All currently known microsnails of the genus Diplommatina s.l. from Myanmar are here listed and revised based on recently collected specimens. The specimens examined were obtained through the 'Conserving Myanmar's Karst Biodiversity' project, hosted by the Fauna & Flora International in collaboration with the Forest Department of Myanmar. In total, 31 nominal species are documented from the country. Among these, three species originally described from this region, namely D. carneola, D. scalaroidea, and D. richthofeni, were rediscovered and re-described. We also report on three new country records, D. akron, D. nimanandhi, and Pagodapalaina suratensis [formerly Diplommatina], previously known only from Thailand. In addition, two new species are described based on distinctive morphological characters: D. prolixa Tongkerd, sp. nov. from Kayin State and D. somsakpanhai Tongkerd, sp. nov. from the Tanintharyi Region. For twenty-nine taxa, we examined and illustrated name-bearing types and/or authenticated specimens whenever available, as these are critical for systematic revision. Overall, this study provides updated knowledge of the Diplommatina s.l. in Myanmar and offers a valuable foundation for future taxonomic and systematic research in Indochina. To stabilise nomenclature, D. stanisici Tongkerd, nom. nov., is herein proposed as replacement name for the Australian species Diplommatina angulata Stanisic, 2010, which is a junior primary homonym of D. angulata Theobald & Stoliczka, 1872 from Myanmar.
The gastropod shell collection at the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London houses a wealth of gastropod specimens from around the world. Many snail species are relevant to human health due to their role as hosts for medically important parasites. This includes blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma , which cause human schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis control programmes often rely on efficient and precise identification of host snail species, but traditional resources available to these efforts are limited both in scope and accuracy, hindering the progress of control programs. To bridge this gap, we present a digitisation effort using the African snail shell collections housed in NHM London. Shells were digitised using traditional photography and micro computed tomography (µCT). µCT scans were used to produce 3D models optimised for digital visualisation and 3D printing. To ensure full accessibility, models were uploaded to the Sketchfab online public repository with registration numbers and links to the NHM data portal. To further aid identification efforts, we present a detailed pipeline to create 3D-printed shell replicas, accompanied by short 3D animations showcasing key morphological characters of snail shells. 3D models and 3D-printed replicas can also be used as teaching tools, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge of tropical diseases critical to the efforts of endemic countries. Further, we showcase how digitisation approaches can be applied to similar museum collections.
The present study substantially expands the known streptaxid fauna of Cambodia, raising the total richness to seven species across five genera. Four new species from Stung Treng Province are described, and two new country records are reported and re-described. The new species comprise Perrottetia chauliodonta Man, sp. nov., distinguished by a depressed heliciform shell, bluntly keeled penultimate whorl, and seven apertural lamellae including a notably sickle-shaped palatal lamella; P. chauliotropida Man, sp. nov., characterised by a nearly flattened shell, strongly keeled penultimate whorl, and a remarkably elongated parietal lamella; Carinartemis thalaborivatianus Man, sp. nov., bearing a bluntly keeled penultimate whorl, low-convex spire, small ridge-shaped parietal lamella, and a distinct upper palatal lamella; and C. pterocarinata Man, sp. nov., recognised by a nearly flattened shell, sharply keeled penultimate whorl, a broad, low-conical spire creating a stepped, shelf-like appearance, and a deeply reflected peristome. Additionally, Indoartemon tridens (von Möllendorff, 1898) from Stung Treng Province and Haploptychius michaui (Crosse & Fischer, 1863) from Kampot Province are recorded for the first time from Cambodia. Based on conchological comparisons of their respective type species, Thachia Huber, 2018 is here determined to be a junior subjective synonym of Perrottetia Kobelt, 1905.
Decapodiform cephalopods are ecologically significant marine animals known for their vivid coloration, complex behaviors, and key roles in trophic webs. Despite their importance, public recognition of these species in Japan remains limited. This study aims to enhance public awareness of decapodiform cephalopods by developing a science picture book that integrates narrative storytelling and natural history illustration as an educational tool. We conducted a case study in Japan involving the creation of a picture book based on a multidisciplinary approach, including scientific literature review, morphological and behavioral observations of live specimens in aquariums, diving-based fieldwork in Okinawa, and detailed examination of preserved museum specimens. Additionally, we designed a supplementary poster illustrating 17 decapodiform species to visually communicate their morphological diversity. Feedback from readers, including educators and museum visitors, indicated that the book was effective in increasing engagement and improving understanding of cephalopod ecology. The poster further supported species recognition and interest in marine biodiversity. Our findings underscore the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, illustrators, museums, and aquariums in developing educational materials, and demonstrate the effectiveness of illustrated science communication in promoting marine ecological literacy.
The Natural History Museum (NHM) in London hosts one of the world’s largest gastropod shell collections, including contributions from David Seymour Brown (1935–2004), whose research on African freshwater snails advanced the understanding of schistosomiasis, a major parasitic disease. To preserve and expand access to the collection, we digitized key specimens into high-resolution 3D models optimized for 3D printing which will be hosted on Sketchfab for research, education, and outreach. These models will enable diverse applications, from scientific research to education and outreach especially in endemic regions. The initiative also supports the Museum’s commitment to advancing taxonomy, accessibility, and public engagement while exploring innovative uses for historical collections. This project preserves Brown’s legacy while demonstrating how digital technologies can transform historical biological collections, widening access and offering innovative tools for global health, taxonomy, and education.
A new diplommatinid genus, Pagodapalaina Z.-Y. Chen gen. nov., is erected for several sinistral species from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra originally assigned to Diplommatina Benson, 1849. In addition, a new species of this new genus, Pagodapalaina hortulanica sp. nov., is described from Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. The genus Pagodapalaina gen. nov., is characterised by a sinistral and conical shell with a mostly keeled periphery; the radula consists of a strong central tooth with a large central cusp and smaller lateral cusps; the basal plate of the central tooth bears two small cusps; the lateral and marginal teeth have very short basal parts. An annotated type catalogue of all known species is presented, with illustrations provided for most taxa. Additionally, Diplommatina laemsonensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023 and Diplommatina prakaiphetensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023 are recognised as synonyms of Pagodapalaina acme (Laidlaw, 1949) comb. nov., and Pagodapalaina sinistra (Tomlin, 1938) comb. nov., respectively.
We critically examine Peruvian taxa belonging to the genera Drymaeus Albers, 1850 and Mesembrinus Albers, 1850, verify their original reference, and figure type materials, if located in and available from museums. We include additional photographs of non-type material when they are deemed useful to show variation. Original figures from the literature are reproduced for some species where photographs of type material are unavailable. We list precise localities in Peru where each species has been collected and map each species. Where possible, the ecoregions in which each species occurs are indicated. A brief history of research on Drymaeus and Mesembrinus from Peru is included. We recognise 94 valid species of Drymaeus and Mesembrinus. Additionally, we list 10 taxa that have been erroneously or doubtfully reported from Peru, 10 that are nomina inquirandi, and four species that have been transferred to another genus. We believe that our checklist may serve as a baseline document for further research. It can be seen as an intermediate step in the revision of these genera, which will require additional anatomical or molecular study to achieve a stable classification. The following new species are introduced: Drymaeus araujoi Vega-Luz, Breure & Mogollon; Drymaeus nebulosum Breure & Ablett; Mesembrinus marmoratus Breure, Mogollon & Vega-Luz; Mesembrinus purpuralabrum Breure, Mogollon & Vega-Luz. Two species are reported from the Peruvian malacofauna for the first time: Drymaeus fusoides (d'Orbigny, 1835) and Drymaeus tigrinus (S.I. da Costa, 1898). We propose the following new combinations: Drymaeus combinai (Weyrauch, 1958); Mesembrinus acobambensis (Weyrauch, 1967); Mesembrinus anceps (Albers, 1854); Mesembrinus angulobasis (Pilsbry, 1944); Mesembrinus apicepunctata (Preston, 1914); Mesembrinus bequaerti (Weyrauch, 1956); Mesembrinus cactivorus (Broderip, 1832); Mesembrinus chrysomelas (E. von Martens, 1867); Mesembrinus clathratus (L. Pfeiffer, 1858); Mesembrinus coelestini (F. Haas, 1952); Mesembrinus cuzcoensis (Reeve, 1849); Mesembrinus cylindricus (S.I. da Costa, 1901); Mesembrinus eucosmetus (F. Haas, 1955); Mesembrinus farrisi (L. Pfeiffer, 1858); Mesembrinus inconspicuus (F. Haas, 1949); Mesembrinus lamas (Higgins, 1868); Mesembrinus laxostylus (Rolle, 1904); Mesembrinus leucomelas (Albers, 1854); Mesembrinus libertadensis (Pilsbry, 1898); Mesembrinus mexicanus (Lamarck, 1822); Mesembrinus miltochrous (Albers, 1854); Mesembrinus nigroapicatus (L. Pfeiffer, 1857); Mesembrinus paeteli (Albers, 1854); Mesembrinus pergracilis (Rolle, 1904); Mesembrinus phryne (L. Pfeiffer, 1863); Mesembrinus praetextus (Reeve, 1849); Mesembrinus pseudobesus (Breure, 1979); Mesembrinus pulcherrimus (H. Adams, 1867); Mesembrinus rosalbus (Pilsbry, 1932); Mesembrinus sachsei (Albers, 1854); Mesembrinus scitulus (Reeve, 1849); Mesembrinus silvanus (Zilch, 1953); Mesembrinus succinea (Pilsbry, 1901); Mesembrinus trujillensis (Philippi, 1867); Mesembrinus vespertinus (L. Pfeiffer, 1858); Mesembrinus zilchi (F. Haas, 1955); " Mesembrinus " vexillum (W. Wood Sr, 1828). The following junior subjective synonyms are established: Drymaeus aurantiostomus Thompson & Deisler, 1982 = Drymaeus branneri F. Baker, 1914; Drymaeus eusteirus Pilsbry, 1944 = Bulimus chanchamayensis Hidalgo, 1870; Drymaeus ( Mormus ) expansus flavilabrum Weyrauch, 1967 = Bulimus expansus L. Pfeiffer, 1848; Drymaeus ( Orodrymaeus ) farrisi quadritaeniatus Weyrauch, 1956 = Bulimus farrisi Pfeiffer, 1858; Drymaeus ( Drymaeus ) latitesta F. Haas, 1952 = Bulimus icterostomus E. von Martens, 1901; Drymaeus beyerleanus mitchelli Dall 1912 = Bulimus beyerleanus Hup & eacute; 1857; Bulimus ( Liostracu s) fuscobasis E.A. Smith, 1877 = Bulimus rectilinearis L. Pfeiffer, 1855; Bulimus recedens L. Pfeiffer, 1864 = Bulimus serratus L. Pfeiffer, 1855; Gonyostomus subhybridus S.I. da Costa, 1906 = Otostomus pulcherrimus H. Adams, 1867; Mesembrinus ( Ornatimormus ) henrypilsbryi densestrigatus Weyrauch, 1958 = Mesembrinus ( Ornatimormus ) henrypilsbryi pichitacaluga & euml;nsis Weyrauch 1958 = Mesembrinus ( Ornatimormus ) henrypilsbryi Weyrauch, 1958 = Bulimulus pergracilis Rolle, 1904; Bulimus canarius L. Pfeiffer, 1867 = Bulimus trujillensis Philippi, 1867; Bulimus serenus Philippi, 1867 = " Mesembrinus " vexillum (Wood, 1828). The generic placements of " Drymaeus " expansus (L. Pfeiffer, 1848) and " Mesembrinus " vexillum (W. Wood Sr, 1828) are provisionally pending future molecular study. The need for additional research is demonstrated by the fact that for 15 species only imprecise localities are known, while for 33 species no records are available within the last 50 years.
Two new species, namely Gastroptychia geoffreyi sp. nov. and Gastroptychia collicola sp. nov., are described respectively from Darjeeling and West Khasi Hills, northeastern India based on historical collections at the Natural History Museum, London. Gastroptychia collicola sp. nov. is distinguished from sympatric species by the presence of a unique palatal swelling and a palatal lamella, while Gastroptychia geoffreyi sp. nov. is distinguished from sympatric species by its dense ribs. The type specimens of all sympatric sinistral species, namely Gastroptychia insignis (Godwin-Austen, 1870), Gastroptychia gibbosa (W. T. Blanford, 1868), Gastroptychia gibberosa (Godwin-Austen, 1892), and Gastroptychia jaintiaca (Godwin-Austen, 1870), are illustrated for comparison.
The taxonomy of subulinid snails in Myanmar has been evaluated, resulting in the recognition of 40 species and subspecies across nine genera: Allopeas, Bacillum, Curvella, Glessula, Opeas, Paropeas, Rishetia, Tortaxis, and Zootecus. Nine species are re-described based on recently collected specimens, and two new species, Glessula mandalayensis Man & Panha, sp. nov. from Mandalay Region and Tortaxis cylindropsis Man & Panha, sp. nov. from Shan State are introduced. The genitalia and radula of Zootecus pullus was studied for the first time. This study also presents a comprehensive list of all subulinid species recorded to date from Myanmar. The type specimens and authenticated museum specimens have been illustrated with accompanying taxonomic remarks and nine species formerly assigned in Glessula are now placed in Rishetia: R. akouktoungensis, R. baculina, R. basseinensis, R. burrailensis maxwelli, R. kentungensis, R. limborgi, R. nathiana, R. pertenuis, and R. pertenuis major.
Type material of some South American species in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, belonging to different families is documented. It includes 16 species: Bulimus cuneus L. Pfeiffer, 1854, Bulimus proteus Broderip, 1832, Bulimus scalarioides L. Pfeiffer, 1867, Bulimus similaris J. Moricand, 1856, Andinia (Ehrmanniella) dedicata Weyrauch & Zilch, 1954, Helix hettneriana E. von Martens, 1897, Eurycampta hidalgonis Döring, 1877, Helix aequatoris L. Pfeiffer, 1860, Helix bituberculata L. Pfeiffer, 1853, Helix bourcieri L. Pfeiffer, 1853, Helix neogranadensis L. Pfeiffer, 1845, Cyclostoma (Cyclophorus) bourcieri L. Pfeiffer, 1854, and Helix platygyra Albers, 1857. The concept of the “salvation” of type material is explained.
Recently a number of previously unrecognised type specimens representing 8 taxa were found in the general collection of the Natural History Museum, belonging to the Orthalicoidea. We have documented this material in this publication, as a supplement to previous papers published in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. A corrected taxon index to all publications in this series is also part of this paper.
We present a genome assembly from an individual Anisus vortex (the Whirlpool Ramshorn snail; Mollusca; Gastropoda; Hygrophila; Lymnaeoidea; Planorbidae). The genome sequence is 869.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 13.57 kilobases in length.
We present a genome assembly from an individual Anisus vortex (the Whirlpool Ramshorn snail; Mollusca; Gastropoda; Hygrophila; Lymnaeoidea; Planorbidae). The genome sequence is 869.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 13.57 kilobases in length.
Chloritis delibrata (Benson, 1836), known from northeastern India, was believed to have three varietal forms, sometimes mentioned as subspecies: C. delibrata var. khasiensis (Nevill, 1877) and C. delibrata var. fasciata (Godwin-Austen, 1875) from the Khasi Hills, India, and C. delibrata var. procumbens (Gould, 1844) from Dawei in Myanmar. The reproductive anatomy of the latter form is known and does not match with those of any continental camaenid genera, but does with that of the newly examined Chloritis platytropis Möllendorff, 1894 from Thailand. The latter species is conchologically similar to Bouchetcamaena huberi Thach, 2018 (synonym of Helix fouresi Morlet, 1886), which is the type species of the genus Bouchetcamaena Thach, 2018. Thus, Bouchetcamaena can provisionally host the entire Chloritis delibrata -group with the exception of var. fasciata, which is transferred to Burmochloritis Godwin-Austen, 1920 due to the multiple reddish bands on its shell. The examination of shells deposited in the Natural History Museum, London revealed that seven morphologically distinguishable forms are present, which are accepted here as representing distinct species. Four new species are described from India: Bouchetcamaena foveata Páll-Gergely sp. nov., B. fusca Páll-Gergely sp. nov., B. raripila Páll-Gergely sp. nov., and B. subdelibrata Páll-Gergely sp. nov.
The name of a well-known Miocene land snail species, Helix incrassata Klein, 1853 (May) (currently Pseudochloritis incrassata) is not a junior primary homonym of the name Helix incrassata Reeve, 1853 (February), because the latter is unavailable as it is a subsequent erroneous spelling of the name Helix incrustata Poey, 1852 (currently Thysanophora incrustata). Reeve gave Poey as author of incrassata; possibly as a lapsus for the similar word incrustata.
The Clausiliidae species of India, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are mostly endemic and among the least studied representatives of their family. Almost all of the available material of these taxa was collected before 1920 and is housed in the Natural History Museum, London. The present overview of this collection provides information on the origins of the samples, as well as distribution data and illustrations of the studied species and subspecies with some comments on their taxonomic status. From this material Cylindrophaedusa (Montiphaedusa) godwinausteni Grego & Szekeres sp. nov., C. (M.) perplicata Grego & Szekeres sp. nov., Oospira decollata muspratti Grego & Szekeres subsp. nov., O. diyungensis Grego & Szekeres sp. nov., O. limborgi Grego & Szekeres sp. nov., O. rissomensis Grego & Szekeres sp. nov., O. shanensis Grego & Szekeres sp. nov., and O. telizoensis Grego & Szekeres sp. nov. are described as new taxa.
The type series boundary and the name-bearing type designation of each cyclophorid taxon originally described by Godwin-Austen are clarified based on an interpretation that complies with the ICZN. Previous statuses of type specimens designated by previous authors are reconsidered. Lectotypes of Spiraculum oakesi Godwin-Austen, 1915, Spiraculum kempi Godwin-Austen, 1915, Pterocyclos aborensis Godwin-Austen, 1915, Pterocyclos miriensis Godwin-Austen, 1915, Pterocyclos brahmakundensis Godwin-Austen, 1915, Spiraculum luyorensis Godwin-Austen, 1915, Spiraculum putaoensis Godwin-Austen, 1915, and Theobaldius oakesi Godwin-Austen, 1915 are here designated to stabilize the existing nomenclature. In addition, the type specimens of Pterocyclos miriensis and Theobaldius oakesi are photographed and figured for the first time.
Shallow-water marine invertebrate fauna is diverse in tropical latitudes but generally poorly known. This is in part due the remoteness of many of these regions, and a lack of locally trained taxonomists. In such cases, the ethnoknowledge (i.e., information acquired from the sociocultural references of a given social group) of traditional human populations may be a valuable tool to elucidate gaps in the occurrence of some taxa. In this study, we used a combined approach of ethnoknowledge, classic taxonomy and molecular techniques to describe and diagnose an unsettled species of shallow-water octopus of the genus Callistoctopus . A neotype for the Brazilian eastern octopus Callistoctopus furvus ( Gould, 1852 ) is described along with some ecological notes. Octopuses were collected between April and May 2018 during field trips guided by artisanal octopus fishers of Bahia State (Brazil). A linear discriminant analysis showed that the morphology of C. furvus overlapped poorly with Callistoctopus sp. from the Caribbean and Macaronesia (Madeira Archipelago) as well as with Callistoctopus macropus stricto sensu from Mediterranean Sea. Analysis of mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit (rrnL, also known as 16S) gene and cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) showed that C. furvus differs genetically from European C. macropus and the other species in the genus. In general, C. furvus differs from other Atlantic/Mediterranean Callistoctopus species in having a slender body shape and longer mantle lengths. As in other species of the genus, C. furvus is nocturnal and inhabits sandy bottoms, seagrass beds and/or low-profile reefs. Interestingly, C. furvus burrows itself into the sand as a defense mechanism. In conclusion, we showed the support of ethnoknowledge for integrative biodiversity assessments in poorly surveyed remote areas in the western tropical Atlantic.
A joint expedition between the Natural History Museum, London and Vietnamese colleagues discovered living populations of the charismatic tree snail, Amphidromus (Amphidromus) cambojiensis (Reeve, 1860), in a protected area of southern Vietnam. The genital morphology of this species is documented herein and could be used to re-assess its subgeneric position. The unique morphological characters of the purplish-pink colouration inside the aperture, a short penis (about half of the length of the vagina), twisted flagellum, and a long appendix, all suggest classifying this species into the nominotypical subgenus. Based on available specimens, this species appears to be endemic to the southern portion of the Annamite Range in southern Vietnam and probably Cambodia.