First record of the exotic Indothais lacera (Gastropoda, Muricidae) in Brazil

Bioinvasions are one of the main causes of the decline of native biodiversity. Indothais lacera (Born, 1778) is a car-nivorous gastropod, native to the Indo-Pacific. We present the first records of I. lacera on the Brazilian coast and the first re-cord of this invasive species in the Western Atlantic. The specimens were found in two locations in the Baía de Todos os Santos, Bahia state, northeast of Brazil. Live specimens were collected in the Itapagipe Peninsula, in Ribeira, Salvador, and dry samples (empty shells) were collected in the extreme north of Itaparica Island. Molecular analyses indicate that there was more than one event of introduction of I. lacera in the bay and alert to the potential impacts that this species can have on the benthic com-munity in the region. We suspect that this exotic species is affecting a native population of Thaisella, which was previously lo-cally abundant but has since become rare.(AU)

A new species of Habeas (Eupulmonata, Urocoptidae) from Canarana region, Bahia, Brazil

A new species of the recently described genus Habeas is described. The genus is the single urocoptid representant in Brazil. The new species is named as Habeas centroris, occurring in Paz de Salobro, Canarana, Bahia, Brazil. It is mainly characterized by its dense, delicate sculpture, peristome slightly centrally positioned. Its anatomy is similar to what is currently known, differing mainly by small pallial gland, short stomach, presence of anterior duct to digestive gland, vas deferens very posteriorly originated, prostate lying further the vas deferens origin, and visceral ganglia connected directly to pleural ganglia. The new species is another example of how weak the knowledge on the land mollusks in central Brazilian semi-dry region is, a biome that deserves protection.(AU)

Two new species of deep water south Brazilian turriforms (Neogastropoda, Conoidea, Turridae and Cochlespiridae)

Two deep water new species of turriforms are described from south Brazilian coast. One of them is the turrid Polystira tupan sp. nov., one of the largest species of the genus (~80 mm), with proper sculpture, shallow anal notch, collected off Santa Catarina, 350 m. The other is a cochlespirid that has been confused with Cochlespira elegans, a north Atlantic species; as it has different sculpture, shape, peripheric spines, etc., a new species, Cochlespira notomaris sp. nov., is introduced, occurring so far from off Santa Catarina to Rio Grande do Sul, 200­1,000 m. For comparative purposes, the holotype of C. elegans is also illustrated.(AU)

Anatomy of two species of Megalobulimus (Strophocheilidae, Megalobuliminae) from South-Central Bahia, Brazil

An anatomical and taxonomic study of Megalobulimus oblongus (Müller, 1774) and M. conicus (Bequaert, 1948) (Strophocheilidae, Megalobuliminae) is carried out, based mainly on samples from the south-central region of Bahia, Brazil. It revealed interesting anatomical differences in several structures, mainly in the pallial cavity, with greater ramification of vessels in the respiratory region of M. oblongus when compared to M. conicus; and in the genital system of M. conicus, which has a more elongated prostate, and the folds of the penis are more spaced. A taxonomical discussion is presented, including several characters confirmed as typical of the genus and subfamily, such as buccal flange, prerectal valve and pulmonary septum.(AU)

First record of Mirinaba cadeadensis (Gastropoda: Strophocheilidae) in an anthropogenic shell mound from the Paraná coast, Southern Brazil

Mirinaba cadeadensis Lange de Morretes, 1952 is restricted to the Paraná state, and found at the municipalities of Morretes, São José dos Pinhais, Paranaguá, Matinhos, and Guaratuba, associated to the Serra do Mar mountains. In this paper, we report the first record of this species in an anthropogenic shell mound. Two shells of M. cadeadensis were located in the internal stratigraphic layers of the Boguaçu shell mound. This is also the first shell mound record for Mirinaba.

Stapafurdius, a new genus of Bulimulidae (Mollusca, Eupulmonata) from Bahia, Brazil, with two new species

Abstract The new genus Stapafurdius gen. nov. is introduced collected from Bahia, Brazil, including two new species: S. glaber sp. nov., the type species, occurs in Ibicoara; and S. costiferus sp. nov., from Andaraí regions. The new genus includes species of about 10 mm, elongated shell, reticulated protoconch, elongated peristome, and wide umbilicus. Both species differ mainly by the sculpture, as S. glaber sp. nov. is smooth, while S. costiferus sp. nov. has strong axial sculpture. http://zoobank.org/C851695E-6BF1-4418-8D8A-8BC7D10CC2FE.

Stapafurdius, a new genus of Bulimulidae (Mollusca, Eupulmonata) from Bahia, Brazil, with two new species

Abstract The new genus Stapafurdius gen. nov. is introduced collected from Bahia, Brazil, including two new species: S. glaber sp. nov., the type species, occurs in Ibicoara; and S. costiferus sp. nov., from Andaraí regions. The new genus includes species of about 10 mm, elongated shell, reticulated protoconch, elongated peristome, and wide umbilicus. Both species differ mainly by the sculpture, as S. glaber sp. nov. is smooth, while S. costiferus sp. nov. has strong axial sculpture. http://zoobank.org/C851695E-6BF1-4418-8D8A-8BC7D10CC2FE.

Stapafurdius, a new genus of Bulimulidae (Mollusca, Eupulmonata) from Bahia, Brazil, with two new species

The new genus Stapafurdiusgen. nov. is introduced collected from Bahia, Brazil, including two new species: S. glabersp. nov., the type species, occurs in Ibicoara; and S. costiferussp. nov., from Andaraí regions. The new genus includes species of about 10 mm, elongated shell, reticulated protoconch, elongated peristome, and wide umbilicus. Both species differ mainly by the sculpture, as S. glabersp. nov. is smooth, while S. costiferussp. nov. has strong axial sculpture.(AU)

Morphological description of Cyrtopleura costata(Bivalvia: Pholadidae) from southern Brazil

The aim of the study is to describe in detail, for the first time, the internal and external anatomy of Cyrtopleura costata,which displays ellipsoid and elongated valves with beige periostracum, the anterior adductor muscle unites the valves in the pre-umbonal region, with abduction capacity in its dorsal half, sparing the ligament. Two accessory valves are identified: the mesoplax (calcified) located in the umbonal region; and the protoplax (corneus) above the anterior adductor muscle. Internally there is a pair of well-developed apophysis that supports the labial palps and the pedal muscles, and support part of the gills. The posterior half of mantle ventral edge is fused and richly muscular, working as auxiliary adductor muscle. The siphons are completely united with each other, the incurrent being larger than the excurrent. The foot is small (about ⅛ the size of the animal). The kidneys extend laterally on the dorsal surface, solid, presenting a brown/reddish color. The style sac is well developed and entirely detached from the adjacent intestine. The intestine has numerous loops and curves within the visceral mass. The fecal pellets are coin-shaped. The present study certainly may be used as comparative scenario for specimens from other regions of the species range.

Morphological description of Cyrtopleura costata (Bivalvia: Pholadidae) from southern Brazil

Abstract The aim of the study is to describe in detail, for the first time, the internal and external anatomy of Cyrtopleura costata, which displays ellipsoid and elongated valves with beige periostracum, the anterior adductor muscle unites the valves in the pre-umbonal region, with abduction capacity in its dorsal half, sparing the ligament. Two accessory valves are identified: the mesoplax (calcified) located in the umbonal region; and the protoplax (corneus) above the anterior adductor muscle. Internally there is a pair of well-developed apophysis that supports the labial palps and the pedal muscles, and support part of the gills. The posterior half of mantle ventral edge is fused and richly muscular, working as auxiliary adductor muscle. The siphons are completely united with each other, the incurrent being larger than the excurrent. The foot is small (about the size of the animal). The kidneys extend laterally on the dorsal surface, solid, presenting a brown/reddish color. The style sac is well developed and entirely detached from the adjacent intestine. The intestine has numerous loops and curves within the visceral mass. The fecal pellets are coin-shaped. The present study certainly may be used as comparative scenario for specimens from other regions of the species range.

Morphological description of Cyrtopleura costata(Bivalvia: Pholadidae) from southern Brazil

The aim of the study is to describe in detail, for the first time, the internal and external anatomy of Cyrtopleura costata,which displays ellipsoid and elongated valves with beige periostracum, the anterior adductor muscle unites the valves in the pre-umbonal region, with abduction capacity in its dorsal half, sparing the ligament. Two accessory valves are identified: the mesoplax (calcified) located in the umbonal region; and the protoplax (corneus) above the anterior adductor muscle. Internally there is a pair of well-developed apophysis that supports the labial palps and the pedal muscles, and support part of the gills. The posterior half of mantle ventral edge is fused and richly muscular, working as auxiliary adductor muscle. The siphons are completely united with each other, the incurrent being larger than the excurrent. The foot is small (about ⅛ the size of the animal). The kidneys extend laterally on the dorsal surface, solid, presenting a brown/reddish color. The style sac is well developed and entirely detached from the adjacent intestine. The intestine has numerous loops and curves within the visceral mass. The fecal pellets are coin-shaped. The present study certainly may be used as comparative scenario for specimens from other regions of the species range.(AU)

A new species of the micro snail genus Heleobia (Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) from Bahia, Brazil

Abstract The prey of a recent described characid fish, so far endemic of the small lake Pratinha (Iraquara, Bahia, Brazil), a small (~2.5 mm) lentic gastropod, revealed to be a new (possible endemic) species. It is herein formally described as Heleobia brucutu sp. nov. The description includes anatomical features, revealing interesting idiosyncrasies such as egg laying attached to shell, and penis lacking glands, but with terminal papilla. The new species appears to be endemic of that small lake as much as its fish predator. As the species is now formally described and named, protective efforts must be implemented.

A new species of the micro snail genus Heleobia (Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) from Bahia, Brazil

Abstract The prey of a recent described characid fish, so far endemic of the small lake Pratinha (Iraquara, Bahia, Brazil), a small (~2.5 mm) lentic gastropod, revealed to be a new (possible endemic) species. It is herein formally described as Heleobia brucutu sp. nov. The description includes anatomical features, revealing interesting idiosyncrasies such as egg laying attached to shell, and penis lacking glands, but with terminal papilla. The new species appears to be endemic of that small lake as much as its fish predator. As the species is now formally described and named, protective efforts must be implemented.

A new species of the micro snail genus Heleobia (Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) from Bahia, Brazil

The prey of a recent described characid fish, so far endemic of the small lake Pratinha (Iraquara, Bahia, Brazil), a small (~2.5 mm) lentic gastropod, revealed to be a new (possible endemic) species. It is herein formally described as Heleobia brucutusp. nov. The description includes anatomical features, revealing interesting idiosyncrasies such as egg laying attached to shell, and penis lacking glands, but with terminal papilla. The new species appears to be endemic of that small lake as much as its fish predator. As the species is now formally described and named, protective efforts must be implemented.(AU)

Megalobulimus dryades, a new species from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, and redescription of Megalobulimus gummatus (Gastropoda: Strophocheilidae)

Abstract Megalobulimus dryades sp. nov. is described from the Atlantic Forest in the Vale do Ribeira region, in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, S-SE Brazil, based on morphology. Representatives of the new species with white peristome and glossy periostracum have been misidentified as Megalobulimus gummatus (Hidalgo, 1870) since the 19th Century. The true M. gummatus is revised and redescribed, and its distribution is here restricted to Rio de Janeiro state. Externally, the new species differs from M. gummatus in having distinct protoconch color and sculpture, teleoconch sculpture marked by strong anastomosing rugosities and malleations, and lighter colored white-greyish head-foot. Internally, it presents distinct jaw and radular features, a talon, and a long convoluted penis bearing two flagella. Additional comparisons with other Brazilian congeneric species are also provided.

Megalobulimus dryades, a new species from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, and redescription of Megalobulimus gummatus (Gastropoda: Strophocheilidae)

Abstract Megalobulimus dryades sp. nov. is described from the Atlantic Forest in the Vale do Ribeira region, in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, S-SE Brazil, based on morphology. Representatives of the new species with white peristome and glossy periostracum have been misidentified as Megalobulimus gummatus (Hidalgo, 1870) since the 19th Century. The true M. gummatus is revised and redescribed, and its distribution is here restricted to Rio de Janeiro state. Externally, the new species differs from M. gummatus in having distinct protoconch color and sculpture, teleoconch sculpture marked by strong anastomosing rugosities and malleations, and lighter colored white-greyish head-foot. Internally, it presents distinct jaw and radular features, a talon, and a long convoluted penis bearing two flagella. Additional comparisons with other Brazilian congeneric species are also provided.

Megalobulimus dryades, a new species from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, and redescription of Megalobulimus gummatus(Gastropoda: Strophocheilidae)

Megalobulimus dryadessp. nov. is described from the Atlantic Forest in the Vale do Ribeira region, in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, S-SE Brazil, based on morphology. Representatives of the new species with white peristome and glossy periostracum have been misidentified as Megalobulimus gummatus (Hidalgo, 1870) since the 19th Century. The true M. gummatus is revised and redescribed, and its distribution is here restricted to Rio de Janeiro state. Externally, the new species differs from M. gummatus in having distinct protoconch color and sculpture, teleoconch sculpture marked by strong anastomosing rugosities and malleations, and lighter colored white-greyish head-foot. Internally, it presents distinct jaw and radular features, a talon, and a long convoluted penis bearing two flagella. Additional comparisons with other Brazilian congeneric species are also provided.(AU)

Morphological comparison between Doryteuthis pleii and D. sanpaulensis (Cephalopoda, Myopsida, Loliginidae) from Brazil

The distinction of squid species in the genus Doryteuthis is not easy due to their morphological similarity, lack of conspicuous specific characters, and overlap geographical occurrence. This difficulty has leading to an almost exclusive molecular approach, and a premature neglect of the morpho-anatomy. To emphasize that the squid phenotypic features can be useful to identify, as well as to perform any comparative analyses (such as taxonomy and phylogeny), two close species were selected as outset. Doryteuthis pleii and D. sanpaulensis are common sympatric squids in Brazilian waters, commonly used in fisheries, not so difficult to distinguish by external features of the adult specimens. The samples were analyzed from biometric data to dissections, and the found most expressive characters to distinguish them are the mantle-fin ratio; morphology of the tentacle club, its ratio compared to the mantle length; hectocotylus morphology and nidamental gland morphology.

Morphological comparison between Doryteuthis pleii and D. sanpaulensis (Cephalopoda, Myopsida, Loliginidae) from Brazil

The distinction of squid species in the genus Doryteuthis is not easy due to their morphological similarity, lack of conspicuous specific characters, and overlap geographical occurrence. This difficulty has leading to an almost exclusive molecular approach, and a premature neglect of the morpho-anatomy. To emphasize that the squid phenotypic features can be useful to identify, as well as to perform any comparative analyses (such as taxonomy and phylogeny), two close species were selected as outset. Doryteuthis pleii and D. sanpaulensis are common sympatric squids in Brazilian waters, commonly used in fisheries, not so difficult to distinguish by external features of the adult specimens. The samples were analyzed from biometric data to dissections, and the found most expressive characters to distinguish them are the mantle-fin ratio; morphology of the tentacle club, its ratio compared to the mantle length; hectocotylus morphology and nidamental gland morphology.(AU)

Cerithiidae, Litiopidae, Modulidae and Planaxidae (Gastropoda, Cerithioidea) collected by the Marion Dufresne MD55 expedition in southeastern Brazil

Several deep-water mollusks collected during the Marion Dufresne MD55 expedition off SE Brazil have been studied in recent papers. The present work focuses on eight species belonging to the cerithioidean families Cerithiidae, Litiopidae, Modulidae and Planaxidae. Three species have their geographic distributions greatly expanded: Bayericerithium bayeri Petuch, 2001 from Pernambuco to Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará states (north) and to Bahia and Espírito Santo states (south), Brazilian coast; Ittibittium oryza (Mörch, 1876), from the Caribbean to the SW Atlantic; and Angiola lineata (Costa, 1778), from Trindade Island, Brazil to the Abrolhos Slope, nearly 870 km westward. Four species reported herein had their bathymetric ranges greatly expanded: Alaba incerta (d’Orbigny, 1841) from 0-40 m to 300 m; B. bayeri from 0-2 m to 120 m (live specimens); Litiopa melanostoma Rang, 1829 from 0-805 m to 1,550 m; Fossarus orbignyi Fischer, 1864 from 0-40 to 830 m (shells only).