Description of the reproductive system of Helicodonta angigyra (Rossmässler, 1834) and differential diagnosis with Helicodonta obvoluta (O.F. Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Helicodontidae)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates whether the conchological differences observed between Helicodonta obvoluta (O.F. Müller, 1774) and Helicodonta angigyra (Rossmässler, 1834) are also reflected in their reproductive anatomy and genetic divergence, thereby corroborating their status as distinct species. To this end, we present the first detailed anatomical description of both species, complemented with a DNA barcoding approach. Our results demonstrate consistent and stable differences in the arrangement and morphology of pilasters and spicules in the penis of the two species. DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial COI gene further supports the taxonomic distinctness of H. angigyra, which forms a well-supported monophyletic lineage sister to H. obvoluta. Within H. obvoluta, we identified two haplogroups separated by approximately 7% genetic divergence, which exceeds the commonly recognised species-level threshold. This suggests either a complex evolutionary history of the mitochondrial genome across time and space, or a more intricate taxonomy within this nominal species. At the family level, our molecular results challenge the current infrafamilial classification of Helicodontidae, as well as some of the traditional anatomical characters used to define it. They also call into question the monophyly of the family. While more comprehensive multilocus datasets are still required, this study provides new diagnostic features that allow H. angigyra to be unambiguously distinguished from H. obvoluta.
Source: Journal of conchology
DOI: 10.61733/jconch/4559
Authors: Jean-Michel Bichain, Gianbattista Nardi, Virginie Roy, Olivier Gerriet, Damien Combrisson
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Institut d'écologie et des sciences de l'environnement de Paris, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de Nice, Ecrins National Park
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7109767151