On the stratigraphical and palaeobiogeographical significance of Borelis melo melo (Fichtel & Moll, 1798) and B. melo curdica (Reichel, 1937) (Foraminifera, Miliolida, Alveolinidae)

Abstract. The stratigraphical and palaeobiogeographical significance of Borelis melo melo (Fichtel & Moll, 1798) and B. melo curdica (Reichel, 1937) is re-assessed in the light of a taxonomic review. Borelis melo melo ranges at least throughout the Miocene, whereas B. melo curdica is restricted to the late Early to Middle Miocene. Both sub-species occur only in the Indo-Pacific Province in the late Early Miocene (‘early’ Burdigalian), but in both the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean provinces in the latest Early–early Middle Miocene (‘middle’ Burdigalian–Langhian), implying a marine (re-)connection between the two regions at this time.