Biogeography Research Articles

Mitochondrial genome insights into the phylogenetics and biogeographic evolution of snow trout (Cyprinidae, Schizothorax) in the Tien Shan Mountains

Snow trout (Schizothorax), endemic to the high-altitude freshwater systems of the Tibetan Plateau and the Tien Shan Mountains region, are key components of these ecosystems. This fish lineage may serve as an appropriate model to understand the evolution of biodiversity in the Tien Shan Mountain water ecosystems. However, research has been hindered by poorly understood phylogenetic relationships, unresolved taxonomic classifications, and ambiguous biogeographical histories, particularly in the underexplored western regions of the Tien Shan Mountains. Here, we analyzed three mitochondrial genomes assembled using the next-generation sequencing data of three snow trout species, S. eurystomus, S. fedtschenkoi, and Schizothorax sp., from the western Tien Shan Mountains. These genomes range from 16,584 to 16,592 bp in length and include 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and a control region. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest six snow trout from the Tien Shan Mountains region were divided into two distinct clades: clade I comprises S. fedtschenkoi, and Schizothorax sp., and clade II includes S. eurystomus, S. biddulphi, S. pseudoaksaiensis, and S. argentatus. We classified Schizothorax sp. as a valid independent species based on comprehensive phylogenetic trees and DNA barcode genetic distance. The dramatic uplift of the Tien Shan Mountains during the Late Miocene to the Pliocene, followed by periods of isolation on its eastern and western flanks, has driven extensive speciation, contributing to the rich diversity observed today. Notably, S. eurystomus spread westward along the Pamir-Tien Shan corridor, shaping the region’s current biogeographical distribution of snow trout species. Our findings not only clarify the evolutionary histories of snow trout in the Tien Shan Mountains but also advance our understanding of the mechanisms shaping the rich biodiversity.

Two new species of ectoparasitic microfungi within the Hesperomyces virescens complex from Algeria, Italy, and Malaysia

Arthropods are hosts to a variety of parasitic fungi, including those within the order of Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniomycetes). Species in the genus Hesperomyces are specialized in growing on ladybirds (Coccinellidae). Recent studies have uncovered multiple cryptic species within the Hesperomyces virescens species complex. They found that these species are segregated not only by host, but also by a geographic component. Here, we describe two new species in this species complex, based on morphological, molecular phylogenetic, ecological, and geographical evidence: Hesperomyces chilocori-bipustulati sp. nov. on Chilocorus bipustulatus from the Mediterranean region, and He. coccinellae-transversalis sp. nov. on Coccinella transversalis from Peninsular Malaysia. Hesperomyces chilocori-bipustulati is the second species known to associate with a representative of the genus Chilocorus, after He. virescens sensu stricto which was described from Ch. stigma from the USA. The findings of this paper contribute to our understanding of the diversity, host specificity, and biogeographical distribution within the Hesperomyces virescens species complex and highlight the need for further integrative taxonomy approaches in Laboulbeniales.

A new and a known species of the genus Butlerius Goodey, 1929 (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) from India and their relationship with congeners

ABSTRACT Butlerius indicus sp. n. is described and illustrated along with a redescription of B. micans Pillai and Taylor, 1968 collected in India. Butlerius indicus sp. n. is characterised by an elongate stoma; barrel-shaped cheilostom – having anterior walls arched inward anteriorly; isotopic and isomorphic gymnostom; anisotopic and anisomorphic stegostom, dorsal metastegostomal wall with anteriorly directed tooth, subventral walls without armature; spicules slender, arcuate with rounded capitulum and bifid distal tips; gubernaculum long, more than half of spicule length with a distal sleeve and nine pairs of genital sensilla. The present population of B. micans measures 667–864 µm long, a = 26.0–33.6, b = 5.5–6.0, c = 2.5–3.1, c’ = 15.7–28.0 and V = 38–42%. Males have spicules 23–26 µm long, gubernaculum 11–15 µm long and nine pairs of genital sensilla. Additional information is provided for the cuticle, stoma structure and female reproductive system. A cladogram based on important morphological traits and a key to species are also provided besides their biogeographic distribution. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:916A9285-E38C-42BE-9913-8AFFCCB8156C

Biogeographic Insights Into the Late Miocene Diversification of the Giant Deep-Ocean Amphipod Eurythenes.

Mechanisms driving the spatial and temporal patterns of species distribution in the Earth's largest habitat, the deep ocean, remain largely enigmatic. The late Miocene to the Pliocene (~23-2.58 Ma) is a period that was marked by significant geological, climatic, and oceanographic changes. This transitional period spurred widespread species diversification, particularly among widely distributed benthic scavengers, such as amphipods. Here, we take step toward understanding the long-term evolutionary processes of amphipod colonization and diversification in the deep ocean by focusing on the model genus Eurythenes S. I. Smith in Scudder, 1882. These large-bodied scavengers play key roles in benthic communities. We constructed a time-calibrated phylogeny using two mitochondrial DNA genes by analyzing publicly available data on 14 species of Eurythenes across a global depth range from 839 to 8081 m. The resulting phylogenetic tree reveals a diverse clade, with a common ancestor originating around 11.81 Ma. A gradual increase in the effective population size of Eurythenes was observed, particularly during the Pliocene (~4 Ma). The net diversification rate remained almost constant, with slight increases between the Miocene and Pliocene (~8-4 Ma), and most new species appeared during the latter period. Additionally, reconstruction of the ancestral area suggested that the common ancestor of Eurythenes had a global distribution. A combination of dispersal and sympatric processes, along with environmental factors, such as changes in ocean temperature and sea level, contributed to the present biogeographic distribution of these species. Our findings highlight the importance of historical events, such as plate tectonics and changes in deep-water circulation, in driving the rapid speciation of Eurythenes and underscore their essential role in shaping deep-ocean biodiversity.

Biogeographical distribution of gut microbiome composition and function is partially recapitulated by fecal transplantation into germ-free mice.

Fecal microbiota transplantation has been vital for establishing whether host phenotypes can be conferred through the microbiome. However, whether the existing microbial ecology along the mouse gastrointestinal tract can be recapitulated in germ-free mice colonized with stool remains unknown. We first identified microbes and their predicted functions specific to each of six intestinal regions in three cohorts of specific pathogen-free mice spanning two facilities. Of these region-specific microbes, the health-linked genus Akkermansia was consistently enriched in the lumen of the small intestine compared to the colon. Predictive functional modeling on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data recapitulated in shotgun sequencing data revealed increased microbial central metabolism, lipolytic fermentation, and cross-feeding in the small intestine, whereas butyrate synthesis was colon-enriched. Neuroactive compound metabolism also demonstrated regional specificity, including small intestine-enriched gamma-aminobutyric acid degradation and colon-enriched tryptophan degradation. Specifically, the jejunum and ileum stood out as sites with high predicted metabolic and neuromodulation activity. Differences between luminal and mucosal microbiomes within each site of the gastrointestinal tract were largely facility-specific, though there were a few consistent patterns in microbial metabolism in specific pathogen-free mice. These included luminal enrichment of central metabolism and cross-feeding within both the small intestine and the colon, and mucosal enrichment of butyrate synthesis within the colon. Across three cohorts of germ-free mice colonized with mice or human stool, compositional and functional region specificity were inconsistently reproduced. These results underscore the importance of investigating the spatial variation of the gut microbiome to better understand its impact on host physiology.

First record of the alien sponge Paraleucilla magna(Family Amphoriscidae) on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast

The alien calcareous sponge Paraleucilla magna Klautau, Monteiro & Borojevic, 2004 was detected for the first time in Morocco, which represents an important contribution to the understanding of alien species in the region. The species was recorded at aquaculture facilities in Amsa and M’diq during February and March 2024. Specimens were found at depths ranging from 1 to 4 meters, cohabiting with the Mytilus galloprovincialis on artificial hard substrates. Numerous individuals ranging in size from 1 cm to 4 cm were observed. The introduction of P. magna into Moroccan waters is likely due to biofouling on aquaculture facilities and vessels, which is consistent with its spread in other Mediterranean areas. This finding enhances our knowledge of its biogeographical distribution and ecological impact in the Mediterranean and underscores the importance of monitoring its proliferation and potential effects on local ecosystems.

Target enrichment data reveal rapid divergence with reticulate evolution of Maianthemum (Asparagaceae: Convallarioideae) in the Himalayan‐Hengduan Mountains and eastern Asia

AbstractUnderstanding plant diversity and the phylogenetic divergences in the Northern Hemisphere is essential for in‐depth evolutionary studies and conservation efforts. Maianthemum is an ideal example to explore plant diversification processes in the Northern Hemisphere, with more than 35 species widely distributed in forests in North to Central America, Europe and eastern Asia. Yet the phylogenetic relationships within Maianthemum remain elusive. In this study, we reconstructed a well‐supported phylogenetic framework of Maianthemum and explored possible gene introgressions and reticulate evolution using nuclear and chloroplast genomes based on the target enrichment Hyb‐Seq approach. Both nuclear and chloroplast phylogenetic results supported three clusters corresponding to their biogeographic distribution of the New World, the Himalayan‐Hengduan Mountains, and the north temperate zone, respectively. The genus was inferred to be most likely originated in North America with migrations into Central America and eastern Asia in the late Miocene. Our results suggested that both incomplete lineage sorting and hybridizations/introgressions along with geographic isolation have contributed to the rapid divergence of Maianthemum in eastern Asia, which may represent a complex model for the evolutionary radiation of plants in eastern Asia and even the Northern Hemisphere.

Biogeographical influences on the nutritional and sensory attributes of Pearlspot Cichlid (Etroplus suratensis)

The pearlspot cichlid (Etroplus suratensis) occurs naturally in the water bodies of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Six stations across three major lakes in Peninsular India are used to analyze the effects of biogeographical distribution on the nutrient profile, meat quality, and organoleptic qualities of pearlspot. The analysis included parameters such as gut content, proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, meat colour, texture, and organoleptic acceptability, along with water parameters. The nutrient profile and sensory attributes of pearlspot are significantly influenced by biogeographical factors. The fish from higher saline areas Azhikode and Kanjiracode with 18.23 and 15.13 ppt, had better sensory acceptance. These sites had a higher proportion of diatoms (75.91%) and zooplankton (3.19%), respectively. The fish from Azhikode also had higher levels of protein (18.31%). The ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids was found to be optimal in all the stations. Azhikode samples had the highest concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (16.42%) and n3/n6 ratio (1.81). The meat color and texture of the fish samples significantly differed among the stations. The study demonstrates the importance of biogeographical factors on flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. The findings indicate that the production of nutritionally and organoleptically superior fish is possible by ensuring a proper rearing environment and diet.

Spumellarian, collodarian, and entactinarian radiolarians observed in sediment traps from the southern Ionian Sea (eastern mediterranean)

Based on sediment trap material collected from the southern Ionian Sea (Eastern Mediterranean), this study describes and illustrates 54 radiolarian species, 48 of which are spumellarians, 3 collodarians and 3 entactinarians. The presence of Larcopyle buetschlii chenmuhongi, Phorticium polycladum, and Polysolenia collina is reported for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. We also identified for the first time Spongodendron macrodoras in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, previously known only from the western Mediterranean. Despite their geographical proximity, only six species are in common with the radiolarian fauna of the Adriatic Sea. We reviewed the biogeographical distribution and the known depth habitat of all species identified here at the species level. Most of them are known from tropical to temperate regions, although we also encountered few species with cold-water affinities such as Lithelius minor, Lithelius nautiloides, Hexacromyum enthacanthum, Rhizosphaera mediana, and Spongodiscus resurgens. Most of the encountered species are surface to sub-surface dwellers, including several known symbiont-bearing species, and only few are deep-dwellers, such as Hexacromyum enthacanthum, Tetrapetalon echinaster, Lithelius nautiloides and Lithelius minor.

Gaidropsarus mauritanicus (Gadiformes, Gaidropsaridae) a new three-bearded rockling from a deep-water coral ecosystem with a genetically verified biogeographical distribution of the genus and notes to its ecology and behavior.

Gaidropsarus mauritanicus sp. nov. is described from one specimen collected using a grab sample from the Tanoûdêrt Canyon (ca. 20° N) off Mauritania at a depth of 595 m. The new species was further observed during eight remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives along the Mauritanian slope southwards down to the Tiguent Coral Mound Complex (~17° N) in a bathymetric range between 613 and 416 m. It can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of characteristics, including large eyes (38.1% head length [HL]), large head (25.8% standard length [SL]), elongated pelvic fins (35.7% SL), low number of vertebrae (44), and coloration (pinkish with a dorsal darker brownish hue and bright blotches along the dorsal-fin base). A species-delimitation analysis performed with available cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences affiliated to the genus Gaidropsarus additionally supported the validity of the new species. Video analyses showed a deep-water coral-associated and protection-seeking behavior, which may explain why the species has remained undescribed until now. Additional ROV footage from separate deep-water coral sites in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea further highlights the ecological behavior and hidden diversity of bathyal three-bearded rocklings. Here, we additionally discuss the biogeographical distribution of all genetically verified Gaidropsarus spp. in combination with genetic data and morphological characters. G. mauritanicus sp. nov. is closely related to a species from Tasmania (43° S), a geographical point furthest among the studied samples, which may hint to an important influence of (paleo-) oceanography on the distributions of Gaidropsarus species.

Local and Regional, Not Latitudinal, Variation in Microclimate and Bedrock Shapes Moss‐Associated Diatom Communities in Greenland

ABSTRACTAimGreenland is among the most rapidly changing regions on Earth, with climate change having a profound impact on its terrestrial ecosystems. Here, moss‐associated diatoms hold great potential as sensitive biological indicators to monitor responses to climate change, but their diversity, community structure and biogeography remain virtually unexplored. Our study, thus, aims to (1) explore the diversity and community structure of moss‐associated diatoms in Greenland and (2) assess the environmental and spatial variables driving their geographic distribution, establishing a baseline for their use as bio‐indicators of climate change.LocationGreenland, spanning a gradient from high to subarctic regions.TaxonMoss‐associated diatoms (Bacillariophyta).MethodsLM and SEM analysis was conducted on 175 terrestrial moss samples collected from preserved herbarium material and fresh samples (1988–2021) from high, low and subarctic localities in Greenland. Biogeographical distributions, biodiversity patterns and community structure were examined in relation to environmental and spatial factors using Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman's Rank, ordination, SIMPROF and variation partitioning analyses.ResultsA total of 544 diatom taxa (66 genera) were identified, with nearly half potentially new to science. Community structure was predominantly influenced by moisture, pH, conductivity and temperature. Local variation in microclimate and bedrock, thus, explained more variation in the diatom communities than latitude‐related environmental gradients. Surprisingly, temperature had a negative impact on diatom richness, probably due to its adverse effect on moisture, highlighting the vulnerability of Arctic moss diatoms to global warming.Main ConclusionsThis study provides the first comprehensive analysis of Greenland's moss‐associated diatoms, highlighting their high diversity and sensitivity to environmental changes. Our findings underscore their potential as indicators for monitoring climate change in the Arctic, with moisture, pH, conductivity and temperature being critical factors influencing their communities, laying the groundwork for future research and monitoring efforts.

Temperature Effects on the Distribution of Aragonitic and Calcite‐Secreting Epifaunal Bivalves

ABSTRACTAimTo test if temperature significantly influences the global biogeographic distribution of marine epifaunal bivalves via their skeletal mineralogy.LocationGlobal.TaxaMarine, epifaunal bivalves.MethodsThe skeletal mineralogy of 45,789 epifaunal bivalve occurrences from 669 species from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) was related to sea surface temperatures from Bio‐ORACLE. Binomial regression was used to assess the influence of temperature and seasonality on the distribution of aragonitic and calcite‐secreting bivalve occurrences, aggregated in equal‐area grid cells.ResultsThe proportion of aragonitic bivalve occurrences significantly increases with mean annual temperature in our global analysis and most marine biogeographic realms. A greater prevalence of calcite‐secreting bivalves in seasonal climates could be shown at low mean annual temperatures at the global scale but not within biogeographic realms.Main ConclusionsThe global biogeographic distribution of epifaunal bivalves is significantly influenced by water temperature via their skeletal mineralogy. The mechanism driving this pattern is best explained by the temperature modulation of the effect of Mg2+ on calcite growth. Although this Mg2+ effect predicts an advantage for aragonite secretion at higher temperatures, poleward migration in response to higher temperature extremes will expose tropical taxa to cooler temperatures in the cold season, which may impede aragonite secretion in taxa not adapted to these climates.SignificanceOur results suggest that skeletal mineralogy is likely to influence ocean warming‐induced migration patterns.

Climate change alters the future of natural floristic regions of deep evolutionary origins

Biogeographic regions reflect the organization of biotas over long evolutionary timescales but face alterations from recent anthropogenic climate change. Here, we model species distributions for 189,269 vascular plant species of the world under present and future climates and use this data to generate biogeographic regions based on phylogenetic dissimilarity. Our analysis reveals declines in phylogenetic beta diversity for years 2040 to 2100, leading to a future homogenization of biogeographic regions. While some biogeographic boundaries will persist, climate change will alter boundaries separating biogeographic realms. Such boundary alterations will be determined by altitude variation, heterogeneity of temperature seasonality, and past climate velocity. Our findings suggest that human activities may now surpass the geological forces that shaped floristic regions over millions of years, calling for the mitigation of climate impacts to meet international biodiversity targets.

Comprehensive Review of Maple Trees: Evolution, Biogeographical Distribution, Ecology, and Economic Significance with Emphasis on Canada

Comprehensive Review of Maple Trees: Evolution, Biogeographical Distribution, Ecology, and Economic Significance with Emphasis on Canada

Maastrichtian palaeoenvironments and palaeoclimate reconstruction in southern South America (Patagonia, Argentina) based on fossil fungi and algae using open data resources

ABSTRACT The use of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP), particularly fossil fungi and algae, as palaeobiological proxies for Late Cretaceous palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstructions of warm-to-hot greenhouse conditions, can enhance our understanding of climate change impacts on modern Patagonian environments. This study aimed to reconstruct the Maastrichtian palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate in the Cañadón Asfalto Basin (CAB, Chubut Province) by testing these NPPs as proxies using the Nearest Living Relative method (NLR). Moreover, using modern ecological requirements from open-source databases, such as GBIF and processing it with an open-source, cross-platform tool like QGIS, linked with Köppen-Geiger shapefiles, provided evidence of climate-driven palaeo-distribution patterns of fungal and algal diversity at CAB. Applying modern ecological requirements and biogeographic distribution data, we reconstructed the palaeoclimate as temperate with evenly distributed precipitation and warm summers, corresponding to the Cfb climate zone in Köppen-Geiger classifications. Additionally, our methodology produced reliable results regarding Cenozoic floras’ physiognomies based on fossil fungi, revealing a transition from sparsely wooded areas with palms and prairies to complex forest ecosystems with palms, deciduous trees, and shrubland. Furthermore, testing Cretaceous algae with the NLR method, for the first time, provided comprehensive insights into past water body characteristics, including trophic state and water quality.

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora: leaf cuticle and bioclimatic variability

A chemical, morphological, structural, optical, and histological analysis of the waxes of the Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora leaf surfaces was here conducted. The wettability of the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces was also examined in detail. The results obtained were correlated with the bioclimatic (thermopluviometric) characterization of this species, based on the wild occurrence of its parental species (C. aurea and C. pottsii). To get a better insight into the potential correlation existent between chemical/morphological/structural characteristics and thermopluviometric data, the data for Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora were subsequently contrasted with the corresponding body of information we reported earlier for seven species with different biogeographic distributions (Ceratonia siliqua L., Cercis siliquastrum L., Arundo donax L., Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmann, Corymbia citriodora (Hook), Eucalyptus gunnii Hook. (Hook), and Eucalyptus globulus Labill). The results of this comparison highlight major correlations between the bioclimatic variability of the species and the chemical composition of waxes, but low or no apparent correlations with the other parameters examined. This conclusion strongly suggests the relevance of the chemical composition of leaf cuticle waxes in describing the response of vascular plants to the environmental matrix.

First report of Coolia palmyrensis in Korea: seasonal and spatial distribution of C. palmyrensis and C. malayensis in Korean coastal waters

Distribution patterns of benthic dinoflagellates that are widely observed in tropical and temperate waters and have toxic potential are changing in response to ocean climate change. Although there have been no outbreaks associated with the genus Coolia affecting humans, it is crucial to understand their changing distribution and clearly identify the species in the study area to prepare for potential toxic events. In this study, five strains of Coolia species were isolated from macroalgae samples collected from Jeju Island and the eastern coastal waters of Korea. Through morphological and molecular analysis of these isolates, one strain was identified as Coolia palmyrensis, marking the first report of this species in Korea, and four strains as C. malayensis. One of the C. malayensis strains was isolated in Pohang on the eastern coast of Korea, where it had not been previously reported. From 2021 to 2023, monitoring of Jeju Island using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay revealed that C. palmyrensis cells occurred mostly in autumn, with a maximum density of 242 cells g-1, and overwintering populations were observed in 2023. However, C. malayensis cells were not observed in this area. Additionally, C. malayensis was observed in Pohang and Ulsan, located further north than Jeju Island with maximum cell densities of 537 and 201 cells g-1, respectively. These data and our decade of monitoring experience confirmed the introduction and establishment of C. palmyrensis and habitat shift of C. malayensis in Korean coastal waters. This study provides advances for understanding of the relationships between climate-driven alterations and biogeographic distribution of these species.

Using eDNA to Supplement Population Genetic Analyses for Cryptic Marine Species: Identifying Population Boundaries for Alaska Harbour Porpoises.

Isolation by distance and biogeographical boundaries define patterns of population genetic structure for harbour porpoise along the Pacific coast from California to British Columbia. Until recently, inadequate sample sizes in many regions constrained efforts to characterise population genetic structure throughout the coastal waters of Alaska. Here, tissue samples from beachcast strandings and fisheries bycatch were supplemented with targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) samples in key regions of Alaska coastal and inland waters. Using a geographically explicit, hierarchical approach, we examined the genetic structure of Alaska harbour porpoises, using both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data and multilocus SNP genotypes. Despite a lack of evidence of genetic differentiation from nuclear SNP loci, patterns of relatedness and genetic differentiation from mtDNA suggest natal philopatry at multiple geographic scales, with limited gene flow among sites possibly mediated by male dispersal. A priori clustering of sampled areas at an intermediate scale (eastern and western Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska) best explained the genetic variance (12.37%) among regions. In addition, mtDNA differentiation between the Gulf of Alaska and eastern Bering Sea, and among regions within the Gulf of Alaska, indicated significant genetic structuring of harbour porpoise populations in Southeast Alaska. The targeted collection of eDNA samples from strata within Southeast Alaska was key for elevating the statistical power of our mtDNA dataset, and findings indicate limited dispersal between neighbouring strata within coastal and inland waters. These results provide evidence supporting a population boundary within the currently recognised Southeast Alaska Stock. Together, these findings will prove useful for ongoing management efforts to reduce fisheries conflict and conserve genetic diversity in this iconic coastal species.

Description of larvae and redescription of the fungus beetle Pselaphacus procerus Kuhnt, 1910 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Erotylinae: Tritomini) from Brazil.

The early and mature larvae of Pselaphacus procerus Kuhnt, 1910 are described here for the first time and the adult male and female are redescribed. The description of the larvae of this species represents the second of Pselaphacus immatures. The early larvae of this species are easily separated from mature larvae, by the absence of dorsal sclerotized plates on the abdomen of the former. Based on observations and information from literature, we provide a synopsis of the larval studies on Erotylini, data on maternal behavior in the genus and an updated biogeographical distribution of this species.

Update of the non-marine (terrestrial & freshwater) molluscs systematic inventory occurring in Santa Catarina State/ SC, Central Southern Brazil region

Introduction: The survey of the mollusc fauna (malacofauna) of a geopolitical region (State) is important from several aspects, reaching several important sectors of knowledge. So if all regions could do the same we would have within, a few years, expanded and completed the catalog of molluscs in Brazil, with much still to be added with regard to terrestrial and freshwater fauna. Objective: Updated general rеᴠiеw of the inventory of non-marine molluscs occurring in the Santa Catarina State/ SC, subtropical Central Southern portion of the Brazilian territory. Methodology: Organization of a occurring State species taxonomic checklist and their corresponding reference database, comprising the regional knowledge formally produced around the theme at least since the year 2003. Results and Conclusions: Confirmed and recorded regional total of 241 species (202 Gastropoda & 39 Bivalvia), among which at least 86 (79 Gastropoda & 7 Bivalvia) exhibit radicals synonymical (among others) changes recently reported through the global platform "MolluscaBase" and available literature of recent production, taxonomically included all in 95 genera (83 Gastropoda & 12 Bivalvia) and 40 families (35 Gastropoda & 5 Bivalvia), with aggregated additional information about their known biogeographical distribution in the territorial space of the State.