Open AccessA fresh start in ambersnail (Gastropoda: Succineidae) taxonomy: finding a foothold using a widespread species of Oxyloma
Author(s) -
Kathryn E. Perez,
Marco A. Martinez Cruz,
Brent W. Steury,
G. M. Barker
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of taxonomy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2118-9773
DOI - 10.5852/ejt.2021.757.1419
Subject(s) - morphometrics , gastropoda , taxonomy (biology) , biology , zoology , ecology
The ambersnails (Succineidae), found nearly worldwide, are considered a very challenging group to classify and identify with even genus-level identifications requiring dissection. In this study, we use mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers, shell morphometrics, and anatomical dissection to examine fresh material collected from the type localities of two nominal species in Oxyloma (Neoxyloma). We conclude from these evidence that Oxyloma salleanum (L. Pfeiffer, 1850) and Oxyloma effusum (L. Pfeiffer, 1853) are conspecific, and accordingly reduce O. effusum to the status of junior synonymy. We present a redescription of O. salleanum.