4C091AFF1DF9D7FE1E73A8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: North Sea Basin, Coralline Crag, England (S. V. Wood 1848; Harmer 1923), Kattendijk Formation, Belgium (Marquet 1997 b, 1998 b); Atlantic, NW France (Brébion 1964; Ceulemans et al. 2018), Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (Ruiz Muñoz et al. 1997; Landau et al. 2011); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1897; Chirli 2013; Brunetti & Cresti 2018). Upper Pliocene: North Sea Basin, Red Crag, England (S. V. Wood 1848; Harmer 1923), Oorderen Sands Formation, Belgium (Marquet 1997 b, 1998 b); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (NHMW collection), southern France (Chirli & Richard 2008); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1897; Malatesta 1974; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Sosso & Dell’Angelo 2010). Pliocene (indeterminate): North Sea Basin, Netherlands (van Regteren Altena et al. 1964). Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene: Atlantic, northwestern France (Brébion 1964). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1910); eastern Mediterranean, Rhodes Island (Chirli & Linse 2011). Pleistocene: Atlantic, England, Ireland (Harmer 1923); central Mediterranean, Italy (Malatesta, 1960). Present-day: Iceland, Scandinavia, British Isles, northeastern Atlantic frontage to Portugal, Mediterranean, NW Africa and Canary Islands (T. E. Thompson, 1988).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720925FF1DFACFFE8571CA.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Nerita costata Brocchi, 1814 (= Fossarus clathratus Philippi, 1844) (Reìcluz 1864: 251), by monotypy. Pliocene, Italy.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720925FF1DFDBBFBF670E1.taxon	description	Plate 6 K 1 - K 2 cf. * Turbonilla abreui Peñas & Rolán 2000: 70, figs. 40 - 45. cf. Turbonilla abreui Peñas & Rolán, 2000 — Peñas et al. 2000: 186, figs. 27 A-B. cf. Pyrgostylus abreui (Peñas & Rolán, 2000) — Landau & Micali 2021: 314, pl. 121, figs. 1 - 2.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720925FF1DFDBBFBF670E1.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 6.0 mm, width 3.0 mm. DBUA-F 471 - 2 (3), Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720925FF1DFDBBFBF670E1.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The specimens at hand are all too incomplete to offer a description and all lack the protoconch, which is of paramount importance in the classification of pyramidellids. Nevertheless, the specimens can be attributed to the genus Pyrgostylus Monterosato, 1884, based on their very strong axial sculpture with an occasional varix, and the outer lip also thickened by varix. They are most like P. abreui (Peñas & Rolán, 2000), an extant species endemic to the island of Madeira, in their relatively slender form and very strong axial sculpture. This species was recently also recorded from the Upper Pliocene western Mediterranean of the Estepona Basin, Spain (Landau & Micali 2021). In view of the incompleteness of the Azorean fossil specimens, we leave them in open nomenclature.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720925FF1DFDBBFBF670E1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720925FF1DFE4AFA267676.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Turbo striatulus Linnaeus, 1758 (Monterosato 1884: 90), by monotypy. Present-day, Mediterranean.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720927FF1DF9E7FBE1751B.taxon	description	Plate 6 L 1 - L 3	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720927FF1DF9E7FBE1751B.taxon	materials_examined	Santa Maria material examined. Maximum height 6.0 mm, max width 7.0 mm. DBUA-F 471 - 1 (1), DBUA-F 827 - C (1) Ponta do Castelo, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720927FF1DF9E7FBE1751B.taxon	description	Description. Shell small, apex flattened, protoconch abraded, suture deeply impressed, linear. Last whorl rapidly expanding, with broad, flattened subsutural platform, convex below, bearing four strong cords: adapical cord delimiting subsutural platform, wider spaced than abapical three cords, cords ending as rounded digitation at outer lip. Strong irregular axial growth lines interrupt cords. Base convex umbilicate. Aperture rounded, filled with matrix.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720927FF1DF9E7FBE1751B.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Two specimens are available from the Azorean material which are typical for the species. The spire is relatively low and the last whorl is not disjunct as seen in large gerontic specimens. For further discussion, see Landau et al. (2013, 2020 b) and Ceulemans et al. (2018). Clathrella clathrata (Philippi, 1844) is widespread and long-lived in the European middle Miocene to present-day.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C720927FF1DF9E7FBE1751B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle Miocene: Atlantic, Tagus Basin (Burdigalian), central-West Portugal (Zbyszewski 1957). Atlantic (Serravallian), Aquitaine Basin, (Cossmann & Peyrot 1919), (Langhian), Loire Basin, France (Gliber 1949); Paratethys (Langhian-Serravallian), Poland (Friedberg 1923; Bałuk 1995), Vienna (Ho ̈ rnes 1856), Hungary (Strausz 1962, 1966), Ukraine (Zelinskaya et al. 1968), Slovakia (S ̌ vagrovsky 1960); Proto-Mediterranean Sea (Serravallian), Karaman Basin, Turkey (Landau et al. 2013). Upper Miocene: Atlantic (Tortonian), NW France (Millet 1854, 1865; Brébion 1964; Landau et al. 2020 b), (Tortonian): Algarve Basin, Portugal (Dollfus et al. 1904). Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (this paper), NW France (Ceulemans et al. 2018), Guadalquivir Basin, Spain (González Delgado 1988; Ruiz Muñoz et al. 1997; Landau et al. 2011); western Mediterranean, Roussillon Basin, France (Fontannes 1880); central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Forli et al. 1999; Chirli 2008; Brunetti & Cresti 2018); Tunisia (Fekih 1975). Upper Pliocene: Atlantic, Mondego Basin, Portugal (Silva 2001); western Mediterranean, Estepona Basin (Landau & Micali, 2021), central Mediterranean, Italy (Sacco 1896 b; Caprotti 1970, 1976; Cavallo & Repetto 1992; Ragaini & Bernieri 2007; Brunetti 2014). Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene: Atlantic, northwestern France (Brebion 1964). Lower Pleistocene: central Mediterranean, Italy (Cerulli-Irelli 1914). Present-day: Portugal, Mediterranean (Peñas et al. 1996; Giannuzzi-Savelli et al. 2014), NW Africa, Madeira and Canary Islands (Albuquerque et al. 2009; Segers et al. 2009). Species described from the Santa Maria assemblages of uncertain generic assignment.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C700926FF1DFE4AFB387524.taxon	description	Plate 6 M, N	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C700926FF1DFE4AFB387524.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Two specimen, maximun height 19.0 mm, width 15.0 mm, Pinheiros, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Touril Complex, Lower Pliocene; whereabouts unknown (Beu 2017: 165). Original description. “ Drei Gewinde-Theile der Schaale, woran 5 Windungen kenntlich sind, aber der letze Umgang gr ̂ sstentheils fehlt. Den 3 - 4 ersten Umgängen nach w ̧ rde man, was Form, Spiralstreifung un Scwäche der Mundw ̧ lste betrifft, glauben k ̂ nnen eine junge R. marginata vor sich zu haben; doc hist das Gewinde Treppenf ̂ rmig und steht die Kn ̂ tchen-Reihe mit etwa 16 Kn ̂ tchen auf den Umgang nicht vor, sondern hinter der Mitte des freien Theils der Umgänge, anfangs dicht a der Naht, dann etwas davon entfernt, einen abgerundet fast rechtkantigen Kiel bildend, welcher 2 — 3 gerundete Spiral-Streifen hinter (̧ ber) und 6 — 7 dergleichen vor sich hat. Die so gestreifte freie Fläche vor ihm ist anfangs rechtwinkelig, dann auswärts gekr ̧ mmt und mithin konkav; sie erhebt sich vom vorletzten Umgange an in der Nah tzu einer zweiten Kn ̂ tchen-Reihe, deren Kn ̂ tchen etwas weiter aus einander ger ̧ ckt sind. Die ganze äussre Oberfläche des letzten Umganges scheint ebenfalls spiralstreifig gewesen zu seyn, mit 2 — 3 stärkeren Streifen darunter, auf denen sich auch noch einzelne undeutlichere Kn ̂ tchen erheben. Die M ̧ ndung scheint am obern oder hinter Ende der wulstigen äusseren Lippe der von R. marginata ähnlich und mit eben solchem Kanale versehen gewesen zu seyn (Fig. a stellt den hinter-untern Theil dar; am Rande rechts springen beide Kn ̂ tchen-Reihen vor.) [Three spire fragments are preserved from which we can tell it has at least 5 whorls, but the last whorl is largely missing. According to the first 3 to 4 whorls, one would believe that it is a young specimen of R. marginata, as far as the shape, spiral striations and the weak apertural callus is concerned; but the suture is scalate and there is a row of sixteen protruding nodules not in front, but behind the middle of the free part of the whorls, initially close to the suture, then slightly distant from it, forming a rounded almost rectangular keel, which has 2 - 3 rounded spiral cords behind (above) and 6 - 7 similar one in front of it. The striated space in front [of the nodule] is initially rectangular, then convex and later concave; it rises from the penultimate suture at the suture to a second row of nodules, the nodules of which have moved a little further apart. The whole outer surface of the last whorl also seems to have been spirally striated, with 2 - 3 thicker cords underneath, on which also individual indistinct nodules develop. The aperture seems to have been similar at the upper or behind the end of the bulging outer lip to that of R. marginata and provided with such a canal (Fig. a represents the lower dorsal part (?); at the edge right both rows of nodules protrude.)] ” (Bronn in Reiss 1862: 27 - 28). Latin description. “ Testa rotundato-ovata, ventricosa; spira brevissima, subscalata; anfractibus transversim regulariter striatis, ad suturam angulatis et tuberculosis, postea concavis, paulum ante medium altera tuberculorum majorum series cinctis, inferne tuberculis minoribus, inseriebus 2 - 3 dispositis, ornatis; columella paulum rugosa; canali brevissimo; apertura ampla, utrinque canaliculata; labro varicoso. ” (Mayer 1864: 72).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C700926FF1DFE4AFB387524.taxon	discussion	Discussion. The specimen illustrated by Bronn (1862: 27, fig. 8) represents either an apical fragment or a juvenile shell. The spire is extremely low, with a very characteristic sculpture of finely beaded cords with a more strongly beaded cord bordering the suture. The dorsal view is not illustrated but suggests that there are two strong elevated cords, one at the shoulder and one just below, by the spines produced on the outer lip. The original generic assignment Ranella Lamarck, 1816 seems unlikely, as Ranella specimens are large, with much taller spire. Both Bronn in Reiss (1862) and Mayer (1864), likened it to R. marginata [now placed in the genus Aspa; see under A. marginata (Gmelin, 1791)]. Unfortunately, we cannot place this species at either genus or family level and no further specimen have been found. The low ornate spire is more suggestive of the conoidean family Borsoniidae Bellardi, 1875 but again is much lower than any known species. The figured fragment is certainly intriguing, and we have reproduced both the original illustrations (Fig. 6 M) and Mayer’s (1864) drawing (Fig. 6 N). We hope further specimens might come to light.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C700926FF1DFE4AFB387524.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lower Pliocene: Atlantic, Santa Maria Island, Azores (Bronn in Reiss 1862; Mayer 1864). Species recorded in historical literature excluded from the Santa Maria assemblages	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C710926FF1DFDB4FAFA7760.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 67) recorded Cerithiopsis spina Partsch. a single specimen from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas). Bittium spina (H ̂ rnes, 1855) is a slender species described from the Middle Miocene Paratethys. The fact that Mayer records it from the Aquitanian of France and the Upper Pliocene of Rhodes Island where the species does not occur suggests that this identification is incorrect and probably refers to Bittium nanum (Mayer, 1864).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C710926FF1DFCA6FB7A778F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Euthriofusus virgineus (Grateloup, 1833) is a large and distinctive predominantly Miocene species. Mayer’s original identification was based on a “ ein elendes Bruchst ̧ ck [a miserable fragment] ” and uncertain. No further specimens have been found, and we prefer to exclude this record pending confirmation.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C710926FF1DFBFBFB367154.taxon	discussion	Discussion. As with the species above, this determination was based on two small fragments from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas) and said to belong to the Murex erinaceus group. Today, this species is placed in the genus Ocenebra Gray, 1847. Two sub-species are recognized O. vindobonensis vindobonensis (H ̂ rnes, 1853), present in the Lower and Middle Miocene Paratethys and eastern Proto-Mediterranean, and O. vindobonensis ligeriana (Tournouër, 1875) from the Atlantic middle Miocene of the Loire Basin, France. This species complex is typically Miocene (Landau et al., 2006 c), and we prefer to exclude this record until further verified.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C710926FF1DFAB9FE6F7280.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 74) recorded one specimen with certainty from Feteirinhas (= Ponta das Salinas) and a second doubtful specimen from Pinheiros. Stramonita haemastoma Linnaeus, 1767 is reported from the Pleistocene outcrops in Santa Maria Island, found in small numbers, in Prainha, Praia, Lagoinhas and the Vinha Velha deposits (Ávila, 2005; Ávila et al., 2002, 2009 a, 2009 b; 2015). In the DBUA-F collection, we also examined specimens that were supposedly from Lower Pliocene outcrops from Santa Maria. On detailed examination of the shell preservation and the lack of matrix within the aperture of any of the specimens, from supposedly Pliocene strata, we could not convince ourselves that any of these specimens were truly Pliocene. Stramonita haemastoma lives in intertidal habitats, and shells found close to the Pliocene strata were probably transported by storms or birds. Therefore, this species is excluded from the Pliocene assemblages of Santa Maria pending further finds.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C710926FF1DFE63FC7F7659.taxon	discussion	Discussion. Mayer (1864: 61) recorded one specimen as Trochus Niloticus? Linné, from the locality of Ponta dos Matos. The current valid name for this species is Rochia nilotica (Linnaeus, 1767), which has an Indo-Pacific distribution, and therefore it is unlikely that Mayer record is conspecific.	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
03CF879C2C710922FF1DF8CAFDCB768F.taxon	discussion	Discussion. According to his discussion, Mayer (1864: 76) had a fragment of a columbellid that he tentatively identified as Columbella bellardii H ̂ rnes, 1852, which was assigned as the type species of the genus Auingeria Harzhauser & Landau (2021). That genus is endemic to the Paratethys, and Mayer’s determination is unlikely. We exclude this record from the assemblage. Palaeoclimatology Based on the presence of gastropod genera requiring fully tropical conditions, such as Turbo Linnaeus, 1758, Nerita Linnaeus, 1758, Cheilea Modeer, 1793, Hipponix Defrance, 1819, Thetystrombus Dekkers, 2008, Distorsio R ̂ ding, 1798, Bellardithala Harzhauser & Landau, 2021, Cancilla Swainson, 1840, Tomellana Wenz, 1943, high diversity of conids, including fully tropical genera such as Africonus Petuch, 1975, Plagioconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2009 and Stephanoconus M ̂ rch, 1852 and the species Aurantilaria tarbelliana (Grateloup, 1845) (Tucker & Tenorio 2009; Landau et al. 2011, table 1; Ávila et al. 2016 b; Harzhauser & Landau 2016), We interpret the assemblage as being fully tropical, rather than subtropical as done by Mayer (1864). Some of the species present in the Santa Maria assemblages [e. g., Cheilea equestris (Linnaeus, 1758), Hipponix sulcatus (Borson, 1820), and Tethystrombus coronatus (Defrance, 1827)] are present in the Mediterranean during the fully tropical Pliocene but did not survive the cooling event at the end of MPPMU 1. Conversely, there are no genera present typical of European temperate waters (e. g., Buccinum Linnaeus, 1758, Colus R ̂ ding, 1798, Neptunea R ̂ ding, 1798). Palaeo-SSTs for water masses around Santa Maria were discussed by Ávila et al. (2016 b) based on the presence of Persististrombus coronatus (Defrance, 1827), now placed in the genus Tethystrombus Dekkers, 2008. Those authors suggested that during MPPMU 1 (i. e., Zanclean and earliest Piacenzian from 5.33 to about 3 Ma) there was a large climatic zone (see Fig. 5 A) with full tropical conditions that extended some distance north of the Azores south to Angola: the Pliocene Mediterranean-West African (palaeobiogeographic) Province (PMWAP) (see also Monegatti & Raffi, 2001; Silva & Landau, 2007). They also stated that the palaeoclimate at Santa Maria Island was drastically different from that seen at those latitudes today, with mean annual sea surface temperatures (SSTs) about 3.7 ° C to 6.3 ° C higher than the present-day 20.6 ° C, and with mean monthly SSTs ranging from 20 ° C to 28 ° C, with six months with mean SSTs over 24 ° C, conditions typical of a tropical setting. The rest of the warm-water taxa represented in the same Santa Maria assemblages further support this conclusion. Palaeobiogeography Palaeobiogeographical implications are difficult to draw based on such a small number of taxa. However, certain inferences can be made (cf. Fig. 5 A). The Azorean PMWAP assemblage shows a high affinity with that of the tropical Mediterranean-West African Palaeobiogeographical Province during the Zanclean and earliest Piacenzian (the period of time represented by the MPPMU 1). Twenty-seven (35 %) of species are found both in the Santa Maria assemblages and in the Pliocene Mediterranean during MPPMU 1. The association with the subtropical Pliocene French-Iberian Province (PFIP sensu Ávila et al. 2016 b) is weaker [13 species (17 %)], and very few species are found in common with the warm temperate Pliocene Boreal-Celtic Province (PBCP sensu Ávila et al. 2016 b) further to the North [6 or 7 species (8 - 9 %)], mainly ubiquitous European species such as Calyptraea chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758), Petaloconchus intortus (Lamarck, 1818), Thylacodes arenarius (Linnaeus, 1758), and Tenagodus (Tenagodus) obtusus (Schumacher, 1817). We note that at least some of these widely distributed species may represent species groups that are difficult if not impossible to separate based on shell characters rather than single species (e. g., C. chinensis). The most widely dispersed species found in the Santa Maria assemblages are all within the Tonnoidea Suter, 1913. This is hardly surprising as tonnoidean species have large multispiral protoconchs (Beu 1988: 75) suggesting planktotrophic dispersal, and the veligers of modern species have been shown to live for up to in the plankton — teleplanic larvae (Jablonski & Lutz 1980), and to travel vast distances (Beu 1988: 73). Two species have an amphiatlantic distribution during the Plio-Pleistocene: Aspa marginata (Gmelin, 1791), which today no longer occurs in the tropical western Atlantic and is found only along the coast of West Africa, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde archipelagos; and Monoplex comptus (A. Adams, 1855) which still has an amphiatlantic distribution. Of particular interest is the presence of Distorsio mcgintyi Emerson & Puffer, 1953 in the Azores assemblages. This species has a long history in the Cainozoic of the Tropical American Atlantic, going back to the lower Miocene (Landau & Silva 2010; Beu 2010). Its presence in the Pliocene of the Azores Archipelago is the most eastern record for the species. We consider the following to be endemic species to the Santa Maria Pliocene to present-day assemblages: Danilia pterostomus (Bronn, 1861), Turbo hartungi Bronn 1861, Thericium crenulosum (Bronn, 1862), Thericium hartungi (Mayer, 1862), Thericium incultum (Mayer, 1862), Bittium miradouroense nov. sp., Bittium an nov. sp.?, Bittium nanum (Mayer, 1864), Janthina krejcii Beu, 2017, Euspira atlantica (Mayer, 1862), Alvania mediolittoralis Gofas, 1989, Alvania sleursi (Amati, 1987), Erato mayeri nov. sp., Gibberula vignali Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1896, Cancellaria parcestriata Bronn, 1862, Fusinus sp.?, Tritia atlantica (Mayer, 1862), Tritia aff. striatula striatula (Eichwald, 1829), Tritia vetulum (Mayer, 1862), Cancilla volvaria (Bronn, 1862), Africonus trochilus (Mayer, 1864), and Stephanoconus candidatus (Mayer, 1862). Taxa considered species inquirenda have been excluded. Pseudopusula parcicosta (Bronn, 1862) has a slightly wider distribution, described from the lower Pliocene of Santa Maria and the Canary Islands (Fehse & Grego 2014). Therefore, 22 Pliocene gastropod species (29 %) are considered as endemic to the Azores, and this compares with a total of 23 Last Interglacial (MIS 5 e) endemic gastropod species (19 %; Ávila et al., 2015 a) and 41 (14.4 %) recent endemic gastropod species (Cordeiro & Ávila, 2015). At genus level, the composition is typical of that of the tropical Pliocene Mediterranean-West African palaeobiogeographic Province, except for the genera Janthina R ̂ ding, 1798 and Pseudopusula Fehse & Grego, 2014. However, at species level the assemblage is relatively endemic, with 22 (29 %) of the species restricted to the Azores archipelago. Working on extant faunas, Spalding et al. (2007) devised a global model for coastal and shelf areas constructed of realms, provinces and ecoregions that was refined for the Macaronesian archipelagos by Freitas et al. (2019; cf. Fig. 5 B). Spalding’s use of the term ‘ ecoregion’ equates roughly to the ‘ subprovinces’ used by palaeobiogeographers (e. g., Woodring 1974; Petuch 1982, 1988, 2004; Landau et al. 2008, 2019). In the present-day faunas, Freitas et al. (2019: fig. 7) increased the resolution of Spalding et al. (2007: box 1, fig. 3) and recognized the Azores ecoregion and the Webbnesia ecoregion (including Madeira, Selvagens and Canaries) all belonging to the Lusitanian biogeographic Province, with a distinct Cabo Verde biogeographic subprovince included in the West-African Transition biogeographic Province. The Azores ecoregion, the Webbnesia ecoregion the Saharan upwelling ecoregion and the Mediterranean (cf. Fig 5 B), altogether, are roughly equivalent to the subtropical Mediterranean-Moroccan Province of Raffi et al. (1985) (cf. Fig. 5 A), whereas the South European Atlantic Shelf ecoregion (cf. Fig. 5 B) equals to the warm temperate French-Iberian Province (cf. Fig. 5 A). Finally, Cabo Verde subprovince and the Sahelian Upwelling ecoregion (Fig. 5 B) correspond to the Mauritanian-Senegalese Province (Fig. 5 A). This revision of the Santa Maria Pliocene gastropod assemblages further strengthens the hypothesis that the location of the boundaries between distinct biogeographic units, especially of those located along the eastern Atlantic façade (see Fig. 5 A) were already in place at least since the early Pliocene. At the end of the Pliocene, the tropical Pliocene Mediterranean-West African Province split into the present-day northern subtropical Mediterranean-Moroccan Province (MMP) and southern Mauritanian-Senegalese Province (MSP; see Monegatti & Raffi 2007, 2010; Silva & Landau 2007; Landau et al. 2011; Ávila et al., 2016 b). The stability of the biogeographical subprovince units over time, despite the fracture or change in the larger biogeographic unit in which they occur, has also been demonstrated in other areas (e. g., Landau et al. 2008; 2019). The location of the transition zones (i. e., the location of the boundaries between different, consecutive biogeographic areas) along the eastern Atlantic latitudinally also seem to show long-term stability. For example, the transition zone between the Pliocene Mediterranean-West African Province (to the south) and the Pliocene French-Iberian Province (to the north) was located in an area that extended from Lisbon south to Cabo de S „ o Vicente (Algarve) (see Fig. 5 A) (e. g., Silva 2001; Monegatti & Raffi 2007; Silva & Landau 2007). The present transition zone between the subtropical Mediterranean-Moroccan Province (at south) and the warm temperate French-Iberian Province (at north) is located precisely along the same coastal area (Raffi et al. 1985). A similar situation happens for the location of the transition zone between the subtropical Pliocene French-Iberian Province (at south) and the warm temperate Pliocene Boreal-Celtic Province (at north), which is the same as that of the present transition zone between the warm temperate French-Iberian Province (at south) and the cool temperate Boreal-Celtic Province (at north). The Santa Maria Pliocene assemblages are unique amongst European Pliocene assemblages in containing fossils of the holoplanktonic gastropod genus Janthina, represented by two species: J. krejcii Beu, 2017 and Janthina typica (Bronn, 1861). Based on the presence / absence of Janthina species Beu (2017) constructed a circumglobal time range zonation, especially useful in the Antipodean area and Japan. Unfortunately, this model is of limited use in the European and Caribbean assemblages where Janthina species do not occur. Nevertheless, the Santa Maria assemblages were crucial in the construction of this zonation, and we note that the end of the J. typica zone (of Beu 2017) roughly coincides with the end of MPPMU 1 at about 3 Ma (Beu 2017: figs. 22, 23) and the end of fully tropical conditions within the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic (Raffi & Monegatti 1993; Monegatti & Raffi, 2001; Silva & Landau 2007; Ávila et al. 2016 b).	en	Sacchetti, Claudia, Landau, Bernard, Ávila, Sérgio P. (2023): The Lower Pliocene marine gastropods of Santa Maria Island, Azores: Taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zootaxa 5295 (1): 1-150, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5295.1.1
