Middle Miocene (Badenian) macroinvertebrates from Pécs-Danitzpuszta (Mecsek Mts, SW Hungary)

Abstract

This paper examines Badenian (middle Miocene) macroinvertebrates – corals and molluscs – from the Pécs-Danitzpuszta sand pit (Mecsek Mts, SW Hungary) in order to extend our knowledge on Miocene normal marine deposits of the Mecsek region. Corals occur reworked in the upper Miocene sand that was deposited in the brackish Lake Pannon, and presumably originate either from the middle Badenian Pécsszabolcs or the upper Badenian Rákos Member of the Lajta Formation. A total of seven taxa were identified. These taxa suggest subtropical conditions and a lack of coral reefs in the Badenian. Molluscs were found in situ in the upper Badenian Szilágy Clay Marl Member of the Baden Formation and the Rákos Member of the Lajta Formation. They dominantly consist of bivalves and represent benthic assemblages typical of the middle Miocene Central Paratethys.