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Unveiling the hidden diversity of siphonariid species in the Indo-West Pacific
Added on 2025-02-01 16:28:41 by Vos, Chris
A groundbreaking study published recently combined phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences with detailed morphological examinations to revise the taxonomy of 101 nominal siphonariid species from the Indo-West Pacific. The outcome is now available through Molluscabase !The study involved the examination of preserved specimens from 462 sites across Australasia, the Indo-West Pacific, and temperate zones of the northern and southern Pacific. Crucially, this included freshly collected topotypic samples for many nominal species. By sequencing two mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S) from 546 individuals and conducting phylogenetic analyses, the researchers were able to construct a detailed evolutionary framework for these species. Additionally, the anatomy of 436 individuals was meticulously studied using dissections and scanning electron microscopy.
One of the most significant outcomes of this study is the acceptance of 88 siphonariid species, which have been thoroughly redescribed. The refined delineation of many of these taxa has led to an updated understanding of their distribution and comparative morphology. The researchers also synonymized 52 nominal species, with 41 of these being new. Furthermore, 13 species names were deemed unavailable or invalid under zoological nomenclature rules, and six names were treated as nomina dubia or nomina inquirenda.
In addition to these revisions, the study described 40 new species, highlighting the remarkable biodiversity within this group. The researchers also identified eleven species with broad distributions across the Indo-West Pacific and beyond, while noting that many species have much narrower ranges, with some being single-island endemics.
To ensure stability in the naming of taxa, neotypes for seven species and lectotypes for 25 species have been designated.
Overall, this study significantly advanced our understanding of siphonariid diversity and taxonomy. By combining genetic and morphological data, the researchers have provided a comprehensive and detailed assessment of these species, paving the way for further studies on their ecology, evolution, and conservation.
Enjoy!
On behalf of the Editor community,
Frank Köhler
Related literature: Jenkins, B.; Köhler, F. (2024). Hidden in plain sight: Systematic review of Indo-West Pacific Siphonariidae uncovers extensive cryptic diversity based on comparative morphology and mitochondrial phylogenetics (Mollusca, Gastropoda). Megataxa. 13(1): 1-217. Also see https://mapress.com/mt/article/view/megataxa.13.1.1
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One of the most significant outcomes of this study is the acceptance of 88 siphonariid species, which have been thoroughly redescribed. The refined delineation of many of these taxa has led to an updated understanding of their distribution and comparative morphology. The researchers also synonymized 52 nominal species, with 41 of these being new. Furthermore, 13 species names were deemed unavailable or invalid under zoological nomenclature rules, and six names were treated as nomina dubia or nomina inquirenda.
In addition to these revisions, the study described 40 new species, highlighting the remarkable biodiversity within this group. The researchers also identified eleven species with broad distributions across the Indo-West Pacific and beyond, while noting that many species have much narrower ranges, with some being single-island endemics.
To ensure stability in the naming of taxa, neotypes for seven species and lectotypes for 25 species have been designated.
Overall, this study significantly advanced our understanding of siphonariid diversity and taxonomy. By combining genetic and morphological data, the researchers have provided a comprehensive and detailed assessment of these species, paving the way for further studies on their ecology, evolution, and conservation.
Enjoy!
On behalf of the Editor community,
Frank Köhler
Related literature: Jenkins, B.; Köhler, F. (2024). Hidden in plain sight: Systematic review of Indo-West Pacific Siphonariidae uncovers extensive cryptic diversity based on comparative morphology and mitochondrial phylogenetics (Mollusca, Gastropoda). Megataxa. 13(1): 1-217. Also see https://mapress.com/mt/article/view/megataxa.13.1.1
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