Neogene species of Pseudamussium (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Pectinidae) from Belgium

The status of the pectinid genus Pseudamussium Mörch, 1853 is discussed, and differences between this taxon and Palliolum Monterosato, 1884 are outlined. Five species from the Neogene of Belgium are assigned to Pseudamussium, viz. P. princeps (J. de C. Sowerby, 1826), P. edegemense (Glibert, 1945), P. lilli (Pusch, 1837), P. sulcatum (Müller, 1776), and P. clavatum (Poli, 1795). All of these are described and illustrated, and their stratigraphic ranges and palaeoecology discussed. Pseudamussium sulcatum is here recorded from the Belgian Pliocene for the first time, as is P. lilli. The latter species’ wide range of variation is discussed and Pecten scissus Favre, 1869 is considered to be a junior synonym. The stratigraphic distribution of P. lilli suggests a connection between the North Sea Basin and the Paratethys during the Miocene. In addition, the ontogeny of P. princeps is described, and the left valve of P. edegemense is here illustrated for the first time.