Abstract
Recent conceptual and practical advances in phylogenetic species delimitation have enabled progressively robust biodiversity studies. Delimiting species in widespread taxa is an intriguing problem; the edible operculated land snail Cyclophorus volvulus (Müller, 1774) is a good example since it shows a high degree of shell and color variation along with a widespread distribution throughout Thailand. Taxonomic boundaries for C. volvulus were examined and clarified using a combined morphological and phylogenetic approach, the latter of which was based on both nuclear and mitochondrial gene sequences. Moreover, three species delimitation analyses were applied: Poisson tree processes (PTP), automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD), and generalized mixed Yule-coalescent (GMYC). All phylogenetic trees revealed that C. volvulus was polyphyletic and comprised of three clades that coincided with their geographic distribution. The three species delimitation analyses concurred with the phylogenies and formed at least three groups. According to the results, C. volvulus s.l., as currently recognized, consists of three distinct species in Thailand: C. volvulus s.s., C. occultus sp. nov., and C. borealis sp. nov., which are described herein. Moreover, several of these highly distinct C. volvulus evolutionarily significant units (ESU) are likely to require urgent conservation attention.
Highlights
Cyclophorus volvulus (Müller, 1774) is one Cyclophorus species that shows high morphological variability
The evidence presented in this study strongly suggests that the www.nature.com/scientificreports three geographic populations of the C. volvulus complex in Thailand should be recognized as three distinct species: C. volvulus s.s. and the undescribed C. occultus sp. nov., and C. borealis sp. nov
Cryptic species among land snails are an important problem for taxonomists, ecologists, and biogeographers
Summary
Cyclophorus volvulus (Müller, 1774) is one Cyclophorus species that shows high morphological variability. In the past ten years, the number of Cyclophorus species, including C. volvulus, appear to be declining[14], in Eastern and Central Thailand. This phenomenon could be caused by overharvesting, climate change, and/or habitat destruction, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation approaches are powerful tools for resolving taxonomy, including cryptic species. These techniques have aided in understanding the evolutionary history of several land snail taxa[6,7,9,15,16]. The recognition of cryptic species is necessary to evaluate the true diversity and inform conservation management of the regional status of this snail in limestone habitats
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
