Systematics and distribution of Cristaria plicata (Bivalvia, Unionidae) from the Russian Far East

By

Klishko, Olga K.
Lopes-Lima, Manuel
Froufe, Elsa
Bogan, Arthur E., 1950-
Abakumova, Vera Y.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2016

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

580

Pages

13-27

Subjects

Anodontini , Bivalvia , COI , morphometry , Russia , Unionidae

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.580.7588

 

Abstract

The number of anodontine bivalve species placed in the genus Cristaria (Bivalvia, Unionidae) from the Russian Far East is still not stable among authors. Some recognize only one valid species C. plicata (Leach, 1815) while others accept two additional species, C. tuberculata Schumacher, 1817 and C. herculea (Middendorff, 1847). In the present study, these taxonomic doubts are addressed using analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences and shell morphometry. No significant differences have been revealed by the COI DNA sequences or the main statistical morphometric indices from the three Cristaria forms. In the specimens analysed, changes in shell morphometry with age suggest that original descriptions of the different forms may be attributed solely to differences in age and sex. We consider that C. plicata, C. tuberculata and C. herculea from the Russian Far East should be considered as a single species, namely Cristaria plicata (Leach, 1815), with C. tuberculata and C. herculea as junior synonyms. The geographic range of Cristaria plicata and its conservation status are also presented here.