[Mollusca • 2022] Dendronotus shpataki • A New Species of the Genus Dendronotus (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from the Sea of Japan: a contribution of citizen science to marine zoology

  

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. in natural environment.

Ekimova, Mikhlina, Antokhina & Schepetov, 2022

 

DOI: doi.org/10.31610/zsr/2022.31.1.3 

  Researchgate.net/publication/358210579

Photos by Andrey Shpatak.

Abstract

 The nudibranch genus Dendronotus Alder et Hancock, 1845 is a common component of boreal and arctic ecosystems, which has recently received a considerable attention due to its high cryptic diversity. Here we describe a new species Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. from the northwestern Sea of Japan, using the material and observations provided by Andrey Shpatak, a local citizen, diver and underwater photographer. We studied morphological features of the new species, including external morphology, coloration, jaw and radular morphology, and configuration of the reproductive system, as well as its ecological traits including possible diet preferences. We obtained DNA sequences and reconstructed the phylogeny by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood approaches using four molecular markers (mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA, and nuclear histone H3 and 28S rRNA), and tested the boundaries between the species by calculating the uncorrected p-distances and automatic species delimitation methods ABGD and GMYC. Our results show that D. shpataki sp. nov. differs both morphologically and genetically from all other Dendronotus species. The new species possibly represents a unique example of local endemism, being found in a single locality, while other local Dendronotus species demonstrate wide distribution in the North-West Pacific. We also report on a considerable wearing of the radular teeth during feeding, which is a remarkable case for the Dendronotus.

Key words: North-West Pacific, biodiversity, morphology, radula, molecular markers, phylogeny, Nudibranchia, Dendronotidae, Dendronotus, new species

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov., general appearance of living specimens.
 Holotype: dorsal view (A), lateral view (B) and ventral view (C).
Paratypes, dorsal view: adult specimens MIMB42309 (D), MIMB42308 (E), MIMB42305 (F)
and juvenile MIMB42306 (G). 

Scale bar: 5 mm.

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. in natural environment.
 Paratype MIMB42302 (A–C); the first documented finding of the new species in May 2015,
 the specimen was not collected (D); paratypes MIMB42303 (E, F).

Photos by Andrey Shpatak.

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov.

I.A. Ekimova, A.L. Mikhlina, T.I. Antokhina and D.M. Schepetov. 2022. A Description of Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from the Sea of Japan: a contribution of citizen science to marine zoology. Zoosystematica Rossica. 31(1); 3–19. DOI: 10.31610/zsr/2022.31.1.3 

  Researchgate.net/publication/358210579_A_description_of_Dendronotus_shpataki_from_the_Sea_of_Japan

[Mollusca • 2026] Thecacera sesama • A New Species of the Genus Thecacera (Nudibranchia: Polyceridae) from Taiwan, evident from morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase I gene

 

Thecacera sesama Chan & Lee,

in Chan, Lee, Chen, Chang, Shao et Pang, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1279.184298

Abstract

Thecacera sesama Chan & Lee, sp. nov. (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae) is described from north-eastern Taiwan based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular data. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a unique colour pattern consisting of a translucent white body covered with numerous small, round, black pigment spots and fewer, larger, yellow spots and five gills. While sharing a similar spotted colour pattern with Thecacera pennigera, the new species can be clearly distinguished by its significantly smaller body size (maximum length < 3 mm). Phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA, confirmed it as a new species in Thecacera. The molecular data places Thecacera sesama sp. nov. as a sister species to Thecacera picta, with a significant interspecific COI divergence of 14.17%. This discovery highlights the rich, yet under documented, marine biodiversity of Taiwan and underscores the value of combining traditional morphological examination with molecular phylogenetics for accurate species delimitation in cryptic nudibranch lineages.

Key words: bryozoans, COI, cryptic diversity, Heterobranchia, phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

Living specimens of Thecacera sesama sp. nov.
A. Ecological photos; B. ASIZM0001722; C. ASIZM0001721. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Thecacera sesama sp. nov.
Details of appearance and morphological features, hand-drawn on a tablet PC by Chen-Lu Lee. 

Thecacera sesama Chan & Lee, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Thecacera sesama sp. nov. is distinguished by a unique combination of the following external morphological characters: (1) maximum preserved length of specimens is 2.83 mm; (2) body colour is translucent whitish, allowing some internal organs to be faintly visible; (3) entire body, as well as the rhinophores, rhinophoral sheaths, gills, post-branchial appendages, propodial tentacles, and tail are covered with numerous, discrete, small, circular, black spots and large yellow spots, as well as many white, snowflake-shaped pigment patches scattered on the body; (4) rhinophores and rhinophoral sheaths are translucent whitish, with small black spots and large yellow spots; (5) rhinophoral lamellae number 9–12; (6) gills number 5 and are translucent whitish, and the branchial plumes are pinnate; (7) post-branchial appendages are translucent whitish; (8) the head is translucent whitish, with short, blunt propodial tentacles at the corners.

Etymology. The specific epithet sesama is derived from the Latin word for sesame seed, referring to the characteristic small, rounded, seed-like spots that cover the dorsal surface of this species, resembling scattered sesame seeds on the animal’s body.

 Ho-Yeung Chan, Chen-Lu Lee, Wei-Cheng Chen, Chia-Hao Chang, Yi-Ta Shao and Ka-Lai Pang. 2026. Thecacera sesama sp. nov. (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae) from Taiwan, evident from morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase I gene. ZooKeys. 1279: 269-284. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1279.184298 [11 May 2026]

[Mollusca • 2024] Bathydevius caudactylus • A remarkable bathypelagic Nudibranch (Nudibranchia: Bathydeviidae fam. nov.) from the North Pacific Ocean

 

Bathydevius caudactylus  

Robison & Haddock, 2024 

  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104414

Highlights: 

• We present a previously undescribed genus and species of deep-sea nudibranch.

• It has unique morphology and is not closely related to any known families.

• In a molecular phylogeny, it resolves as a distinct sister to the rest of known nudibranchs.

• The species is bioluminescent and represents the third independent origin of bioluminescence among nudibranchs.

Abstract

We describe an exceptional nudibranch, new to science, from bathypelagic depths in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. More than 100 individuals of Bathydevius caudactylus gen. et. sp. nov. have been observed in the water column at depths between 1013 and 3272 m. Twenty spawning individuals were observed on the seafloor at depths between 2269 and 4009 m. Anatomy, diet, behavior, bioluminescence, and habitat distinguish this surprising nudibranch from all previously described species, and genetic evidence supports its placement in a new family.

 

Keywords: Nudibranch, Bathypelagic, bioluminescence, Deep-sea, New species, New genus, New family

 

 Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov. in situ, from a video frame grab.

 Hood configuration modes for Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov.:
 (a) fully expanded; (b) the hood is closed around an open sphincter; (c) the hood is bi-lobed, closed along its vertical axis; (d) invagination in the upper margin with a pinched projection in the lower margin; (e) the peripheral lip of the hood is rolled back against the outer surface of the bell; (f) in a propulsive pulse.

Systematics

Class GASTROPODA.

Subclass HETEROBRANCHIA.

Order NUDIBRANCHIA

Suborder incertae sedis.

Family Bathydeviidae fam. nov.

Bathydevius gen. nov.

Bathydevius caudactylus sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: Bathydevius caudactylus gen. et sp. nov. (Fig. 1) is a mostly transparent, gelatinous nudibranch composed of three distinct regions: the head, supporting a voluminous, bell-shaped oral hood; a body enclosing the internal organs and bearing the columnar ventral foot; and a spatulate tail fringed with 9–16 caudal appendages “dactyls.” The dorsal surface has two stubby, unsheathed rhinophores and a gently curved ridge of gills with the anal opening just posterior to the center of the gill ridge. Ventrally, the body merges into a short, cylindrical foot. Visible through the transparent body, the stomach is typically red, the rugose digestive gland is orange or brown, and in mature individuals, gonadal tissue on the right side of the digestive gland is opaque white.

 

 Etymology: The generic name Bathydevius gen. nov. describes a deep-living deviation, to reflect its diversion from the evolutionary path of its relatives in appearance, molecular signature, and natural history. The species name caudactylus sp. nov. refers to the finger-like projections that line the posterior margin of the tail.

Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov. on the seafloor in the posture associated with the release of an egg-bearing ribbon. Distance between the red laser dots is 29 cm.

 Bioluminescence of Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov., recorded in situ. Light emanates from the surface of the oral hood and within the dactyls (at left).

Bruce H. Robison and Steven H.D. Haddock. 2024. Discovery and Description of A remarkable bathypelagic Nudibranch, Bathydevius caudactylus, gen. et. sp. nov. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 214; 104414.  DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104414

[Mollusca • 2024] Cyerce nicholasi, C. piercei, ... • A Cryptic Radiation of Caribbean Sea Slugs revealed by Integrative Analysis: Cyerce ‘antillensis’ (Heterobranchia: Sacoglossa: Caliphyllidae) is Six Distinct Species

Cyerce piercei

Moreno, Rico, Middlebrooks, Medrano, Valdés & Krug, 2024

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad111 

www.USF.edu

Abstract

Integrative studies have revealed cryptic radiations in several Caribbean lineages of heterobranch sea slugs, raising questions about the evolutionary mechanisms that promote speciation within the tropical Western Atlantic. Cyerce Bergh, 1871 is a genus comprising 12 named species in the family Caliphyllidae that lack the photosynthetic ability of other sacoglossans but are noted for vibrant colours on the large cerata (dorsal leaf-like appendages) that characterize many species. Two species are widely reported from the Caribbean: Cyerce cristallina (Trinchese, 1881) and Cyerce antillensis Engel, 1927. Here, we present an integrative assessment of diversity in Caribbean Cyerce. Four methods of molecular species delimitation supported seven species in samples from the Caribbean and adjacent subtropical Western Atlantic. Six delimited species formed a monophyletic lineage in phylogenetic analyses but were > 9% divergent at the barcoding COI locus and could be differentiated using ecological, reproductive and/or morphological traits. We redescribe C. antillensis, a senior synonym for the poorly known Cyerce habanensis Ortea & Templado, 1988, and describe five new species. Evolutionary shifts in algal host use, penial armature and larval life history might have acted synergistically to promote the rapid divergence of endemic species with restricted distributions in this radiation, substantially increasing global diversity of the genus.

Caribbean phylogeography, cryptic species, gastropod, heterobranch, species delimitation

Cyerce piercei, live specimens.
 A, B, dorsal views of specimen collected on Penicillus lamourouxii in Tarpon Springs, FL, USA; actual size, 9 mm. A, photographed with lighting from above. B, photographed with oblique lighting.
C, D, dorsal view of specimen collected on Udotea looensis at 15 m depth from Mary’s Ledge reef, offshore of St. Petersburg, FL, USA; actual size, 7 mm. C, photographed with lighting from above. D, photographed with oblique lighting.

Cyerce browneveorum sp. nov.

Cyerce ellingsonorum sp. nov.

Cyerce nicholasi sp. nov.

Cyerce piercei sp. nov. 

Cyerce willetteorum sp. nov. 

Karina Moreno, Diane M Rico, Michael Middlebrooks, Sabrina Medrano, Ángel A Valdés and Patrick J Krug. 2024. A Cryptic Radiation of Caribbean Sea Slugs revealed by Integrative Analysis: Cyerce ‘antillensis’ (Sacoglossa: Caliphyllidae) is Six Distinct Species. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 200(4); 940–979, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad111

 www.USF.edu/news/2023/new-sea-slug-species-named-after-retired-usf-biology-professor.aspx

[Mollusca • 2023] Gyliotrachela khmeriana • Notes on the hypselostomatid snails (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from limestone hills in Western Cambodia with a new record and a new species

Gyliotrachela khmeriana Sutcharit & Panha,

in Sutcharit, Ngor, Páll-Gergely, Jeratthitikul, Siriwut, Srisonchai, Ng, Jirapatrasilp et Panha, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2223386 

  facebook.com/ASRUChula

 

ABSTRACT

Thirteen hypselostomatid microsnails have been reported so far from Cambodia: 10 species from the Mekong Delta karsts in the south and three species from the Sisophon-Battambang limestone hills in the west. Herein, Gyliotrachela torticollis Benthem Jutting, 1962, the only species previously reported from the Battambang, is redescribed based on near-type locality specimens. We describe a new species, Gyliotrachela khmeriana sp. nov., from the Cambodian Sisophon-Battambang limestone hills. This new species differs from all other known hypselostomatid species in having a short and straight tuba, protoconch sculptures with shallow pits and spiral striations, and apertural dentition with parietal, angular, and four other lamellae on the palatal wall. In addition, specimens of ‘Anauchen srakeoensis Panha and Burch, 2004’, previously recorded only in Thailand, were collected from limestone hills in Sisophon, redescribed based on shell morphology and taxonomically relocated as a member of the Hypselostoma.

 

KEYWORDS: Micro, snails, Indochina, endemic, Mekong, pupillids

Gyliotrachela khmeriana sp. nov. 

 

 

Chirasak Sutcharit, Peng Bun Ngor, Barna Páll-Gergely, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Warut Siriwut, Ruttapon Srisonchai, Ting Hui Ng, Parin Jirapatrasilp and Somsak Panha. 2023. Notes on the hypselostomatid snails (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from limestone hills in Western Cambodia with a new record and a new species. Journal of Natural History. 57(25-28); 1287-1303. DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2223386 

  facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/715357547275644

[Mollusca • 2023] Hidden Lineages in the Mountains: The Genus Glyptaulax Gude, 1914 and Maelamaodiscus gen. nov. (Heterobranchia: Stylommatophora: Charopidae and Ariophantidae) with Description of Two New Species from Western Thailand

 

Maelamaodiscus somsakpanhai

Sutcharit & Pholyotha, 2023

 

  li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TNH

Abstract

The Tenasserim Range runs from north to south and forms not only a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar, but also the backbone of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, which is rich in endemic species, especially of the malacofauna. Knowledge of land snail diversity in Thailand is continuously expanding and being refined, and various groups have been revised recently. From field surveys throughout the country, unique snails with delicate shell shape and sculpture hidden in mountainous areas have been discovered and described. Firstly, a new species of the Charopidae, Glyptaulax spectabilis sp. nov. has round tubercles arranged on spiral ridges. Second, Maelamaodiscus somsakpanhai gen. et sp. nov. of the Ariophantidae is described from the Moei River Basin. These new taxa differ from all Southeast Asian ariophantids by having a prominent radial ridge, peculiar aperture with wide sinulus, and an impression on the last whorl. This discovery of endemic taxa reflects the high biodiversity in this region, and suggests that many more land snail treasures are still waiting to be revealed.

Keywords: endemism, limestone, Pulmonata, systematics, Tenasserim Range

  

Maelamaodiscus somsakpanhai gen. et sp. nov.  

Chirasak Sutcharit and Arthit Pholyotha. 2023. Hidden Lineages in the Mountains: The Genus Glyptaulax Gude, 1914 and Maelamaodiscus gen. nov. (Heterobranchia: Stylommatophora: Charopidae and Ariophantidae) with Description of Two New Species from Western Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Supplement 7;123-138. 

 li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TNH/article/view/258819

[Mollusca • 2024] Pleurobranchaea britannica • First Occurrence of the Genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 (Heterobranchia: Nudipleura: Pleurobranchida) in British Waters, with the Description of A New Species

 

Pleurobranchaea britannica

Turani, Carmona, Barry, Close, Bullimore & Cervera, 2024

 DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113707

Abstract

In the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, the pleurobranchid genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 is represented by two species, Pleurobranchaea meckeli (Blainville, 1825) and Pleurobranchaea morosa (Bergh, 1892). The former is a well-known species distributed from northern Spain to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea, while the second is a poorly-described species. In this contribution, species delimitation analyses (ABGD and COI/16S p-distances) identified a third undescribed Pleurobranchaea species from samples collected in south-western UK waters and the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Spain). This new species, Pleurobranchaea britannica sp. nov., is also supported by several morphological synapomorphies. The British specimens constitute the first occurrence of the genus Pleurobranchaea in UK waters.

Key Words: Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Cadiz, Mediterranean Sea, molluscan diversity, Pleurobranchaea britannica, Pleurobranchaeidae, southwest UK, systematics

A. Living specimens of Pleurobranchaea britannica sp. nov. collected on Survey CEND 0518, southwest England. Photo by Ross Bullimore (NHMUK 20230085); B. Two young individuals of P. sp. nov. from the Gulf of Cadiz, Spain (MNCN 15.05/200181; MNCN 15.05/200182);
C. Specimen of P. meckeli from Morocco, Mediterranean Sea (MNCN 15.05/94845).

Superorder Nudipleura Wägele & Willan, 2000

Order Pleurobranchida Gray, 1827

Superfamily Pleurobranchoidea Gray, 1827

Family Pleurobranchaeidae Pilsbry, 1896

Genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813

Pleurobranchaea britannica sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Body oval, large, translucent with a minute cream/ochre pigmentation. Some specimens with opaque white specks irregularly spread all over mantle, oral veil, gill and posterior region of the foot not covered by the mantle. Rhinophores with dark spots on the front and white ones on the back. Gill bipinnate, with 15–18 pairs of pinnules and smooth rachis. Caudal spur absent. Outermost radular teeth bicuspid. Seminal receptacle short; bursa copulatrix at the end of the vagina and directly fused to it.

Etymology: The species name in Latin refers to the British waters where this species was initially found.

 Martina Turani, Leila Carmona, Peter J. Barry, Hayden L. Close, Ross Bullimore and Juan Lucas Cervera. 2024. First Occurrence of the Genus Pleurobranchaea Leue, 1813 (Pleurobranchida, Nudipleura, Heterobranchia) in British Waters, with the Description of A New Species. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(1): 49-59. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.113707

[Mollusca • 2024] Melanochlamys droupadi • A New Species of Head-shield Sea Slug (Heterobranchia: Aglajidae) from the north-western Bay of Bengal, India

  

 Melanochlamys droupadi 

 Tudu, Sajan, Acharya & Mohapatra, 2024

 DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2024.2315536

 twitter.com/SocStudMollDiv

 

ABSTRACT

A new species of the head-shield sea slug is described herein from an examination of the morphological and anatomical characters. A molecular analysis supported the novel status of the species. This species is named Melanochlamys droupadi n. sp. in the honour of the Hon'ble president of India, Shrimati (Mrs) Droupadi Murmu. It is the second species from the Indian region and the third true tropical species. All the specimens were collected from the Digha coast of West Bengal and the Udaipur coast of Odisha state, along the north-western Bay of Bengal.

 

KEYWORDS: Cephalaspidea, Digha coast, Indo-Pacific ,intertidal, morphology, molecular systematics

Melanochlamys droupadi n. sp. 

Prasad Chandra Tudu, Sheikh Sajan, Smrutirekha Acharya and Anil Mohapatra. 2024. A New Species of Head-shield Sea Slug, Melanochlamys droupadi (Heterobranchia: Aglajidae) from the north-western Bay of Bengal, India. Molluscan Research. DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2024.2315536  

  twitter.com/SocStudMollDiv/status/1762672896760262711

   

[Mollusca • 2022] Melanochlamys bengalensis • A New Species of Cephalaspidean Sea Slug of the Genus Melanochlamys Cheeseman, 1881 (Heterobranchia: Aglajidae) from the Bay of Bengal, India

Melanochlamys bengalensis

 Tudu, Sajan, Roy, Mukhapadhyay, Tripathy & Mohapatra, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2022.2139583  

ABSTRACT

A new species of head-shield sea slug, Melanochlamys bengalensis, is described from the northern part of the eastern coast of India using both external and internal morphological characters. Its novel status is supported by a molecular analysis. The maximum likelihood (ML) genetic tree (COI gene sequence) indicates that the new species represents a distinct clade compared to the other species of the genus Melanochlamys. The K2P distance of the new species is 16.2–23.7%, which is considerably more than the other congeners. This species was collected from the intertidal zone of the sandy beaches of Bakkhali, Tajpur, New Digha, Udaipur, Talsari, Chandipur and Kanika Island. Additionally, the list of valid species and distribution of all members of the genus Melanochlamys is presented herein.

KEYWORDS: Mollusca, Cephalaspidea, head-shield sea slugs, systematics, morphology, molecules, intertidal, Odisha and West Bengal states

Melanochlamys bengalensis

 

Prasad Chandra Tudu, Sheikh Sajan, Soumen Roy, Amit Mukhapadhyay, Basudev Tripathy and Anil Mohapatra. 2022. A New Species of Cephalaspidean Sea Slug of the Genus Melanochlamys Cheeseman, 1881 (Heterobranchia: Aglajidae) from the Bay of Bengal, India. Molluscan Research. DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2022.2139583  

[Mollusca • 2022] Limax pseudocinereoniger • A New Giant Keelback Slug of the Genus Limax (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) from the Balkans, described by Citizen Scientists

 Limax pseudocinereoniger from Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. 

Schilthuizen, Thompson, de Vries, van Peursen, Reisinger, Paterno, Maestri, Marcolungo, Esposti, Delledonne & Njunjić, 2022

 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.10.e69685

Photos by P. Escoubas.

Abstract

Background: Despite their large size, striking colouration and genital extravagance, the taxonomy of the European giant keelback slugs of the genus Limax is still poorly understood. Preliminary morphological and molecular data suggest that many unnamed or unrecognised species exist, especially in the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Balkans.

New information: We organised a citizen science expedition to Durmitor National Park in Montenegro and discovered a new species, genetically distinct, but morphologically similar to the sympatric L. cinereoniger Wolf 1803 and describe it as Limax pseudocinereoniger.

Keywords: malacology, Limacidae, slugs, taxonomy, The Balkans, genitalia

Dorsal (top), lateral (centre) and ventral (bottom) views of a living (and subsequently preserved) paratype specimen of Limax pseudocinereoniger from Durmitor National Park, Montenegro (TxEx-DU0122).

 Photos by P. Escoubas.

Limax pseudocinereoniger Schilthuizen, Thompson, de Vries, van Peursen, Reisinger, Paterno, Maestri, Marcolungo, Esposti, Delledonne & Njunjić, 2022, sp. n.

 

Suborder Stylommatophora A. Schmidt, 1855

Superfamily Limacoidea Lamarck, 1801

Family Limacidae Lamarck, 1801

Genus Limax Linnaeus, 1758

Type species: Limax maximus Linnaeus, 1758

synonyms: Limax “pseudocinereoniger” Nitz (2013)

 

Etymology: The specific epithet pseudocinereoniger refers to its similarity with L. cinereoniger. This name was first applied as a "working name" by Nitz (2013) and is here adopted as the formal name. It is used as a masculine adjective.

The taxonomic authority for this species is attributed to all authors of this publication. In line with ICZN Recommendation 51C (Zoological Nomenclature 1999), the species may be referred to as Limax pseudocinereoniger Schilthuizen et al., 2022, provided the full citation of this publication appears in the bibliography or elsewhere in the referring work.

 Menno Schilthuizen, Cameron Graham Thompson, Rick de Vries, Anthonie D. P. van Peursen, Marta Paterno, Simone Maestri, Luca Marcolongo, Chiara Degli Esposti, Massimo Delledonne and Iva Njunjić. 2022. A New Giant Keelback Slug of the Genus Limax from the Balkans, described by Citizen Scientists. Biodiversity Data Journal. 10: e69685. DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.10.e69685

[Mollusca • 2022] Haploptychius sahyadriensis • A New Species of Haploptychius Möllendorff, 1906 (Stylommatophora: Streptaxidae) from the Western Ghats, India

Haploptychius sahyadriensis

Bhosale, Thackeray & Yadav, 2022

 DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2022.2075081

ABSTRACT

We here describe a new species of the streptaxid snail genus Haploptychius from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, which is the third member of the genus from India. Haploptychius sahyadriensis n. sp. is distinguished from the other Indian and South-East Asian Haploptychius sp. in having suboblique-heliciform shell, low spire and presence of one strong parietal lamella. The new species has unique genital anatomy in having a long penis with a penial sheath, the presence of penial appendix, penial hooks, atrium and vagina with longitudinal ridges and irregular transverse ridges respectively, but without any hooks. It bears a shiny muscle near the junction of the vagina, gametolytic duct and the free oviduct. Based on the shell morphology and genital characters, the new species is placed in the genus Haploptychius. Our study reveals that other unexplored areas in the northern Western Ghats may potentially harbour more undescribed land snail species which could be endemic.

KEYWORDS: Streptaxid snail, northern Western Ghats, penial appendix, penial hooks, shiny muscle

Haploptychius sahyadriensis n. sp. 

 

Amrut Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray and Omkar Yadav. 2022. A New Species of Haploptychius Möllendorff, 1906 (Stylommatophora: Streptaxidae) from the Western Ghats, India. Molluscan Research.  DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2022.2075081

 twitter.com/akshay_journo/status/1535493141784313856

[Mollusca • 2021] Orbitestella amphaengensis • A New Microgastropod Species (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Orbitestellidae) from Bangkok Clay of Samut Sakorn Province, Thailand

 

Orbitestella amphaengensis  

Ketwetsuriya & Dumrongrojwattana, 2021

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69: 

Abstract

 A new species of microgastropod, Orbitestella amphaengensis, is described from Holocene Bangkok clay, where a whale’s skeleton (3,380 ± 30 years old) was found, in Samut Sakorn Province, Central Thailand. This new orbitestellid species is characterised by the presence of prominent keels, characteristics of nodules, spiral series, and numerous axial ribs. The new species is the oldest microgastropod of this family hitherto reported in Thailand and is also the first record of the genus Orbitestella. The presence of this marine microgastropod indicates that the depositional environment was shallow marine deposits. 

Key words. Gastropod, new species, taxonomy, Holocene, diversity

Superorder Heterobranchia Gray, 1840

Family Orbitestellidae Iredale, 1917

Orbitestella Iredale, 1917

Type species. Cyclostrema bastowi Gatliff, 1906.

Diagnosis. Shell thin, pellucid, discoidal, dextral, of few whorls and of peculiar sculpture: widely umbilicate; columella vertical; aperture never varied, irregular in shape, edges thin.

Holotype of Orbitestella amphaengensis, new species (ESKU-2021-I-001).
A, apical view; B, early whorl; C, front view; D, protoconch; E, umbilical view; F, close-up of umbilical view.

  

Orbitestella amphaengensis, new species

Diagnosis. Shell thin, pellucid, discoidal, dextral, of few whorls and of peculiar sculpture: widely umbilicate; columella vertical; aperture never varied, irregular in shape, edges thin.

 

Etymology. After Amphaeng Sub-district, where the studied gastropod material was found.

 

 

Chatchalerm Ketwetsuriya and Pongrat Dumrongrojwattana. 2021. A New Microgastropod Species, Orbitestella amphaengensis, (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Orbitestellidae) from Bangkok Clay of Samut Sakorn Province, Thailand. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69: 304–308 

 

[Mollusca • 2021] Perrottetia rajeshgopali • A New Species of Perrottetia Kobelt, 1905 (Stylommatophora: Streptaxidae) from the Western Ghats, India

Perrottetia rajeshgopali 

Bhosale, Thackeray & Rowson, 2021

DOI: 10.1127/arch.moll/150/045-054 

Abstract

We describe a new species of the carnivorous land snail genus Perrottetia from the northern Western Ghats in Maharashtra, India, the first to be described in 117 years. Perrottetia rajeshgopali n. sp. differs from the other Indian Perrottetia species in shell characters, having a conical spire, angular last whorl, and seven apertural lamellae. We also describe the genital anatomy characterised by the presence of hooks in the penis, and their absence in the vagina and the atrium. The discovery of P. rajeshgopali n. sp. from an unexplored area of the northern Western Ghats highlights the need for in-depth surveys in this region.

Keywords: Carnivorous • land snail • northern Western Ghats • apertural lamellae • genital anatomy • penial hooks

Amrut Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray and Ben Rowson. 2021. Perrottetia rajeshgopali, A New Species of Perrottetia Kobelt, 1905 (Stylommatophora: Streptaxidae) from the Western Ghats, India. Archiv für Molluskenkunde: International Journal of Malacology. 150(1); 45 - 54. DOI: 10.1127/arch.moll/150/045-054 

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[Mollusca • 2019] The Little Aplysia Coming of Age: From One Species to A Complex of Species Complexes in Aplysia parvula (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia)

in Golestani, Crocetta, Padula, ...et Valdés, 2019. 

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz028 

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Abstract

The widespread sea hare species Aplysia parvula includes four genetically distinct lineages, containing a total of ten different species. While the four lineages can be differentiated by their external characteristics, species in each clade are often morphologically indistinguishable. A review of literature and type material revealed that several available names exist for species recognized herein: Aplysia parvula is retained for a species from the north-eastern Atlantic; A. atromarginata, A. elongata, A. nigrocincta and A. japonica are resurrected for species from the western Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands, the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, and Japan and Korea, respectively. Two new species names are introduced for animals from the eastern Pacific, and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Mitochondrial sequences from Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic specimens identified as A. parvula, resulted to be A. punctata. However, two specimens were heterozygotes of histone H3 alleles of A. punctata and of a new Atlantic species described herein, suggesting they could be hybrids. These results contradict the hypothesis that the Mediterranean was colonized by A. parvula. If an invasion occurred, it was a limited introgression of nDNA from an Atlantic species into native A. punctata populations.

Keywords: biogeography, Mediterranean, molecular systematic, morphology, natural hybridization

Aplysia parvula Guilding in Mørch, 1863

Haleh Golestani, Fabio Crocetta, Vinicius Padula, Yolanda Camacho-García, Joachim Langeneck, Dimitris Poursanidis, Marta Pola, M Baki yokeş, Juan Lucas Cervera, Dae-Wui Jung, Terrence M Gosliner, Juan Francisco Araya, Yuri Hooker, Michael schrödl and Ángel Valdés. 2019. The Little Aplysia Coming of Age: From One Species to A Complex of Species Complexes in Aplysia parvula (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Heterobranchia).  Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 187(2); 279–330. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz028  

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