An integrative approach to the taxonomy and systematics within the genusMontenegrinaBoettger, 1877 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Clausiliidae)

Morphological investigation of genital organs and first insights into the phylogeny of the genus Siciliaria Vest, 1867 as a basis for a taxonomic revision (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Clausiliidae)

“…The atrium can exhibit different configurations, from completely smooth to variable pleats. In contrast to what was found in Montenegrina (De Mattia et al 2020), a large atrial fold has never been detected. The internal V shows few different configurations.…”

“…The external shape of the genital organs was found to be of low taxonomic value, because no particular configuration is exclusive and distinctive of one taxon or a group of taxa. On the other side, the internal sculpturing is highly variable, but stable at the population level and the morphology of the genital organs delimits (sub)species, similar to what was found in the genus Montenegrina (De Mattia et al 2020). Different (sub) species can share a similar morphology of one or more sections of the genital organs (atrium, penis, epiphallus, penial papilla, distal vagina, proximal vagina), but no taxon, both at specific and subspecific level, was found to show an identical overall anatomical arrangement with another one.…”

“…The proximal/distal indications refer as seen from the gonads. The subdivision of the genital apparatus in anatomical parts follows De Mattia et al (2020) Structure and rationale of Siciliaria/Sicania taxonomic analysis…”

“…We systematically introduced new genital anatomical characters for the above listed genera. This study follows the strategy and methods of the recently published integrative approach to the taxonomy and systematics within Montenegrina Boettger, 1877(De Mattia et al 2020Mason et al 2020a), where DNA-based phylogenetic trees together with morphological characters (both shell and morphology of genital organs) were the basis for a taxonomic revision.…”

“…The pseudopapilla (PP) is a "false" penial papilla, found at the transition between the penis and the epiphallus, slightly distally to the insertion of the retractor muscle. The pseudopapilla, conversely to the actual penial papilla [as in the genus Montenegrina, depicted in De Mattia et al (2020)], originates from one side of the penial wall and totally lacks a penial channel. Its lumen is filled with loose spongy tissue (Fig.…”