Modern distribution of gastropod mollusks of the family Viviparidae (Caenogastropoda) in continental water bodies of Eurasia

Abstract

Modern distribution of ovoviviparous mollusks of the genera Viviparus and Contectiana of the family Viviparidae has been considered for the first time in general for Eurasia. Original, museum, and literature data that have been accumulated to date on the spread of these Palaearctic genera were summarized and analyzed. The modern boundaries of the distribution of Viviparidae in water bodies of the region were established, and biogeographical changes were mentioned that have occurred over the past 40 years. Information on the habitats of Viviparus and Contectiana are presented in general for Eurasia and in more detail for Ukraine. It was revealed that, with the overall stability of the habitats of these Palaearctic genera, there are fluctuations in the distribution of their representatives in the basins of some rivers in Eurasia and acquisition of new and/or loss of former habitats in Eastern Europe and Western Siberia. The uneven distribution of these genera on the territory of Ukraine and their absence in the area of the Sea of Azov coast, which are not associated with the presence of geographical barriers, were shown.