Description of two new Ecuadorian Zilchistrophia Weyrauch, 1960, with the clarification of the systematic position of the genus based on anatomical data (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Scolodontidae).

Barna Páll-Gergely,Takahiro Asami

doi:10.3897/zookeys.453.8605

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Zilchistrophia Weyrauch, 1960 are described from Eastern Ecuadorian rain forest: Zilchistrophia hilaryae sp. n. and Zilchistrophia shiwiarorum sp. n. These two new species extend the distribution of the genus considerably northwards, because congeners have been reported from Peru only. For the first time we present anatomical data (radula, buccal mass, morphology of the foot and the genital structure) of Zilchistrophia species. According to these, the genus belongs to the family Scolodontidae, subfamily Scolodontinae (=“Systrophiini”). The previously assumed systematic relationship of Zilchistrophia with the Asian Corillidae and Plectopylidae based on the similarly looking palatal plicae is not supported.

Highlights

In the collection of the Natural History Museum, London, we encountered some shells and ethanol-preserved specimens collected in Eastern Ecuador during an expedition organized by The Shiwiar Rainforest Initiative 2000
The two Ecuadorian new species differ somewhat from the Peruvian ones in terms of the formation of the last quarter of whorl, we classify them as “true” Zilchistrophia species, and use the information on their soft anatomy to clarify the taxonomic status of Zilchistrophia
Zilchistrophia is the member of the Scolodontidae based on the reduced jaw, the aulacopod foot, and the dagger-like lateral teeth with basal plates, which point away from the centre

Summary

Introduction

In the collection of the Natural History Museum, London, we encountered some shells and ethanol-preserved specimens collected in Eastern Ecuador during an expedition organized by The Shiwiar Rainforest Initiative 2000. Some of these specimens represent two species new to science. The two Ecuadorian new species differ somewhat from the Peruvian ones in terms of the formation of the last quarter of whorl, we classify them as “true” Zilchistrophia species, and use the information on their soft anatomy to clarify the taxonomic status of Zilchistrophia

Material and methods

Discussion