PLIO-QUATERNARY MAMMAL FOSSILIFEROUS SITES OF UMBRIA

INTRODUCTION 

The fossil mammalian fauna in Umbria is rich. The 

majority of the Plio-Pleistocene mammal faunas, discovered 

in Umbria, are represented by macromammals. 

These are more abundant because in the past only 

large animal remains were collected, as they are easier to 

discover and to recover them. Only large sized species of 

rodents (beaver, porcupine) and some lagomorphs were 

collected. However the fossil faunas of Umbria are 

represented by five orders of large mammals and four of 

micromammals. These fossil mammal remains represent 

all the orders and the majority of the families collected 

in the Pleistocene sites of Europe. 

Present day knowledge about terrestrial mammal faunas 

of the Plio-Pleistocene of Umbria does not allow 

attempting a detailed biochronology for the whole 

region. The chronological distribution of the mammalian 

fossiliferous layers is clear in the central and southern 

part of Umbria, because of the abundance of the fossils. 

In the northern part of the region there are instead 

many gaps due to the scarcity of fossiliferous beds. The 

distribution of the fossiliferous localities is referred to 

Faunal Unit (F.U.) successions and Mammal Ages following 

the biochronological scale of the continental succession 

in the Italian peninsula (Gliozzi et al., 1997). The 

fossil mammal remains found in Umbria are not uniformly 

distributed within the Plio-Pleistocene deposits, they 

are in fact concentrated in Late Pliocene and Early 

Pleistocene ones. Not all analysed localities are referred 

to a F.U. because in many sites only isolated fossils were 

discoveded or the fossils come from ancient collections, 

which are impossible to review; the localities are thus 

referred to Mammal Ages (Fig. 1). Some mammal assemblages 

are kept in cave deposits. In recent times two general 

works regarding some faunal assemblages of Umbria 

are published (Azzaroli, 2001; Petronio et al., 2003). 

The location of the fossiliferous sites is reported in Fig. 2. 

Geologica Romana 37 (2003-2004), 67-78 

PLIO-QUATERNARY MAMMAL FOSSILIFEROUS SITES OF UMBRIA 

(CENTRAL ITALY) 

Patrizia Argenti 

Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli studi di Perugia 

ABSTRACT - This work aims at providing the most complete catalogue of fossil mammal localities of Umbria, 

ranging from Pliocene to Holocene. The catalogue consists of fossil sites, known and reported since the XVIII century, 

in which faunal assemblages or even just single fossil remains were found. The catalogue allowed to 

biocronologically allocate the Plio-Pleistocene mammal assemblages of Umbria. The Pliocene assemblages are 

scarce, but the one found in Cava Toppetti (Todi) that was calibrated with paleomagnetic data is rather important. 

A very meaningful and rich fossil assemblage ascribable to the Plio-Pleistocene passage comes from Torre Picchio 

(Montecastrilli, Terni). Lower Pleistocene faunas are abundant and important since they are distributed on great 

part of the region’s territory. One example for all is the very rich collection from the Pietrafitta lignites. It is possible 

to ascribe, more or less in detail, such assemblages to the various Faunal Units. There are several Middle 

Pleistocene assemblages, but they are often not very rich. Upper Pleistocene faunas end Holocene faunas mostly 

come from Karst cavities. 

KEY WORDS: Fossiliferous sites, Mammals, Plio-Pleistocene, biochronology, Central Italy. 

EARLY VILLAFRANCHIAN ASSEMBLAGES 

(MIDDLE PLIOCENE) 

The only mammalian assemblage found in Umbria, 

referred to the Middle Pliocene was collected in the lignite 

mine of Spoleto. This can be referred to Triversa 

F.U. (early Villafranchian, Middle Pliocene) (Kotsakis, 

1986) for the presence of Mammut borsoni, Anancus 

arvernensis and Tapirus arvernensis. This assemblage is 

characteristic of the Early and Middle Pliocene 

(Ruscinian and Early Villafranchian). The beginning of 

Triversa F.U. should be around 3.2 M. years b.p. as suggested 

by paleomagnetic analysis at Fornace R.D.B. 

(Villafranca d’Asti, Piedmont) (Gliozzi et al., 1997). 

Some Mastodon arvernensis remains were found near 

Montoro (Tuccimei, 1891) and referred to Pliocene age. 

MIDDLE VILLAFRANCHIAN ASSEMBLAGES 

(LATE PLIOCENE) 

The assemblage of Cava Toppetti (Todi) is referred to 

Costa S. Giacomo F.U. (middle Villafranchian, Late 

Pliocene) (Abbazzi et al., 1997). The Apodemus dominans 

remains of Cava Toppetti are the same age as those 

found at Rivoli Veronese. Middle Villafranchian faunas 

are poorly represented in Italy. 

LATE VILLAFRANCHIAN ASSEMBLAGES 

(LATEST PLIOCENE AND EARLY 

PLEISTOCENE) 

The beginning of the late Villafranchian (Olivola F.U.) 

is marked by the appearance of Pachycrocuta brevirostris, 

Panthera gombaszoegensis and new species of 

Eucladoceros while dogs become widespread (Gliozzi et 

al., 1997). The mammal fossil assemblage collected in 

Pantalla (Todi) likely refers to the Olivola F.U. (late

68 Geologica Romana 37 (2003-2004), 67-78 

Fig. 1 - Biochronological distribution of the fossiliferous site of Umbria. 

Villafranchian, latest Pliocene) (Gentili et al., 1997): carnivors 

mainly characterize this assemblage. 

Torre Picchio is referred to the Olivola F.U. (or 

between the Olivola F.U. and Tasso F.U.) for stratigraphical 

correlation with marine strata, despite the presence 

of Mimomys medasensis, known from Late Pliocene of 

Ibero-occitan area. This arvicolid survives in Italian 

peninsula for longer time (Girotti et al., 2003). 

As regards the Parrano-Frattaguida fauna, this is quite 

heterogeneous and its stratigraphic position is unknown, 

it could be referred to the middle - late Villafranchian, 

ARGENTI 

after Ambrosetti (pers. com.) in this site is present 

Megantereon cultridens and Stephanorhinus etruscus 

(Verri, 1886; Clerici, 1896; Gliozzi et al., 1997). 

The assemblages found at Villa Spinola and Ponte 

S.Giovanni may be referred, very probably, to Tasso F.U. 

for their geographical and geological location (Argenti 

& Sardella, 2003). Fornace Ferrini-Ponte S.Giovanni 

remains are referred to the late Villafranchian for the 

correlation with the fauna of Villa Spinola and Piscille, 

which comes from the same levels (Argenti & Sardella, 

2003).

PLIO-QUATERNARY MAMMAL FOSSILIFEROUS ... Geologica Romana 37 (2003-2004), 67-78 69 

Fig. 2 - Distribution map of the fossiliferous sites: 1) Lignite mine of S. Croce (Spoleto); 2) Cava Toppetti (Todi); 3) Cava est Casigliano and Casale 

Violino (Casigliano, Acquasparta); 4) Fighille (Citerna); 5) Ellera of Corciano (now Filiale Lancia); 6) Casale Montecchio of Casalina (Deruta); 7) 

near S. Maria di Ciciliano (Montecastrilli); 8) near Orvieto; 9) Parrano - Frattaguida - S. Faustino; 10) Fontignano (Perugia); 11) Piscille (Perugia); 

12) Villa Spinola and near Ponte S. Giovanni (Perugia); 13) Some isolated localities in the neighbourhhods of Perugia (Colombella, Civitella d’Arno, 

S. Martino Delfico, Castel delle Forme, from S. Egidio to Deruta);14) Vigna Nuova (Piegaro); 15) Pietrafitta (Piegaro); 16) near Sanfatucchio 

(Vaiano); 17) Cava S. Faustino (Villa S. Faustino - Massa Martana); 18) Colle Pizzuto (Sangemini); 19) near Capitone (Narni); 20) near Colvalenza 

(Todi); 21) near Chioano (Todi); 22) Due Santi (Todi); 23) Colle Lame (Capitone, Narni); 24) M. Peglia (S. Venanzo); 25) Promano (Città di 

Castello); 26) near Marsciano; 27) near Lubriano (Corbara); 28) Poderetto (Pietrafitta); 29) M. Cucco cave; 30) Pozzo della Piana (Titignano); 31) 

Pantalla (Todi); 32) Civitella de’ Pazzi (Orvieto); 33) near Bettona; 34) Colle S. Andrea (S. Faustino); 35) Colle Violino (S. Faustino); 36) Casale le 

Grotte (S. Faustino); 37) near Pozzuolo (Trasimeno Lake); 38) near Montone (Umbertide); 39) near Paciano; 40) near Montefalco (Foligno); 41) 

near Montoro, Monte Campano lignite mine (Narni); 42) Rena between S. Fortunato e S. Martino in Colle (Perugia); 43) near M. Dell’Abbate 

between Perugia and Gubbio; 44) Railway tunnel of S. Costanzo (Perugia); 45) Fornace Ferrini, Ponte S. Giovanni (Perugia); 46) Torre Picchio 

(Montecastrilli); 47) near Gubbio (Scheggia); 48) Triponzo; 49) Taizzano (Narni); 50) Collelungo- Ravigliano, Tresa Valley; 51) Tane del Diavolo 

(Parrano); 52) S. Firmina- Fighille (Pistrino); 53) Colleluna (Terni).


The Tasso F.U. is characterized by a change in faunal 

assemblage with the appearance of typical Quaternary 

elements such as Mimomys savini, Canis (Xenocyon) 

falconeri, Hippopotamus, Praeovibos and Leptobos vallisarni 

(Gliozzi et al., 1997). The fossils from S.Faustino, 

Cava est Casigliano, Colle Violino, Casale Le 

Grotte and Colle S. Andrea are referred to Tasso F.U. 

(Ambrosetti et al., 1995; Sardella et al., 1995). 

Vigna Nuova assemblage is probably referred to Tasso 

F.U., for its stratigraphic position with respect to 

Pietrafitta and its the paleontological assemblage (mainly 

for the presence of Megantereon cultridens). Fighille 

clays are referred to late Villafranchian, Tasso F.U. on 

the basis of mollusc assemblage (Gastrocopta 

(Vertigopsis) dehmi Schlimckum & Strauch, Multi-dentula 

helenae Esu and Parmacella (Parmacella) cf. P. 

(P.) sp.1 sensu Manganelli & Giusti) (Ciangherotti & 

Esu, 2000). 

Capitone must be probably referred to the end of the 

late Villafranchian because of the presence of Stephanorhinus 

etruscus, represented by an advanced form 

(Ambrosetti, 1972). This induces the formulation of a 

hypothesis regarding a stratigraphical correlation 

between Capitone and Torre Picchio the proof of which 

is left to further investigation. Anyway the Totte Picchio 

fauna is clearly older than the more advanced rhino 

found in Capitone. 

The Farneta F.U. is characterized by a new situation: 

Leptobos and Eucladoceros are still present, while the 

Megaceroides clade (M. obscurus) and the voles 

Microtus (Allophaiomys) chalinei and M. (A.) cf. M. (A.) 

ruffoi appear (Gliozzi et al., 1997). Ellera remains are 

referred to the Farneta F.U. for the mammal assemblage 

(Ambrosetti et al., 1994). The mammal assemblage from 

Pietrafitta is referred to the Farneta F.U. and it is typical 

of this faunal unit with Megaceroides obscurus, the 

voles of subgenus Microtus (Allophaiomys) and 

Mimomys pusillus. The faunal remains of Sanfatucchio 

and S. Maria di Ciciliano are referred to the late 

Villafranchian, probably the upper part, because they 

were collected in the upper part of the S. Maria di 

Ciciliano Formation. Casalina sands are referred to the 

latest Villafranchian because Mammuthus meridionalis 

collected in this locality belongs to an advanced form. 

The mammal remains from Fontignano are referred to 

the upper part of late Villafranchian, for the advanced 

form of hippo recorded (Kotsakis, 1992). 

GALERIAN ASSEMBLAGES (LATEST EARLY 

PLEISTOCENE AND MIDDLE PLEISTOCENE) 

The Colle Curti F.U. is characterized by the appareance 

of voles such as Microtus (Allophaiomys) nutiensis and 

Microtus (Allophaiomys) burgondiae, Pliomys lenki and 

the first form of Megaceroides verticornis. The mammal 

assemblages found in the M. Peglia cave are referred to 

the Colle Curti F.U. (Meulen, 1973; Gliozzi et al., 1997), 

for the presence of Microtus (Allophaiomys) nutiensis 

ARGENTI 

and Microtus (Allophaiomys) burgondiae. The mammal 

remains found in the sands of Promano (Città di Castello) 

(lower assemblage) are referred to the lower part of the 

early Galerian, probably Colle Curti F.U., mainly for the 

presence of Mega-ceroides verticornis and an advanced 

form of Mammuthus meridionalis (Argenti et al., in 

prep.). The fossil remains found near Marsciano are 

referred to the early Galerian for the presence of a cervid 

classified as Megaceroides cfr. M. verticornis. The elephant 

of Fighille is probably referred to early Galerian 

unfortunatly the sediments where it was recorded do not 

exist anymore. The elephant’s site is on the Tiber terrace 

that covers the clay quarry. Another assemblage was 

found in Promano sands, referred to middle Galerian, but 

after Colle Curti F.U., for the presence of Stephanorhinus 

hemitoechus (Argenti et al., in prep.). 

AURELIAN ASSEMBLAGES (LATE MIDDLE 

PLEISTOCENE AND LATE PLEISTOCENE) 

A marked faunistic renewal occurs at the beginning of 

the Aurelian, with the extinction of some Galerian forms 

such as the archaic megacerine cervids, the more archaic 

elaphine deer and the arrival of Canis lupus and Ursus 

spelaeus. The sands overlapping Poderetto lignites are 

referred to the middle Aurelian for their radiometric age 

(160-170.000 years b.p., Ambrosetti, pers. comm.). 

During late Aurelian Dama dama (modern form) 

appeared, Capra ibex, Coelodonta antiquitatis, Mammuthus 

primigenius, Marmota marmota spread over 

Italy and several taxa of large herbivores and carnivores 

progressively disappeared in correspondance with the 

successive phases of climatic deterioration. The mammal 

assemblage from the M. Cucco cave is referred to 

late Aurelian, for the presence of Dama dama, Capra 

ibex, Coelodonta antiquitatis. The assemblage from 

Tane del Diavolo is referred to Aurelian, for the presence 

of Equus ferus, probably for the presence of abundant 

archeological remains of upper Paleolithic (Calzoni, 

1956). 

The assemblage from Pozzo della Piana is referred to 

the cool or cold phase of late Aurelian for the presence 

of Capra ibex. 

HOLOCENE DEPOSITS 

For the third mammal assemblage of Promano an attribution 

to the late Aurelian or to Holocene is uncertain 

whilst the mammal assemblage found at Triponzo 

belongs clearly to Holocene. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - Many sincere thanks to Prof. 

T. Kotsakis, Prof. P. Ambrosetti and Prof. O. Girotti for the 

critical revision of manuscript. I am indebted to Dott.ssa M.C. 

De Angelis, Soprintendenza Archeologica dell’Umbria and 

Prof. C. Giovagnotti, Istituto di Pedologia agraria, Università 

degli Studi of Perugia. 

Many thanks also to Mrs. H. Terry and Dott.ssa N. Minciotti 

for the revision of the english manuscript.


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Riv. Ital. Paleont. Strat., 103, 369-388. 

Ikome F.E. (1995) - Un contributo alla ricostruzione della filogenesi 

delle forme elefantine europee, mediante modellamento 

matematico della biometria dentaria. 97 p., Ph. D. 

Thesis, Università degli Studi di Perugia. 

IRRES (1990) - Unità di paesaggio della provincia di Terni. 

ARGENTI 

286 p., Perugia. 

Kotsakis T. (1986) - Elementi di paleobiogeografia dei mammiferi 

terziari dell’Italia. Hystix,1, 25-68. 

Kotsakis T. (1992) - Giacimenti di Vertebrati fossili nell’area 

della media Valle del Tevere. Guide Book, 5° Simp. Ecol. 

Paleoecol. comunità bentoniche, 11-13, Roma. 

Kotsakis T. & Gregori L. (1985) - I resti di Emys orbicularis 

(Linnaeus) (Emydidae, Testudinata) del Pleistocene inferiore 

di Pietrafitta (Perugia, Italia centrale). Geologica 

Romana, 24, 1-12. 

Lippi Boncampi C. (1963) - Su di un ritrovamento di resti fossili 

di Elephas nell’Alta Valtiberina. Mem. Rassegna 

Speleol. It., 7, 1-3, (reprint). 

Mazza P., Sala B. & Fortelius M. (1993) - A small Latest 

Villafranchian (late Early Pleistocene) rhinoceros from 

Pietrafitta (Perugia, Umbria, Central Italy), with notes on 

the Pirro and Westerhoven rhinoceros. Palaeontographia 

Ital., 80, 25-50. 

Meli R. (1895) - Notizie sui resti di Mammiferi fossili rinvenuti 

in località italiane. Boll. Soc. Geol. Ital., 14, 148-164. 

Meulen van der A.J. (1973) - Middle Pleistocene smaller mammals 

from the Monte Peglia, (Orvieto, Italy) with special 

reference to the phylogeny of Microtus (Arvicolidae, 

Rodentia). Quaternaria, 17, 1-143. 

Moretti A. (1947-48-49) - Resti di “Elephas meridionalis” 

Nesti nelle ligniti di Pietrafitta (bacino Tiberino). Boll. 

Serv. Geol. Ital., 71, 51-57. 

Paganelli A. (1960) - Primi saggi per uno studio pollinologico 

del deposito lignitifero di Pietrafitta (Umbria). N. Giorn. 

Bot. Ital., 67, 601-605. 

Petronio C., Argenti P., Caloi C., Esu D., Girotti O. & Sardella 

R. (2003) - Updating Villafranchian mollusc and mammal 

faunas in Umbria and Latium (Central Italy). Geologica 

Romana, 36, 369-387. 

Piperno M., Segre A. G. & Segre Naldini E. (1985) - Monte 

Peglia (Umbria). In “I primi Abitanti d’Europa”, 115-119. 

Principi P. (1922) - Alcune osservazioni sul Quaternario dell’Umbria 

centrale. Atti R. Acc. Naz. Lincei, s. 5, 31, 56-59. 

Principi P. (1930) - Alcune osservazioni intorno all’età dei 

travertini di Ellera nei dintorni di Perugia. Atti R. Acc. Naz. 

Lincei, s. 6, 11, 493-495. 

Rabeder G. (1981) - Die Arvicoliden (Rodentia, Mammalia) 

aus dem Pliozän und dem älteren Pleistozän von 

Niederösterreich. Beitr. Paläont. Österr., 8, 1-373. 

Ramaccioni G. (1936) - Scheletro di ippopotamo rinvenuto nel 

Villafranchiano dei dintorni di Perugia. Atti Soc. Tosc. Sc. 

Nat. P. V., 45, 31-34. 

Rook L. (1995) - Pannonictis nestii (Carnivora, Mammalia) 

from the late Villafranchian of Pietrafitta (Umbria, Italy). 

Preliminary note. Eclogae Geol. Helv., 88, 853-864. 

Rustioni M. & Mazza P. (1993) - The Late Villafranchian bear 

from Pietrafitta (Perugia, Central Italy). Palaeontographia 

Ital., 80, 51-62. 

Sardella R., Di Stefano G. & Petronio C. (1995) - The 

Villafranchian mammal faunas from the Tiber River Basin 

(Umbria, Central Italy). Il Quaternario, 8, 509-514. 

Simonelli V. (1917) - I mammiferi fossili della Caverna di 

Monte Cucco. Mem. R. Acc. Sc. Ist. Bologna, s. 7, 3 (1915- 

1916), 272-284. 

Taliana D., Alessio M., Allegri M., Capasso Barbato L., De 

Angelis C., Esu D., Girotti O., Gliozzi E., Improta S., 

Mazzini I. & Sardella R. (1996) - Preliminary results on the 

“Grotta del Lago” Holocene deposits (Triponzo, Nera 

River Valley, Umbria, Central Italy). Il Quaternario, 9,


745-752. 

Tuccimei G. (1891) - Sui mammiferi fossili dell’Umbria e 

della provincia di Roma. Atti Acc. Pont. Nuovi Lincei, 44, 

274-275. 

Tuccimei G. (1895) - Sopra i resti fossili di mammiferi trovati 

alla Villa Spinola presso Perugia. Atti Acc. Pont. Nuovi 

Lincei, 48, 44-46. 

Tuccimei G. (1896) - Resti di Felis arvernensis nel Pliocene 

della Villa Spinola presso Perugia. Mem. Acc. Pont. Nuovi 

Lincei, 12, 1-27. 

Ugolini R. (1921) - Sopra alcuni resti di rinoceronte del 

Pliocene lacustre di Pietrafitta in Provincia di Perugia. Riv. 

Ital. Paleont., 27, 15-18. 

Verri A. (1886) - Azione delle forze nell’assetto delle valli con 

appendice sulla distribuzione dei fossili nella Valdichiana e 

nell’Umbria interna settentrionale. Boll. Soc. Geol. Ital., 5, 

416-454. 

Accettato per la stampa: Marzo 2003


In the following list the number in haevy type is referred to the 

number of the site in the map. 

Locality: Montoro, lacustrine clay (41). 

Mammal assemblage: Anancus arvernensis (Croizet & Jobert) 

Age: Pliocene. 

Collection: University Museum of “La Sapienza”, Roma. 

References: Tuccimei, 1891. 

Locality: lignite mine of S. Croce (Spoleto) (1). 

Mammal assemblage: Mammut borsoni (Hays), Anancus 

arvernensis, Tapirus arvernensis Croizet & Jobert, Cervidae 

indet., Castor sp. 

Age: Triversa F.U. 

Collection: Toni Collection now preserved in the Liceo 

Scientifico of Spoleto (Perugia). 

References: Capellini, 1888; Clerici, 1894, 1895, 1896; Meli, 

1895; GE.MI.NA., 1963; Kotsakis, 1986. 

Locality: Cava Toppetti (Todi) (2), Ponte Naia Formation. 

Mammal assemblage: Stephanorhinus cf. S. etruscus 

(Falconer), Pseudodama cf. P. rhenana (Dubois), Procapreolus 

sp., Leptobos sp., Apodemus dominans Kretzoi. 

Age: Costa S. Giacomo F.U. 

Collection: Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università 


References: Ambrosetti et al. 1987a; Basilici, 1992; Abbazzi et 

al., 1997; Argenti, 1999. 

Locality: Pantalla (Todi) (31) in the S. Maria di Ciciliano 

Formation. 

Mammal assemblage: Lynx cf. L. issiodorensis (Croizet & 

Jobert), Panthera cf. P. gombaszoegensis (Kretzoi), Canis etruscus 

Major, Equus sp., Sus cf. S. strozzii Meneghini, Pseudodama 

cf. P. nestii (Major), Leptobos sp., Apodemus dominans, 

Aves. 

Age: probably Olivola F.U. 



References: Gentili et al., 1997a. 

Locality: Torre Picchio (Montecastrilli, TR) (46), in the S. 

Maria di Ciciliano Formation. 

Mammal assemblage: Canis cf. C. arnensis Del Campana, 

?Baranogale sp., ?Homotherium crenatidens Fabrini, 

Mammuthus meridionalis (Nesti), Equus cf. E. stenonis Cocchi, 

Stephanorhinus cf. S. etruscus, Sus strozzii, Eucladoceros 

dicranios (Nesti) vel ctenoides (Nesti), Axis nestii (Major), 

Cervidae gen. et sp. indet., Leptobos cf. L. etruscus (Falconer), 

Bovidae gen. et sp. indet. (medium size antilope), Bovidae gen. 

et sp. indet., Mimomys medasensis Michaux, Prolagus sp., 

Oryctolagus cf. O. lacosti (Pomel). 

Age: probably Olivola F.U. 

Collection: Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici of Umbria. 

References: Argenti, 1999; Girotti et al., 2003. 

Locality: Cava est Casigliano and Casale Violino (Casigliano, 

Acquasparta), (3), S. Maria di Ciciliano Formation. 

Mammal assemblage: Pachycrocuta brevirostris (Aymard), 

Rhinocerotidae indet., Pseudodama sp., Castor sp. 

Age: Tasso F.U. 

Collection: ex-church of S. Tommaso of Terni. 

References: Basilici, 1992; Ambrosetti et al., 1995. 

APPENDIX 

ARGENTI 

Locality: clay quarry of Fighille (Citerna) (4). 

Mammal assemblage: Leptobos cf. L. vallisarni Merla and 

incisors of rodents. 




References: Gentili & Masini (pers. comm.); Argenti, 1999. 

Locality: Vigna Nuova (Piegaro) (14). 

Mammal assemblage: Megantereon cultridens (Cuvier), Equus 

sp., Rhinocerotidae indet., Sus sp., Cervidae indet. (a big form 

and a very small one), Bovidae indet. 

Age: probably Tasso F.U. 



References: this paper. 

Locality: Cava S. Faustino (Villa S. Faustino - Massa Martana) 

(17). 

Mammal assemblage: Megantereon cultridens, Mammuthus 

meridionalis, Equus stenonis, Pseudodama nesti s.l, Eucladoceros 

sp. 

Age: Tasso F. U. 


References: Ambrosetti et al., 1995; Sardella et al., 1995. 

Locality: Colle S. Andrea (S. Faustino) (34). 

Mammal assemblage: Pachycrocuta cf. P. brevirostris, 

Cervidae indet., Leptobos cf. L. vallisarni, Castor sp. 




Locality: Colle Violino (S. Faustino) (35). 

Mammal assemblage: Stephanorhinus etruscus. 




Locality: Casale le Grotte (S. Faustino) (36). 

Mammal assemblage: Eucladoceros sp. 




Locality: Ellera of Corciano (now Filiale Lancia of Ellera) (5). 

Mammal assemblage: remains referred to “Elephas antiquus 

Falconer & Cautley, Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Bos primigenius 

Bojanus, Sus scrofa Linnaeus, Ursus spelaeus 

Rosenmüller & Heinroth” and other rests of bovids were collected 

in the past and now probably destroyed. 

In the collection are preserved: cf. Panthera gombaszoegensis, 

Stephanorhinus cf. S. etruscus, Hippopotamus cf. H. antiquus 

Desmarest, cf. Eucladoceros sp. (senezensis type, big form), 

Pseudodama sp., Leptobos cf. L. vallisarni (big form, enough 

evolved). 

Age: Farneta F. U. 

Collection: Museum of Corciano. 

References: Principi, 1930; Ambrosetti et al., 1994. 

Locality: Pietrafitta (Piegaro) (15), in the lignite. 

Mammal assemblage (and other fossil remains): Sorex sp., 

(size S. minutus Linnaeus), Macaca sylvana florentina Cocchi,

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75 

Panthera gombaszoegensis, Pannonictis nestii (Martelli), 

Ursus etruscus Cuvier, Mammuthus meridionalis vestinus 

Azzaroli, Equus sp., Stephanorhinus cf. S. hundsheimensis 

(Toula), Megaceroides obscurus Azzaroli (= M. boldrinii 

Azzaroli), Pseudodama farnetensis Azzaroli, Leptobos aff. L. 

vallisarni, Castor fiber Linnaeus, Mimomys pusillus Mèheley, 

Microtus (Allophaiomys) cf. M. (A.) ruffoi (Pasa), M. (A.) chalinei 

Alcade, Agustì & Villalta, Oryctolagus cf. O. lacosti. 

Abundant fossil remains were also found of: birds (Anatidae, 

Ardeidae, Podicipedidae and Tetraonidae), reptiles (Emys 

orbicularis (Linnaeus), Natrix sp., Vipera ammodytes 

(Linnaeus)) and amphibians (Latonia cf. L. ragei Hossini, 

Rana gr. R. ridibunda Pallas). The numerous fish remains have 

not yet been studied. In the lignite some levels bearing a rich 

molluscan fauna have still not been studied in detail: Ancylus 

sp., Bithynia tentaculata, Lymnaea bucciniformis, Unio sp.. 

Finally the macrofloristic fossil remains (leaves, seeds, fruits 

and stems) and the pollens are referred to: Pinus, Tsuga, 

Quercus, Pterocarya, Carya, Zelkova, Liquidambar. 

Age: Farneta F.U. 

Collection: the Thermoelectric Station “Città di Roma” of 

Pietrafitta of ENEL (the Italian National Electricity Company) 

of Pietrafitta and in the Boldrini Collection (Pietrafitta). 

References: Ugolini, 1921; Moretti, 1947-49; Ambrosetti et al., 

1987b; Ambrosetti et al., 1992a, Ambrosetti et al., 1992b; 

Argenti, 1990; Gentili, 1991; Azzaroli & Mazza, 1993; Mazza 

et al., 1993; Rustioni & Mazza, 1993; Rook, 1995; Ikome, 

1995; Abbazzi, 1996; Gentili et al., 1996; Gentili et al., 1997b; 

Argenti 1999; Gentili et al., 1999; Barisone et al., (in press), 

Argenti & Kotsakis (in prep.) for mammals. Kotsakis & 

Gregori, 1985; Delfino, 2002 for reptiles and amphibians. 

Ambrosetti et al., 1979; Conti & Esu, 1981; Esu, (pers. comm.) 

for molluscs. Paganelli, 1960; Bertoldi, 1988 for pollen and 

macrofloriristic remains. 

Locality: Casale Montecchio of Casalina (Deruta) (6). 

Mammal assemblage: Mamuthus meridionalis, cervids, 

bovids, carnivores and rhinoceros. 

Age: Early Pleistocene. 



References: Gentili, 1985. 

Locality: near S. Maria di Ciciliano (Montecastrilli) (7). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of a cervid. 




References: Basilici (pers. comm.). 

Locality: near Orvieto (8). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of rhinoceros. 


Collection: probably Museo dell’Opera del Duomo of Orvieto, 

no further information is known. 

References: Ambrosetti (pers. comm.). 

Locality: Parrano - Frattaguida - S. Faustino, in sands (9). 

Mammal assemblage: “Megantereon cultridens, Equus sp., 

Canis sp., Elephas sp., Stephanorhinus cf. S. etruscus, Equus 

stenonis, Cervus sp., Bos sp. and an Antilope”. 


Collection: Paleontological Museum of Università degli Studi 

of Firenze, Natural History Museum of London and Museo 

Capellini of Bologna. 

References: Verri, 1886; Clerici, 1896; Ambrosetti (pers. 

comm.). 

Locality: Fontignano (Perugia) (10). 

Mammal assemblage: Mammuthus meridionalis and 

Hippopotamus antiquus. 


Collection: now we do not know where they are preserved, it 

is possible that they are held in the Verri Collection. 

References: Verri, 1886; Ramaccioni, 1936; Kotsakis, 1992. 

Locality: Piscille (Perugia) (11). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of a cervid. 


Collection: Cicioni Collection, Università degli Studi of 

Perugia. 


Locality: Civitella dè Pazzi (Orvieto) (32). 

Mammal assemblage: a tusk of Mammuthus meridionalis. 


Collection: it has been destroyed. 

References: Ambrosetti, (pers. comm.). 

Locality: some isolated localities in the neighbourhood of 

Perugia (Colombella, Civitella d’Arno, S. Martino Delfico, 

Castel delle Forme, from S. Egidio to Deruta) (13). 

Mammal assemblage: “Elephas meridionalis Nesti, Elephas 

primigenius Blumenbach, Elephas antiquus Falconer & 

Cautley, Rhinoceros merki Jäger”. 


Collection: now some of them are preseverd in the Istituto di 

Pedologia Agraria, Facoltà di Agraria, Università degli Studi of 

Perugia, previously belonging to the ancient Canali Collection. 

References: Bortolotti, 1904; Principi, 1922. 

Locality: near Pozzuolo (Trasimeno Lake) (37). 

Mammal assemblage: “Elephas meridionalis and Rhinoceros 

sp.” 


Collection: R. Istituto Superiore Agrario now Facoltà di 

Agraria, Università degli Studi of Perugia. 

References: De Angelis d’Ossat, 1918. 

Locality: near Paciano (39). 

Mammal assemblage: a mandible of “Hyaena striata 

Zimmerman” (the remains are referred to Pachycrocuta brevirostris). 


Collection: belonging to the ancient Canali Collection, its present 

location is unknown. 

References: Bortolotti, 1905. 

Locality: near Montoro, in the lignite mine of Monte Campano 

(Narni) (41). 

Mammal assemblage: remains of “Rhinoceros cf. etruscus 

Falconer”. 


Collection: their present location is unknown. 


Locality: Rena between S. Fortunato and S. Martino in Colle 

(Perugia) (42). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of rhinoceros. 

Age: Early Pleistocene.




Locality: near M. Dell’Abbate, between Perugia and Gubbio (43). 

Mammal assemblage: “Rhinoceros etruscus”. 


Collection: the ancient Canali Collection, their present location 

is unknown. 


Locality: railway tunnel S. Costanzo (Perugia), in the clay with 

“Helix” (44). 

Mammal assemblage: “Elephas sp.”, a fragment of a tusk. 





Locality: Fornace Ferrini near Ponte S. Giovanni (Perugia), in 

the clay with “Helix” (45). 

Mammal assemblage: “Hyaena (small size) probably Hyaena 

striata, Rhinoceros ertuscus, Cervus etueriarum Croizet & 

Jobert” (the remains are referred to Cervidae indet.). 





The ancient Canali Collection, collected by Canali in the XVIII 

century, belonged to the free University of Perugia until the 

begining of this century, and preserved in the Geological 

Museum of the Regio Istituto Superiore Agrario. After this 

period the collection, together the other fossil remains and the 

mineralogical collection, was lost and destroyed, the few 

remains today are preserved in the Istituto di Pedologia of 

Facoltà di Agraria, University of Perugia. 

Locality: Villa Spinola and near Ponte S. Giovanni (Perugia) 

(12). 

Mammal assemblage: “Elephas meridionalis” (the remains are 

now referred to Mammuthus meridionalis), “Rhinoceros sp., 

Equus sp., Sus sp., Bos sp, Cervus sp.”, “Felis arvernensis 

Croizet & Jobert ” (the remains are now referred to Panthera 

gombaszoegensis), “Elephas sp.”, “Hyaena striata” (the 

remains are referred to Pachycrocuta brevirostris), 

“Rhinoceros etruscus” (the remains are referred to 

Stephanorhinus etruscus). 

Age: late Villafranchian. 

Collection: Cicioni Collection and R. Istituto Superiore 

Agrario now Facoltà di Agraria, Università degli Studi of 

Perugia. 

References: Tuccimei, 1895, 1896; Bortolotti, 1903; De 

Angelis d’Ossat, 1918. 

Locality: near Sanfatucchio (Vaiano) (16). 

Mammal assemblage: few remains of elephant (dorsal vertebra) 

and of Leptobos aff. L. vallisarni (jugal tooth). 





Locality: Colle Pizzuto (Sangemini) (18). 

Mammal assemblage: a tibia referred to Leptobos sp. 


ARGENTI 




Locality: near Capitone (Narni) (19). 

Mammal assemblage: a skeleton of Stephanorhinus etruscus. 


Collection: Paleontological Museum of Università degli Studi 

“La Sapienza”, Roma. 

References: Ambrosetti, 1972. 

Locality: near Colvalenza (Todi) (20). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of Mammuthus meridionalis 

and Stephanorhinus cf. S. etruscus. 




References: Ambrosetti (pers. comm.). 

Locality: near Chioano (Todi) (21). 

Mammal assemblage: Cervidae indet. and Leptobos sp.. 





Locality: Due Santi (Todi) (22). 

Mammal assemblage: remains of a cervid. 





Locality: Colle Lame (Capitone, Narni) (23). 

Mammal assemblage: an antler of Eucladoceros sp., some 

remains of Equus stenonis and some other fossils of vertebrates. 




Locality: in “yellow sands” at an unknown locality between 

Trasimeno Lake and Chiusi Lake. 

Mammal assemblage: “Equus sp., Canis sp. and Elephas sp.” 

Age: Early Pleistocene-Middle Pleistocene. 

Collection: their present location is unknown may formerly 

have been kept in Roma, R. Scuola d’Applicazione per 

Ingegneri. 

References: Meli, 1895. 

Locality: the cave of M. Peglia (S. Venanzo) (24). The first discovery 

of the layer was in July 1955. In the first excavation, 

under the direction of A. C. Blanc of Istituto di Paleontologia 

Umana of Rome, some remains of micromammals and few of 

macromammals were found. In 1963, during the second excavation, 

under the direction of G.H.R. von Koenigswald of 

Utrecht University, the majority of the micrommals were collected. 

Therefore the collection of the mammal assemblage of 

M. Peglia is divided into two parts, the first preserved in Rome 

and the second in Utrecth. 

Mammal assemblage: Also the fossil remains constitute two 

assemblages. The first assemblage, from red clays and “terra 

nera”, called Mimomys blanci assemblage, is characterized by 

the abundance of Mimomys blanci and Microtus (Allophaiomys) 

nutiensis, and include Talpa cf. T. fossilis Petényi, Sorex runto-

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77 

nensis Hinton, Beremendia fissidens (Petényi), Asoriculus cf. A. 

castellarini (Pasa), Macaca sylvana Linnaeus, Homotherium 

crenatidens Fabrini, Canis cf. C. etruscus, C. cf. C. arnensis 

Del Campana, Ursus etruscus, Leptobos sp., Glirulus sp., 

Ungaromys nanus Kormos (= Ungaromys meuleni Rabeder, 

according to Rabeder (1981) this species is more evolved than 

U. nanus, but it is possible to consider it as synomym of U. 

nanus), Pliomys episcopalis Mèheley, Mimomys savini Hinton, 

Mimomys blanci Meulen, Microtus (Allophaiomys) nutiensis 

Chaline, Apodemus cf. A. sylvaticus (Linnaeus), Apodemus sp., 

Lepus terraerubrae Kretzoi. 

The second assemblage, called Allophaiomys sp. B assemblage, 

was collected in the clays and in the breccias overlaied the calcite 

layer. It is characterized by the abundance of M. (A.) burgondiae, 

the faunal list is: Talpa cf. T. fossilis, Sorex runtonensis, 

Beremendia fissidens, Neomys cf. N. newtoni Hinton, 

Ungaromys nanus, Mimomys blanci, Microtus (Allophaiomys) 

burgondiae (Chaline), Apodemus cf. A. sylvaticus, Apodemus 

cf. A. maastrichtiensis Kolfschoten, Lepus sp. 

Age: Colle Curti F.U. 

Collection: the Institut of Earth Science of the University of 

Utrecht, the Museo di Paleontologia Umana of Roma. 

References: Blanc, 1955; Meulen, 1973; Piperno et al. 1985; 

Basilici et al. 1991. 

Locality: Promano (Città di Castello) (25) from sands. 

Mammal assemblage: Pachycrocuta brevirostris, Canis ex gr. 

arnensis - mosbachensis Soergel, Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 

Mammuthus meridionalis cf. M.m. vestinus, Equus gr. bressanus 

Viret - suessenbornensis Wüst, Stephanorhinus etruscus, 

Hippopotamus antiquus, Megaceroides verticornis 

(Dawkins), Pseudodama farnetensis, Bison cf. B. schoetensacki 

Freudenberg, Castor fiber. 

Age: Colle Curti F.U. 

Collection: Raccolta Civica, Biblioteca Comunale of Città di 

Castello (PG). 

References: Bartolini, 1975; Argenti et al., in prep. 

Locality: near Marsciano (26). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of Megaceroides cf. M. 

verticornis. 

Age: early Galerian. 

Collection: its present location is unknown. 

References: Ambrosetti et al., 1987a. 


Mammal assemblage: Ursus deningeri Reichenau, 

Stephanorhinus hemitoechus (Falconer), Hippopotamus tiberinus 

Mazza. 

Age: middle Galerian. 




Locality: near Lubriano (Corbara) (27). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of Elephas antiquus. 

Age: Middle Pleistocene or Late Pleistocene. 



Locality: Fighille (Citerna) (4), in the quarry between the clay 

and the overlapped sands. 

Mammal assemblage: a skull of Elephas cf. E. antiquus. 

Age: Middle Pleistocene. 

Collection: no longer exist. 

References: Lippi Boncampi, 1963; Bartolomei 1969. 

Locality: Taizzano (Narni) (49). 

Mammal assemblage: Elephas antiquus. 


Collection: ex-church of S. Domenico in Narni (TR). 

References: IRRES, 1990. 

Locality: S. Firmina- Fighille (Pistrino) (52). 

Mammal assemblage: an astragalus of Bison sp. 


Collection: Museo Civico of Sansepolcro (AR). 


Locality: near Bettona (33). 

Mammal assemblage: a fragment of antler of a giant deer. 

Age: ?Middle Pleistocene. 



Locality: near Montone (Umbertide) (38). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of “Elephas antiquus”. 




Locality: near Montefalco (Foligno) (40). 

Mammal assemblage: some remains of “Elephas sp.”. 




Locality: Collelungo-Ravigliano, Tresa Valley (50). 

Mammal assemblage: “Elephas antiquus”, “Rhinoceros leptorhinus 

Cuvier” (the remains are referred to Rinocerotidae 

indet.), “Bison priscus Bojanus” (the remains are referred to 

Bovidae indet.), “Hyaena sp.” 


Collection: probably Museo Capellini of Bologna. 

References: Verri, 1886. 

Locality: Colleluna (Terni) (53). 

Mammal assemblage: tusks of Elephas antiquus. 



References: Ambrosetti, Basilici & Girotti, pers. com. 

Locality: in the sands with volcanic sediments of Poderetto 

(Pietrafitta) (28). 

Mammal assemblage: Ursus sp., Equus sp., Rinocerotidae 

indet., Cervidae indet. (a big form and a small one), Bovidae 

indet., Testudinata indet. and lithic industry. 

Age: middle Aurelian (preliminary radiometric data 160 - 

170.000 years B.P.). 

Collection: Thermoelectric Station “Città di Roma” of 

Pietrafitta of ENEL (the Italian National Electricity Company) 

of Pietrafitta. 


Locality: the M. Cucco cave (29). 

Mammal assemblage: Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber), 

Myotis (Myotis) myotis (Borkhausen), Myotis (Myotis) blythi 

(Tomes), Myotis (Selysius) bechsteini (Kuhl), Myotis (Selysius) 

emarginatus (E. Geoffroy), Felis silvestris Schreber, “Felis 

pardus” (Linnaeus) (the remains are referred to Panthera pardus 

(Linnaeus)), Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus), Ursus spelaeus,


Ursus arctos, Equus cf. E. caballus Linnaeus, Coelodonta 

antiquitatis (Blumenbach), Dama dama (Linnaeus), Cervus 

elaphus Linnaeus, Bos sp., Capra ibex Linnaeus, Rupicapra 

rupicapra (Linnaeus). 

Age: late Aurelian 

Collection: Museo Capellini of Bologna, Dipartimento di 

Scienze Geologiche, Università degli Studi “Roma Tre” of 

Roma, Museo Civico of Orvieto (TR). 

References: Bonarelli, 1891; Capellini, 1889, 1890; Simonelli 

1917; Capasso Barbato et al. 1985; Capasso Barbato & 

Kotsakis 1986. 

Locality: Pozzo della Piana (Titignano) (30). 

Mammal assemblage: Cervus sp., Capra ibex and human rests. 

Age: late Aurelian. 



Locality: Tane del Diavolo (Parrano) (51) from cave. 

Mammal assemblage: Equus ferus Bodeart. 

Age: probably late Aurelian. 

Collection: Soprintendenza Archeologica per l’Umbria. 

References: Calzoni, 1956. 

Locality: near Gubbio (Scheggia) (47). 

ARGENTI 

Mammal assemblage: “Elephas primigenius”. 

Age: unknown. 

Collection: probably Palazzo dei Consoli, Gubbio (PG). 

References: Cuvier, 1834; Bonarelli, 1891; Esu & Girotti, 

1991. 


Mammal assemblage: Equus ferus, Sus scrofa, Bison cf. B. 

priscus Bojanus. 

Age: Holocene. 




Locality: Grotta del Lago, Triponzo (48). 

Mammal assemblage: Sorex araneus Linnaeus, Crocidura sp., 

Rinolophus ferrumequinum, Myotis bechsteini, Canis familiaris 

Linnaeus, Meles meles (Linneaus), Sus scrofa, Cervus elaphus, 

Capreolus capreolus, (Linnaeus), Bos taurus Linnaeus, 

Apodemus (Sylvaemus) sp., Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber), 

Microtus (Terricola) sp. Arvicola terrestris (Linnaeus). 

Age: Holocene (6500-3100 anni BP). 

Collection: Soprintendenza per Beni Archeologici of Umbria. 

References: Taliana et al., 1996.

PLIO-QUATERNARY MAMMAL FOSSILIFEROUS SITES OF UMBRIA

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