Two solenogaster molluscs, Ocheyoherpia trachia n.sp. from Macquarie Island and Tegulaherpia tasmanica Salvini-Plawen from Bass Strait (Aplacophora: Neomeniomorpha)

Abstract

Tegulaherpia tasmanica Salvini-Plawen is herein redescribed and illustrated from 22 individuals collected in Bass Strait and expands the original text diagnosis to include illustrations. Similarities between Tegulaherpia, which belongs to the Lepidomeniidae, and the written description and figures of Lepidomenia hystrix Marion & Kowalevsky, the nominate species for which there is no known type, suggests synonymy. Nineteen individuals of Ocheyoherpia trachia n.sp. were collected at diving depths from Macquarie Island. It is the second species to be described in the previously monotypic subantarctic genus Ocheyoherpia Salvini-Plawen and differs from O. lituifera in its shorter epidermal spicules, dorsal carina, size of radula, number of copulatory spicules and their relationship to the large copulatory spicule glands, a large dorsal sinus, and thin cuticle. Familial status is shown to be uncertain. In both T. tasmanica and O. trachia the morphology of hard parts (epidermal spicules, radula, and copulatory spicules) is emphasized. The reproductive system is described for T. tasmanica and remarks made on differences in the reproductive systems of the two Ocheyoherpia species.