Former Iberian distribution of Margaritifera auricularia (Spengler) (Bivalvia: Margaritiferidae)

Several ancient fragments of shells undoubtedly belonging to the freshwater bivalve Margaritifera auricularia have been found at eight Iberian archaeological sites. All fragments are described according to fragmentation categories, and one specimen from each deposit is illustrated. M. auricularia lived in Spain from 5000 to 400 BC in four river basins: Duero, Ebro, Tajo and Guadalquivir, with a much wider distribution than now. Our data for Spain coincide with the data recorded for the species in Western Europe, both indicating a continuing decline during the post-glacial period