A split decision: molecular and biogeographical evidence support species-level status of Anguispira kochi and Anguispira occidentalis (Stylommatophora, Discidae)

By

Forsyth, Robert G.
Nicolai, Annegret
Shoobs, Nathaniel
Ali, Reham F.
Salvador, Rodrigo B.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-12-2

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1261

Pages

241--260

Subjects

Banded tigersnail , Conservation status , Discoidea , Eupulmonata , molecular phylogenetics , Zonodiscus

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1261.171098

 

Abstract

<br> Anguispira kochi<br> (L. Pfeiffer, 1846), the banded tigersnail, is a North American member of the family Discidae. It is typically subdivided into two subspecies:<br> A. kochi kochi<br> (L. Pfeiffer, 1846) and<br> A. kochi occidentalis<br> (E. von Martens, 1882). Genetic data from throughout the distribution of<br> A. kochi<br> (sensu lato) was used to produce a phylogenetic analysis and, together with morphological and distributional data, assess the taxonomic status of its subspecies. Evidence for elevating the western subspecies,<br> A. k. occidentalis<br> , to the rank of species level is provided and the implications this change has for the conservation status (and future conservation plans) of both species is discussed. A lectotype is designated for<br> A. occidentalis<br> . The status of other infraspecific taxa of both<br> A. kochi<br> and<br> A. occidentalis<br> is discussed, as well as the potential validity of subgenus Zonodiscus Pilsbry, 1948. Finally, the new classification of<br> Discus marmorensis<br> H.B. Baker, 1932 as<br> Anguispira marmorensis<br> (H.B. Baker, 1932) comb. nov. is proposed.<br>