A new genus of patellogastropod with unusual protoconch from Miocene of Paratethys

The protoconch and teleoconch morphology of “Tectura” angulata, “Tectura” pseudolaevigata from the Sarmatian and “Tectura” zboroviensisfrom the Badenian of the Eastern Paratethys have been studied in detail for the first time. The new genus Blinia is established for Sarmatian species which are characterized by a protoconch indicative of lecithotrophic type of early development lacking even a short free−swimming larval stage. In contrary the protoconch of Badenian “Tectura” zboroviensis demonstrates features of the shell typical for planktonic larva. The shape and proportions of a pancake−like protoconch in Blinia species suggest the development of young snails in brood pouch in the mantle cavity of maternal individual. The independence of Blinia gen. nov. from other Patellogastropoda such as Tectura, Patella, and Helcion is supported also by characteristics of shell structure. Typical patellogastropod protoconchs are present in the Badenian and the first half of the early Sarmatian and the protoconchs indicating lecithotrophic development are observed in patellogastropods only from the younger half of early Sarmatian and middle Sarmatian deposits. The change in ontogenetic strategy occurred during time of lowered salinity in the Paratethys. We suggest that the snails’ reproductive strategy was modified and free larval life was suppressed to cope with salinity change in the ambient water.