ISSN 2755-3531
J.R. Arrébola, C.E. Prieto, A.I. Puente & A. Ruiz
Abstract. A new genus, Hatumia, is designated for two species of Oestophora: Hatumia riffensis (Ortiz de Zárate, 1962) and Hatumia cobosi (Ortiz de Zárate, 1962) based on new anatomical evidence and a review of the literature. A third new species, H. pseudogasulli, is described from Andalusia (southern Iberia), and also belongs to this new genus. H. gasulli and H. pseudogasulli n. sp. have quite similar shells, occupy the same ecologic niche, but have different distributions with the exception of a small contact zone where they live together. The diagnosis of the genera Oestophora Hesse, Gasulliella Gittenberger, Gasullia Ortiz de Zárate & Ortiz de Zárate and Suboestophora Ortiz de Zárate is provided.
Key words. Systematics, Gasullia, Oestophora, Hatumia, pseudogasulli
New taxa. Hatumia Arrébola, Prieto & A. Ruiz, 2006; H. pseudogasulli Arrébola, Prieto & A. Ruiz, 2006
Date of publication. November 2006
Shell ornament in Pinna nobilis and Pinna rudis (Bivalvia: Pteriomorpha)
Andrea Cosentino & Salvatore Giacobbe
Abstract. Shell sculpture of the Mediterranean bivalves Pinna rudis (L.) and Pinna nobilis (L.) have been compared by means of parametric and non-parametric univariate statistics, as well as techniques of joint multivariate classification and ordination. Furthermore, a quantitative definition of shell rugosity has been proposed, as an assessable factor potentially affecting anti-predatory defence and epizoic community settlement. Spine density, together with some derived measurements, which describe shell roughness well, best discriminated the two shell typologies and their variation as a function of individual growth. In this respect, P. nobilis showed greater individual variability, mainly due to progressive erosion in the largest specimens, in comparison with the noticeable morphologic uniformity of P. rudis.
Key words. Pinnidae, molluscs, morphometry, Mediterranean
Date of publication. November 2006
A new species of Iphinopsis (Caenogastropoda, Cancellariidae) from Brazil
Luiz Ricardo L. Simone & Adolpho Birman
Abstract. Iphinopsis splendens is described for deep water off the Southeastern coast of Brazil, the main diagnostic characters are the more elongated shell outline; sculpture of broader threads; periostracum with an axial micro-sculpture and total reduction of umbilicus. Some anatomical information is given based on dry specimens, showing a very long and coiled stored proboscis, lack of radula and a well-developed, funnel-like jaw plate.
Key words. Iphinopsis, new species, Brazil.
New taxon. Iphinopsis splendens Simone & Birman, 2006
Date of publication. November 2006
Edmund Gittenberger, Richard C. Preece & Theo E.J. Ripken
Abstract. Balea (Balea) heydeni was originally described by von Maltzan (1881) on the basis of material from Portugal. Since that time this species has either been completely overlooked or regarded as a synonym of Balea (B.) perversa. However, the two species may occur sympatrically, clearly demonstrating their specific distinctness, a conclusion also supported by molecular phylogenetic data. Comparative descriptions of the two species are given here, together with illustrations of a newly designated neotype for Balea (B.) perversa and a lectotype of Balea (B.) heydeni. It is hoped that this taxonomic clarification will stimulate further research. The distribution of B. heydeni is as yet poorly known but it occurs on the Azores and the Madeiran archipelago (Porto Santo), from where it has for many years been reported incorrectly as B. (B.) perversa. Elsewhere B. heydeni has been recognized from Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, Britain and Ireland.
Key words. Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Clausiliidae, Balea, Azores, Madeira, W Europe
Date of publication. November 2006
A.M. Holmes, J. Gallichan & H. Wood
Abstract. Coracuta obliquata n. gen. is recorded from Carmarthen Bay in the Bristol Channel, providing the first British record in 100 years and the first live record in British waters. Its previous generic placements are discussed and hinge structure compared with similar galeommatids. A full description of the species and of the new genus are given and a lectotype is designated.
Key words. Coracuta obliquata, Galeommatoidea, Britain
New taxon. Coracuta Holmes, Gallichan & Wood, 2006
Date of publication. November 2006
The landsnail genus Metodontia Moellendorff (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora: Bradybaenidae) of China
Min Wu & Larisa A. Prozorova
Abstract. The bradybaenid genus Metodontia Möllendorff is revised based on the literature and both loessial fossil and recent specimens. M. yantaiensis and M. beresowskii are re-described conchologically and/or anatomically. M. bidentatus and M. wuduensis are proposed to be new to science. M. yantaiensis tetrodon is sunk as a synonym of M. yantaiensis, due to the insufficient differentiation between them. Thus, a total of six valid species of the genus are known in China: M. huaiensis, M. yantaiensis, M. griphodes, M. beresowskii, M. bidentatus new species, and M. wuduensis new species. This study has failed to show the difference between fossil and recent M. huaiensis huaiensis, detected by the principal component analysis on the data comprising seven shell parameters. It suggests the distribution ranges of M. yantaiensis and M. huaiensis do not overlap each other. Illustrations of genital systems of M. beresowskii, M. yantaiensis and M. bidentatus new species, figures of shells and a key to the revised Metodontia species based on the shell, are provided.
Key words. Helicoidea, Bradybaenidae, Metodontia, new synonym, new species, China
New taxa. Metodontia bidentatus Wu & Prozorova, 2006; Metodontia wuduensis Wu & Prozorova, 2006
Date of publication. November 2006
New species of Thyasiridae (Bivalvia) from chemosynthetic communities in the Atlantic Ocean
P. Graham Oliver & Anna M. Holmes
Abstract. A new genus and two new species of Thyasiridae are described from deep-water chemosynthetic communities in the Atlantic Ocean. Spinaxinus sentosus n. gen., n. sp. is distinguished by both shell shape and periostracal characters and bears little resemblance to other known thyasirids. It was collected from the organic cargo of the sunken ship, “Francois Vieljeux” and this remains the only record of this species. Thyasira southwardae n. sp. was collected from the Logatchev hydrothermal site and is morphologically similar to T. sarsi, T. oleophila and T. methanophila all known to be associated with chemosynthetic sites.
Key words. Thyasiridae, new genus, new species, Atlantic Ocean, Deep-sea, Chemosynthetic communities
New taxa. Spinaxinus sentosus Oliver & Holmes, 2006; Thyasira southwardae Oliver & Holmes, 2006
Date of publication. November 2006
A new North Atlantic species of Beringius, (Gastropoda: Buccinidae) with comments on B. turtoni
Anders Warén & Shelagh M. Smith
Abstract. A new species of Beringius (Buccinidae), B. bogasoni is described from the northernmost North Atlantic bathyal zone. It is compared to its nearest congener, B. turtoni (Bean, 1834), whose distribution, nomenclature and variation is revised for comparative purposes. Beringius bogasoni is a carnivore and scavenger; sea-anemone and unidentified animal tissues were found in its gut.
Key words. Gastropoda, new species, North Atlantic, Buccinidae, Beringius
New taxon. Beringius bogasoni Warén & Smith, 2006
Date of publication. November 2006
Aurélie Terrier, Emmanuel Castella, Gerhard Falkner & Ian J. Killeen
Abstract. Information from more than hundred published sources, augmented by previously unpublished expert knowledge, is compiled to build up a species account for the Western Palaearctic planorbid gastropod Anisus vorticulus (Troschel, 1834), threatened at European level and recently listed in the EU Habitats Directive. The account summarizes the available data about the species, including identification, environmental requirements, life cycle, dispersal, food, geographic distribution and threats, together with recommendations for site management and survey procedures. The species occurs in both natural habitats (lake littoral, streams, river floodplains) and man-made habitats (drainage ditches, excavations). It is mostly associated with calcareous, moderately well vegetated habitats, especially with abundant floating plant coverage. The species has normally an annual life-cycle but the few available data suggest a high spatial and inter-annual variability in its phenology. To date, conservation measures for the species included vegetation removal and translocation. A dearth of quantitative and general information is obvious for almost all aspects of the biology and ecology of the species and prevents informed conservation recommendations being made.
Key words. Anisus vorticulus, Planorbidae, Habitats Directive, ecological requirements, site management
Date of publication. November 2006
Fossil Viviparidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of the Levant
Naomi Sivan, Joseph Heller, & Dirk Van Damme
Abstract. Today there are no representatives of the freshwater family Viviparidae in the Levant but Pliocene–Pleistocene remains are abundant. This conchometric study explores their taxonomical position within the family. All Levantine fossils are here assigned to the African-Asian sub-family Bellamyinae and not to the Eurasian–N. American sub-family Viviparinae on the basis of their high apex and high conicality index. Two genera are recognized: Bellamya with three species and a new genus, Apameaus, with one species.
Key words. Fossil, Levant, Viviparidae, Bellamya, taxonomy
New taxon. Apameaus Sivan, Hellere & Van Damme, 2006
Date of publication. November 2006
Distribution of certain molluscs in the lowland canals of Scotland
Adrian T. Sumner
Abstract. This survey describes the distribution of certain freshwater molluscs from the margins of the lowland canals of Scotland (Forth & Clyde Canal, Union Canal, and Monkland Canal). Fourteen species of gastropods and three species of freshwater mussels were recorded. Of these species, Valvata cristata Müller 1774, Bithynia leachii (Sheppard 1823), Planorbis carinatus Müller 1774, Planorbarius corneus (L., 1758), and Acroloxus lacustris (L., 1758) were found to be much more widely distributed than previously reported. Although inconspicuous species such as A. lacustris and V. cristata may have been under-recorded in the past, the possibility is discussed that other species might have been spread during the recent restoration of the canals for navigation, and the consequent increased traffic and movement of water and vegetation. Other species previously recorded from the canals which were not found in this survey, such as Radix auricularia (L., 1758) and Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), may have become extinct in the Scottish lowland canals, but would probably have been missed by the sampling methods used in this study.
Key words. Freshwater, gastropods, bivalves, canals, Scotland
Date of publication. November 2006
Cochlicopa nitens (Gallenstein) from early Holocene Tufa at Bossington, Hampshire, UK [Short Communication]
Paul Davies
Abstract. This communication is intended to clarify the occurrence of Cochlicopa nitens as an early postglacial fossil within a tufa deposit in the valley of the River Test at Bossington, Hampshire, UK. The Cochlicopa nitens specimens (n= 3 from a total of 3900 shells) were recovered from a bulk sample obtained from the lowermost part of the basal tufa/palaeosol complex, the position of which is indicative of tussocky or lightly wooded marsh conditions.
Key words. Cochlicopa nitens, tufa deposit, River Test, Bossington, Hampshire
Date of publication. November 2006
Evaluation and improvement of the use of metal detectors for the recapture of marked gastropods: reliability in habitats of varying structure [Short Communication]
Maya Rajasekharan
Abstract. In order to study and understand patterns of animal movement, in a range of habitats, researchers need a range of techniques for marking and recapturing individuals. This study showed use of metal detectors for the recapture of marked intertidal gastropods. Tags were made from folded aluminium metal sheets stamped with a combination of number and letter. The reliability of the technique, tag loss and loss of detectability were tested on open rock, in rock-pools, among seaweed and among rocks and pebbles. This improved tagging technique has allowed recapture and tracking of Littorina littorea (L.) in various habitats.
Key words. metal detectors, aluminium, mark, recapture, intertidal, Littorina littorea
Date of publication. November 2006
Obituary: David Henry Keen 1947–2006 [Obituary]
R.C. Preece
Abstract. With the premature death on Easter Day of David Keen, we have lost a leading figure in environmental research into the recent geological past, a field of increasing importance as we look towards an uncertain climatic future. He leaves a legacy of over a hundred publications, including half a dozen authored/ edited books and more than sixty articles in major journals, with more of both to appear posthumously. Professor David Henry Keen, born 26th January 1947, died 16th April 2006.
Key words. David Henry Keen
Date of publication. November 2006
Book Reviews
Book Review: West African Seashells by R. Ardovini and T. Cossignani; (2) Eastern Pacific Nudibranchs: A guide to the opisthobranchs from Alaska to Central America by D.W. Behrens
Reviewed by Kevin Brown
Book Review: Eastern Pacific Nudibranchs: A guide to the opisthobranchs from Alaska to Central America by D.W. Behrens
Reviewed by Nathalie Yonow