Corresponding author: Eike Neubert (
Academic editor: F. Köhler
The minute (adult size 1.3–4.8 mm) land snail species of the family
Nomenclatural acts: Lectotypes designated:
Neubert E, Bouchet P (2015) The Diplommatinidae of Fiji – a hotspot of Pacific land snail biodiversity (Caenogastropoda, Cyclophoroidea). ZooKeys 487: 1–85. doi:
For many of the Pacific islands, Captain Cook’s voyages are the starting point of European scientific discovery of the local faunas and floras. However, although Cook stopped in Fiji in 1774, no land snails were collected or described from Fiji as a result of his voyages. In fact, the first land snail from Fiji was not described until 1834, quite a late date compared to the first discovery of land snails from New Zealand, New Caledonia or the Solomons, but a date comparable to the first discovery of the land snails of Tonga, Samoa, and the Society Islands. This may be a result of the land snails of the Pacific archipelagos from Fiji eastward being not very spectacular and thus escaping the attention of the untrained navy officers who were collecting all sorts of natural history items. The diplommatinids that form the focus of this paper are indeed small to minute, with adult sizes of 1.3–4.8 mm, the majority of species 2–3 mm. Until now, 12 species were known from Fiji, nearly all described by Zürich-based conchologist Albert Mousson, based on material collected by Eduard Graeffe, a young naturalist sent to explore Samoa, Uvea [= Wallis], Tonga and Fiji by the enlightened Hamburg merchant Cesar Godeffroy (see
The species of
After being relegated for decades in the backwater of land snails systematics, the
During two visits to Fiji by the second author (August 1998, and March 1999), the limestone outcrops of Viti Levu were specifically targeted, and opportunities to sample several of the lesser known and more remote islands in the Lau group arose during the BORDAU 1 oceanographic expedition (
Terminology of the lamellae apparatus of
The lamellar system is usually placed ca. 0.5–1.5 whorls inside the shell, so many of these structures are placed in the whorl above the aperture, or even deeper inside the shell. The amount of constriction corresponds to the diameter of the operculum. While resting or as a reaction to other threats, the animal withdraws deeply behind the constriction, and has to pass all lamellae and teeth.
Preparation of shells showing the internal lamellar system requires some practice; the best way is to fix a specimen between two fingers, and use an insect needle (size 0) to break the dorsal wall of the shell through the aperture. After that, the shell fragment can quite easily be removed. At first glance, species may look very much alike, and in order to provide an overview and fast recognition of the species, a character matrix is provided (Table
Character state matrix: 1 = present, 0 = absent. — Abbreviations used: bla = bulb lamella; bul = bulb; con = constriction; cpl = columella formed as a plate (with various states of reduction) (1) or as a lamella (2); oc = operculum thickened concentric; os = operculum simple; pal = number of palatal lamellae; prt = number of parietal lamellae; rp = ribbing pattern, with (1) = widely spaced throughout the whole shell, (2) densely spaced throughout the whole shell, (3) ribbing pattern changing in different parts of the shell.
Taxon//character | bla | bul | con | cpl | oc | os | pal | prt | rp |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
– | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |
0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |
0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | – | – | 0 | 1 | 3 | |
1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Size indications are relative to the size range of the species within the genera. In an absolute sense, a large species of
We have tried to document the opercula of all species but not all species were collected alive and some opercula are thus not known. Usually, the opercula of
Specimens are housed in MNHN unless otherwise stated, some are in NMBE; a reference collection will be deposited at the University of the South Pacific, Suva. All photos were taken with Leica DFC 425 multi-layered photography system. All measurements are in mm. The number following the slash after a catalogue number indicates the number of specimens in the lot. All localities are geo-referenced, the coordinates are supplied as decimal numbers; collecting dates are given as day.month.year.
Shell dextral or sinistral, constriction easily visible to reduced, umbilicus always closed; protoconch usually with a pitted microsculpture; aperture shifted right or left of shell axis; no pleats visible in the aperture, columella reinforced by 1–2 plates situated right or left of the columella, often with a palatal callosity in opposition, parietalis can be present, often reduced; operculum corneous, multispiral, flat, with an elongate internal apophysis.
The diplommatinid species of Lord Howe Island were also placed in
When establishing
Shell sinistral, elongate, sculpture of widely spaced ribs, ribbing pattern constant throughout teleoconch.
Shell sinistral, elongate oval, yellowish; last whorl constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse, with a fine pattern of granules; umbilicus closed, concave narrow periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture of coarse widely spaced ribs, ribbing pattern constant throughout the shell, somewhat denser on the dorsal side of penultimate whorl; aperture broadly subquadrate, peristome doubled, with the upper left edge slightly protruding; apertural rims connected by a thin, slightly detaching callus; aperture only just attached to the last whorl; no pleats visible in the aperture; inside the shell, two small columellar plates present.
Operculum corneous, flat, internally with a small lamella.
Lectotype (Fig.
(not shown on map). Ovalau Island.
Mousson also recorded this species from Viti Levu. The re-investigation of his specimens revealed that none of them is conspecific with the lectotype of
Possible syntype NHMUK 1867.3.22.4 [said to be from Australia, Lord Howe (error)].
Fiji, Viti Levu, mouth of cave near Suva Bay, coll. Bryant Walker ex Ponsonby, UMMZ 88697 (
Shell medium sized, sinistral, last whorl strongly constricted, last whorl strongly ascending, apertural rims connected by a large polished callus, axial palatalis.
Shell medium sized, sinistral, elongate oval, yellowish to whitish; last whorl strongly constricted; protoconch large, 1–1.5 whorls, bulbous obtuse, pitted; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs on the initial and the central whorls, ribs becoming coarser and more widespread on the last third of the last whorl; last whorl strongly ascending; aperture quadrate, peristome connected to the last whorl; apertural rims connected by a large polished callus; aperture with a slightly enlarged process over the left edge; no pleats visible in the aperture; inside the shell, columellar plate split into two plates of equal size, with a small but strong axial palatal fold opposite.
Operculum corneous, flat, internally with a small lamella.
Possible syntype (Fig.
(Fig.
The possible syntype matches well the figure of Adams (pl. 38, fig. 11). The museum’s label records Lord Howe Island as origin, but there is no locality given in the original description. However, the possible syntype does not match the illustrations of
In their analysis of the Godeffroy sales catalogue,
We here identify the modern lots recorded above with this species. Although on average, specimens from these lots are somewhat smaller than the possible syntype, no other character justifies their separation.
The holotype (by monotypy) could be found neither in MNHN nor in the Mousson collection in Zurich, the SMF, the collection of Charpentier in Lausanne or the Shuttleworth collection in NMBE. The species was not present in the 1989–1999 material. However, the Mousson collection contains a lot of one specimen, which agrees well with the original description (see below). Because of the need to unambiguously stabilize the taxonomic extension of this nominal species, this specimen (ZMZ 526690a; Fig.
“T. sinistrorsa, oblique lineatim rimata, ovata, confertim costulato-striata, pallide flavula. Spira convexoconica; summo minuto, obtusulo; sutura vix profunda. Anfr. 5, celeriter accrescentes, convexi; primi laevigati; sequentes striati; tertius subinflatus; penultimus in dorso inflatus, in ventre retractus; ultimus fortiter ascendens, attenuatus, infra utrimque compressiusculus, cervice subangulata. Apert. verticalis, tangentialis, intus anguste elliptica, extus magna, subpatula, oblique et obtuse quadrata. Perist. expansum, vix incrassatum; marginibus lamina breviter solutu junctis, lateralibus super medium anfractus penultimi insertis, hic expansiusculis, antrorsum irregulariter undulatis. — Long, 4,6, diam. 2,9 mill. — Rat. apert. 1 : 1. Viti Levu ex Graeffe, one specimen”.
Shell large, yellowish, teleoconch sculpture with narrowly spaced ribs on the entire shell, last whorl with shallow furrow, aperture quadrate to subrectangular, peristome disconnected from last whorl.
(based on neotype). Shell large, sinistral, oval, yellowish, partly translucent; last whorl only slightly constricted, with a broad and shallow furrow; protoconch large, 1–1.5 whorls, bulbous obtuse, pitted; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; teleoconch sculpture of narrowly spaced ribs on the entire teleoconch; last whorl ascending; aperture quadrate to subrectangular, reinforced by a labial callus, peristome disconnected from the last whorl; apertural rims connected by a large polished callus; aperture with a slightly enlarged process over the left edge; no pleats visible in the aperture; internal lamellar structure not investigated.
Operculum unknown.
Neotype (Fig.
Viti Levu, precise locality unknown.
This species is placed here in
Not in NHMUK.
No specimen available.
(original). “Shell with the penultimate whorl contracted in front, leaving the previous one and lip of the aperture joining regularly costated; lip double; aperture circular and entire. Animal with two tentacles, short and cylindrical, with an active arched motion, as in
No specimen is available, but no collecting was done in Taveuni. This taxon was overlooked by
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27412, paratypes MNHN/15 IM-2000-27413, NMBE 516869/3. Type locality: Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Shell sinistral, yellow, narrow periomphalum, with a few very strong ribs on the last third of the last whorl, internal dentition almost completely reduced.
Shell sinistral, small, of a bright yellow colour; last whorl constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse with a pitted microsculpture; umbilicus closed, very narrow periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture initially of coarse widely spaced ribs, changing to a more dense pattern on the next two whorls, almost smooth on the last whorl (particularly above the aperture), followed by a few very strong ribs on the last third of the last whorl; last whorl slightly ascending; aperture circular, not connected to the last whorl, peristome funnel-shaped, simple; apertural rims connected, with a small parietal shield; no dentition visible in the aperture in frontal view; columellar plate with a narrow internal part, outer part reduced to a basal knob.
Operculum corneous, flat, small apophysis, OD = 0.58.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27414, paratypes MNHN/4 IM-2000-27415, NMBE 516868/1. Type locality: Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, near summit Uluitova, 370–390 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Large, sinistral shell, yellowish, aperture with an extraordinarily enlarged process over the left edge, aperture orange red.
Shell large, sinistral, elongate oval, yellowish; last whorl slightly constricted; protoconch large, bulbous obtuse, pitted; umbilicus closed, narrow concave periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs on the initial whorls, turning to a more densely spaced pattern on the central whorls, and becoming slightly coarser on the last third of the last whorl; last whorl slightly ascending; aperture circular, orange red, peristome doubled, not connected to the last whorl; apertural rims connected; aperture with an extraordinarily enlarged process over the left edge; no pleats visible in the aperture; inside the shell columellar plate with a reduced inner part, and a broad outer part.
Operculum corneous, flat, internally with a small lamella.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
For a differential diagnosis, refer to
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27416, paratypes MNHN/44 IM-2000-27417, NMBE 516870/10. Type locality: Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Nakorosule limestone outcrop, 30 m, degraded forest,
Latin noun
Large sinistral shell, last whorl with a broad bulbous expansion, columellar plate forming a twisted tooth-like lamella, periomphalum flat.
Shell large, sinistral, shell colour dull brown; last whorl slightly constricted; protoconch big, bulbous obtuse with pitted microsculpture; umbilicus slit-like closed, periomphalum narrow, flat; last whorl with a broad bulbous expansion, aperture slightly shifted to the left and ascending, basis of the last whorl compressed; teleoconch sculpture of fine regularly spaced ribs, which become coarser on the last third of the last whorl; aperture almost rectangular, peristome doubled; apertural rims connected and detached from the last whorl, with a broad parietal shield; no pleats visible in the aperture; inside the shell with a columellar plate consisting of a twisted tooth-like lamella.
Operculum corneous, with a small apophysis, OD = 0.63.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27418, paratypes MNHN/8 IM-2000-27419, NMBE 516874/2. Type locality: Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Waivisa karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Shell dextral, reddish to pinkish, regularly spaced ribs, last whorl slightly ascending, aperture connected to the last whorl, columellar plate with a strong inner plate, opposite a strong axial palatalis.
Shell dextral, oval, medium sized, reddish to pinkish coloured; last whorl constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse; umbilicus slit-like, concave periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture of regularly spaced fine ribs, ribs become somewhat coarser on the last whorl; last whorl slightly ascending; aperture subrectangular, peristome funnel-shaped, doubled; aperture connected to the last whorl with a slight labial callus; no visible pleats in the aperture; inside, columellar plate with a strong inner plate, outer plate less developed, and a basal knob opposite to the inner plate with a strong axial palatalis.
Operculum corneous, flat, internally with a short apophysis, DO = 0.54.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
For a differential diagnosis, refer to
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27420, paratypes MNHN/283 IM-2000-27421, NMBE 516873/20. Type locality: Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Tuvu karst, 50 m, dry forest,
Latin adjectives
Sinistral small shell, narrow periomphalum, fine regularly spaced teleoconch ribs, bipartite columellar plate, two palatal and one parietal lamella.
Shell sinistral, oval, small, brownish; last whorl constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse with a pitted microsculpture; umbilicus closed, concave and narrow periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture of fine regularly spaced ribs, in a dense pattern on the upper whorl, pattern more spacious with more coarse ribs on the last whorl; last whorl strongly ascending; aperture circular, connected to the last whorl, peristome funnel-shaped, simple; apertural rims connected, with a broad parietal shield; no dentition visible in the aperture by frontal view; inside with bipartite columellar plate, external part of the plate reduced to a basal knob, internal part a broad lamella, opposite a palatalis (visible in the aperture of fresh shells as an internal knob), a second palatalis just right above the columellar angle, and a parietal lamella present.
Operculum corneous, flat, internally with a small apophysis, DO = 0.38.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27422. Type locality: Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Saweni karst, 50–60 m, dry forest,
Latin adjective
Shell dextral, quite large, reddish, regularly spaced fine ribs, columellar plate reduced, with a palatalis.
Shell dextral, broadly oval, quite large, reddish; last whorl constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse; umbilicus slit-like, concave periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture of regularly spaced fine ribs, ribs slightly coarser on the last whorl; last whorl strongly ascending; aperture subrectangular, peristome funnel-shaped, simple; aperture connected to the last whorl; no visible pleats in the aperture; inside the shell, columellar plate reduced to an almost invisible callus, one palatalis present.
Operculum not recorded.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27423 paratypes MNHN/662 IM-2000-27424, NMBE 516878/50. Type locality: Viti Levu, Saweni karst, 50–60 m, dry forest,
Viti Levu, Tuvu karst, 50 m, dry forest,
Latin adjective
Shell sinistral, large, broad, aperture broad and circular, sculpture of coarse, widely spaced ribs, columellar plate reduced.
Shell sinistral, large, stout and broad, of a dull brown colour; last whorl considerably constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse with a pitted microsculpture; umbilicus closed, very narrow periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture of coarse, widely spaced ribs, with a few stronger ribs on the last third of the last whorl; last whorl ascending; aperture broad and circular, disconnected from the last whorl; peristome funnel-shaped, doubled; apertural rims connected; no dentition visible in the aperture by frontal view; columellar plate reduced, with a narrow basal almost denticle-like callus, no other lamellae present.
Operculum corneous, flat, with a long apophysis, OD = 0.59.
(Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27425, paratypes MNHN/112 IM-2000-27426, NMBE 516872/15. Type locality: Viti Levu, surroundings of Qauia village, secondary wet forest, 20–50 m,
Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Shell sinistral, very small, teleoconch sculpture of regular fine ribs, last whorl only slightly ascending, aperture circular, detached, internally with strong palatal lamella, columellar plate reduced.
Shell sinistral, very small, elongate, yellowish; last whorl strongly constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse with a pitted microsculpture; umbilicus closed, concave periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture of regularly spaced fine ribs, with an abrupt change on the last whorl with ribs becoming very coarse and widely spaced; last whorl only slightly ascending; aperture circular, detached from the last whorl; peristome funnel-shaped, doubled; no dentition visible in the aperture by frontal view; internally with strong palatal lamella visible through fresh translucent shells, columellar plate reduced to a knob-like basal denticle.
Operculum corneous, flat, with a relatively long apophysis, OD = 0.35.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27427, paratypes MNHN/136 IM-2000-27428, NMBE 516875/50. Type locality: Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Sinistral, large shell, last whorl shifted to the left, periomphalum perspectively broadened, broad basal columellar plate.
Shell large, sinistral, oval, light brown to yellowish; last whorl constricted; protoconch big, bulbous obtuse with microsculpture of minute granules; umbilicus slit-like, closed, periomphalum perspectively broadened; last whorl considerably shifted to the left, only slightly ascending; teleoconch sculpture of fine, regularly spaced ribs, much coarser on the last third of the last whorl and more widely spaced; aperture almost rectangular, peristome doubled; apertural rims connected; aperture shortly detaching from the last whorl with an extraordinarily enlarged ear-like process over the left edge; no pleats visible in the aperture; inside the shell with a single, broad basal columellar plate (Fig.
Operculum corneous, flat, internally with a broad apophysis, DO = 0.75.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27429, paratypes MNHN/213 IM-2000-27430, NMBE 516876/20. Type locality: Viti Levu, Saweni karst, 50–60 m, dry forest,
ZMZ 526682c/2, Viti Levu, leg. Graeffe 1872.
Latin adjective
Shell sinistral, small, whitish, penultimate whorl enlarged, change in ribbing pattern of teleoconch, columellar plate reduced, a small palatal fold.
Shell sinistral, elongate oval, small, whitish to translucent; last whorl strongly constricted; protoconch small, smooth; umbilicus slit-like open to completely closed, periomphalum concave; teleoconch sculpture of coarse spacious ribs on the upper whorl, fine and dense on the medium and coarse and spacious on the last whorl; penultimate whorl enlarged; last whorl slightly ascending; aperture circular, peristome funnel-shaped, doubled; aperture slightly detaching from last whorl; no pleats visible in the aperture; inside the shell, columellar plate reduced, with a small palatal fold opposite.
Operculum corneous, flat, internally with a small lamella, OD = 0.4.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27431, paratypes MNHN/21 IM-2000-27432, NMBE 516877/5. Type locality: Viti Levu, limestone outcrop SE of Nambukulevu, 230 m, rainforest,
Latin prefix
Shell sinistral, broad, small, brownish, ribbing pattern changing from coarse on the upper whorls to fine on the medium and coarse on the last whorl, aperture circular, columellar plate broad.
Shell sinistral, broadly oval, small, brownish; last whorl considerably constricted; protoconch large, 1–1.5 whorls, pitted; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrowly concave; ribbing pattern on teleoconch of coarse and spacious ribs on the upper whorl, fine and dense on the intermediate whorls, and coarse and widely spaced again on the last whorl; last whorl slightly ascending and detaching from the last whorl; aperture circular, peristome funnel-shaped, doubled, peristomial rims connected by a broad parietal shield; no pleats visible in the aperture; columellar plate broad, not subdivided, no inner lamellae present.
Operculum corneous, flat, with a long apophysis, OD = 0.59.
Holotype (Fig.
Only known from the type locality.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27433, paratypes MNHN/62 IM-2000-27434, NMBE 516871/10. Type locality: Viti Levu, Waivisa karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Latin numeral
Shell sinistral, very small, teleoconch sculpture of coarse ribs, initially widely, then densely, spaced, last whorl ascending, aperture circular, detached from last whorl, with a palatal and a parietal lamella and broad columellar plate.
Shell sinistral, very small, whitish to yellowish; last whorl strongly constricted; protoconch broad, obtuse with a pitted microsculpture; umbilicus closed, very narrow periomphalum; teleoconch sculpture initially of coarse widely spaced ribs, changing to a more dense pattern on the central whorls, with a few very strong ribs on the last whorl; last whorl strongly ascending; aperture almost circular, not connected to the last whorl, peristome doubled and funnel-shaped, apertural rims connected; no dentition visible in the aperture by frontal view; internally with a palatal and a parietal lamella, columellar plate broad, subdivided into an inner and outer part, inner part with a slight notch.
Operculum corneous, flat, with a short apophysis, OD = 0.39.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Shell elongate conical, dextral, oval, almost non-umbilicate; protoconch whorls smooth; teleoconch whorls usually with a blunt keel; whorls completely smooth to finely ribbed, sometimes with fine thread-like spirals; last whorl narrowed; columellaris ends as a tooth-like lamella in a central to basal position in the aperture; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one to two palatal lamellae. The operculum was not observed.
The Samoan
Lectotype, here designated, ZMZ 526754/a, Fiji, Iles de Lau, Oneata, coll. Mousson ex Graeffe, 1868. — Paralectotypes: ZMZ 526754/20, SMF 105171/2, coll. Möllendorff ex Mousson.
Lau Islands: Aiwa, stunted forest on limestone, 5–20 m,
Shell dextral, small, dark brown, teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs with fine periostracal threads, whorls inconspicuously keeled, palatalis short, tooth-like.
Shell dextral, small, last whorl not constricted, translucent light to dark brown; protoconch consisting of 2 whorls, granulated; teleoconch of > 5 whorls with an almost inconspicuous keel, sculpture consisting of faint, widely spaced ribs with fine periostracal threads; suture deep; last whorl slightly ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, rounded, peristomial rim reinforced by a strong white labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; umbilicus closed; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a strong lamella, with a well-developed undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis a long thread-like lamella, outer parietalis large, spatulate; palatalis a short lamella, directly above the aperture (can be seen from the outside as a reflecting callus).
Lectotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Lectotype, here designated, ZMZ 526756/a, Fiji, Ovalau, coll. Mousson ex Graeffe 1868. — Paralectotypes ZMZ 526756/20; ZMZ 526755/6, Viti Levu, coll. Mousson ex Graeffe 1868.
Limestone outcrop SE of Nambukulevu, 230 m, rainforest,
Shell dextral, medium sized, yellowish to red-brown, bluntly keeled teleoconch whorls, palatalis an elongate undulate lamella.
Shell dextral, medium sized, last whorl slightly constricted, yellowish to red-brown; protoconch of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 5 bluntly keeled whorls; sculpture of fine, densely spaced ribs; suture deep; last whorl not or only slightly ascending before aperture; umbilicus almost closed; aperture attached to last whorl, subrectangular, peristomial rim doubled, reinforced by a labial callus, columella with a strong columellaris; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, slightly undulating at its end above the aperture, where it is reinforced by a callus; inner parietalis a long lamella, outer parietalis spatulate and oblique; palatalis in a central position above aperture, formed like an undulate lamella and ending in a knob-like tooth visible as a red-brown callus from the outside.
Operculum unknown.
Lectotype (Fig.
(Fig.
For a differential diagnosis, refer to
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27435, paratypes MNHN/35 IM-2000-27436, NMBE 516853/5. Type locality: Fiji, Lau Islands, Yacata (= Yathata), forest on limestone, 5–10 m,
Lau Islands, Yagasa Levu, south point of island, forest on limestone, 20–50 m,
Latin adjective
Elongate acute shell, very small aperture, > 8 rounded whorls, both parietal lamellae thread-like, palatalis missing.
Shell dextral, small, elongate turreted, deep reddish brown; protoconch of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 8 well rounded whorls, almost smooth, only a few faint, widely spaced riblets; suture deep; last whorl not ascending before aperture; aperture very small, attached to last whorl, obliquely rounded, peristomial rim reinforced by a strong labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; umbilicus slightly open; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, without undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis a long thread-like lamella, slightly overlapping with the second low parietalis; palatalis missing.
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27437, paratypes MNHN/46 IM-2000-27438, NMBE 516859/10. — Type locality: Viti Levu, surroundings of Qauia village, secondary wet forest, 20–50 m,
This species is named after Gary Barker, formerly of Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand, in recognition for his efforts to get the land snails of Fiji onto the local conservation agenda.
Shell minute, dextral, light brown, inner parietalis long, outer parietalis spatulate, palatalis long, directly above the aperture, undulating.
Shell minute, dextral, biconical, last whorl slightly constricted, light brown to yellowish; protoconch consisting of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 4 well rounded whorls, sculpture consisting of fine and widely spaced riblets; last whorl only slightly ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, subquadrate, relatively large, peristomial rim reinforced by a thick white labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, with a strong undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis a thin lamella, not connected to the second spatulate parietalis; very long palatalis directly above the aperture (can be seen from the outside as a long fine thread), with a central undulation.
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27439, paratypes MNHN/33 IM-2000-27440, NMBE 516856/5. Type locality: Lau Islands, Cikobia-i-Lau (= Thikombia), forest on limestone, 10–60 m,
This species is named after Giliane Brodie, lecturer at the University of the South Pacific, to acknowledge and encourage her conversion from nudibranch taxonomy to land snail conservation.
Shell dextral, small, translucent light yellow, teleoconch sculpture of strong, widely spaced ribs, aperture rounded, inner parietalis short, outer parietalis low, palatalis short tooth-like.
Shell dextral, small, last whorl slightly constricted, translucent light yellow; protoconch consisting of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 5 bluntly keeled whorls, sculpture consisting of strong, widely spaced ribs, which can bear a periostracal bristle at the periphery (only in really fresh shells); suture deep; last whorl slightly ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, rounded, peristomial rim reinforced by a strong labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, with a strong undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis a short lamella, overlapping with the outer parietalis, which is a low lamella; very short palatalis directly above the aperture (can be seen from the outside as a small reflecting callus).
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27441, paratypes MNHN/630 IM-2000-27442, NMBE 516852/50. Type locality: Lau Islands, Navutu-i-Loma (= Nasau), forest on limestone, 5–30 m,
Latin adjective
Shell dextral, very small, translucent light yellowish-brownish, bluntly keeled whorls, reduced sculpture, palatalis a very long lamella.
Shell dextral, very small, last whorl not constricted, translucent light yellowish-brownish; protoconch of 2 whorls, granulated; teleoconch of > 7 bluntly keeled whorls, sculpture of faint periostracal threads; suture very deep; last whorl not ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, rounded, peristomial rim reinforced by a weak labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; umbilicus closed; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, with a strong undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis long, outer parietalis spatulate; palatalis a very long lamella, situated on the left side above the aperture (can be seen from the outside as a reflecting callus).
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Although very similar to
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27443, paratypes MNHN/169 IM-2000-27444, NMBE 516854/20. Type locality: Lau Islands, Yacata (= Yathata), forest on limestone, 5–10 m,
Latin adjective
Shell dextral, small, light brownish, protoconch granulated, ribs with periostracal threads, inner parietalis very short, palatalis tooth-like directly above aperture.
Shell dextral, small, last whorl not constricted, translucent light brownish; protoconch of 2 whorls, granulated; teleoconch of > 5 whorls with an almost inconspicuous keel, sculpture of faint, widely spaced ribs with fine periostracal threads; suture deep; last whorl slightly ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, rounded, peristomial rim reinforced by a strong labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; umbilicus slightly open; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, with a strong undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis a very short thread-like lamella, outer parietalis small, spatulate; palatalis tooth-like, directly above the aperture (can be seen from the outside as a reflecting callus).
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27445, paratypes MNHN/9 IM-2000-27446, NMBE 516860/2. Type locality: Fiji, Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Wailotua, 115 m, in washings from freshwater seeps,
Latin adjective
Shell dextral, broad, bluntly keeled, with widely spaced ribs, inner parietalis long, outer parietalis spatulate, long palatalis, situated above aperture.
Shell dextral, relatively large and broad, last whorl not constricted, deep red-brownish; protoconch of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 5 bluntly keeled whorls, sculpture of strong, densely spaced ribs with a fine sculpture of spiral threads (high magnification needed); suture deep; last whorl slightly ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, subrectangular, peristomial rim slightly reinforced by a weak labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, with a strong undulation at its end above the aperture with a small denticle on top of the undulating part; inner parietalis a long lamella, which increases in height towards its end, outer parietalis large, spatulate; palatalis above the aperture forming a long and strong lamella.
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27447, paratypes MNHN/49 IM-2000-27448, NMBE 516855/7. Type locality: Lau Islands, Yacata (= Yathata), forest on limestone, 5–10 m,
Latin adjective
Shell dextral, translucent light yellow, glossy shining, almost smooth, inner parietalis thread-like, outer parietalis spatulate, palatalis extremely long ending above the angular edge of the peristome.
Shell dextral, small, last whorl well constricted, translucent light yellow; protoconch of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 5 well rounded whorls, sculpture of a few faint, widely spaced ribs, shell glossy shining; suture deep; last whorl slightly ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, rounded, peristomial rim reinforced by a strong labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; umbilicus slightly open; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a thin lamella, with a strong undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis a long thread-like lamella, slightly overlapping with the second spatulate parietalis; palatalis extremely long, directly above the aperture, starting as a lamella besides the columellar side of the aperture, ending above the angular edge of the peristome with a small denticle.
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
For a differential diagnosis, refer to
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27449, paratypes MNHN/257 IM-2000-27450, NMBE 516858/30. Type locality: Viti Levu, surroundings of Qauia village, secondary wet forest, 20–50 m,
Viti Levu, surroundings of Laselevu village, 80 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Shell dextral, deeply red-brown; teleoconch sculpture of fine, widely spaced riblets, suture with deep incision dorsolaterally on the last whorl, inner parietalis inconspicuous, outer parietalis spatulate, palatalis above angular edge of peristome.
Shell dextral, spindle-shaped, last whorl slightly constricted, deeply red-brown; protoconch of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 6 slightly shouldered whorls, sculpture of fine, widely spaced riblets; suture deep, with a deep notch dorsolaterally on the last whorl indicating the inner end of the palatalis (see arrows); last whorl slightly ascending before aperture; aperture attached to last whorl, subquadrate, peristomial rim reinforced, doubled, white, columellar side with a strong columellaris; internal lamellar system with one columellaris, two parietal lamellae and one palatalis; columellaris a lamella with a large brown denticle on top of the lamellar area just above the aperture, extending into the interior of the shell, where it abruptly bends upwards; inner parietalis an inconspicuous broad and flat callus, not connected to the outer parietalis, which is a thin, spatulate lamella; palatalis deep inside the shell above the angular edge of the peristome forming a strong, hook-like lamella with a moderately deep corresponding furrow on the outer side of the shell, its inner end indicated by a sutural incision.
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27451, paratypes MNHN/127 IM-2000-27452, NMBE 516857/20. Type locality: Viti Levu, Nakorosule limestone outcrop, 30 m, degraded forest,
Fiji, Viti Levu, Waivisa karst, 50 m, in washings from karstic spring,
Shell dextral, yellow brownish, teleoconch with bluntly keeled whorls, densely spaced ribs, both parietal lamellae simple, two palatal lamellae, first palatalis above aperture, second palatalis above angular edge of peristome.
Shell dextral, small, last whorl almost not constricted, yellow brownish; protoconch of 2 whorls, smooth; teleoconch of > 5 bluntly keeled whorls, sculpture of strong, densely spaced ribs; suture deep; last whorl slightly ascending before aperture; umbilicus, slit-like open; aperture attached to last whorl, subrectangular, peristomial rim doubled, reinforced by a strong labial callus, columellar side with a strong columellaris; internal lamellar system with 1 columellaris, two parietal and two palatal lamellae; columellaris a thin lamella, with a strong undulation at its end above the aperture; inner parietalis a long lamella, which increases in height towards its end, shortly overlapping with the outer parietalis, which is a low lamella; first palatalis a fine elongate lamella above the aperture, the second palatalis deep inside the shell above the angular edge of the peristome forming a strong almost axially orientated lamella running from the palatum to the inner basal surface of the whorl, corresponding to a small sutural furrow on the outer side of the shell.
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
The first palatalis is not present in all specimens.
Shell elongate oval, last whorl not constricted, usually with a bulbous last whorl, aperture in a rather central position in relation to the shell longitudinal axis, without apertural dentition; internal dentition mainly concerns formation of the columellaris, which may be toothed to completely unarmed; operculum with or without concentric lamellae; with a low arcuate ridge on the inner surface.
Semper established the name
A re-definition of
The 2 specimens originally mentioned by Mousson could not be traced in the collection of Mousson in Zurich nor in the collection of the Journal de Conchyliologie in Paris. In a lot in ZMZ, however, originally identified by Mousson as “
“T. sinistrorsa, longe rimata, acute ovata, lamellosocostulata, carneo-albescens. Spira convexo-conica; summo obtusulo, graniformi; sutura subprofunda. Anfr. 5 1/2, celeriter accrescentes, convexi; nucleolares laevigati; sequentes ventrosi, lamelliferi; penultimus in ventre retractus et compressus, tenuiter costulatus, lateraliter ruga transversa proeditus; ultimus attenuatus, lente et valde usque ad suturam anfr. tertii fere ascendens, ad rimam paulo impressus. Apert. tangentialis, sursum versa [40° cum axi], transverse perobliqua, subpatula, intus et extus obtuse quadrata. Perist. subexpansum, antice duplicatim incrassatum; marginibus convergentibus, lamina sinistrorsa junctis; columellari et externo supra antrorsum productis, infra sinuatis. Columella obtuse nodulata, interdum lamina producta circumdata. — Long. 3,8, diam. 2,2 mill. — Rat. anfr. 5: 1. — Rat. apert. 5: 4. Hab. Ile de Viti-Levu.”
Shell whitish, moderately large bulb, sculpture of widely spaced ribs, aperture subquadrate, with two denticles.
Shell sinistral, medium sized, oval, whitish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted with a moderately large bulb; last whorl strongly ascending; teleoconch sculpture of coarse widely spaced ribs; umbilicus slit-like, periomphalum narrow; aperture subquadrate, peristome reinforced by a lip, with two denticles on each side (Fig.
Operculum unknown.
Neotype (Fig.
Uncertain.
The lot ZMZ 526689 contained a larger number of
SMF 105091/1, Viti Levu, coll. O. Boettger ex Schlüter 1887; ZMZ 526686a/9, Viti Levu, “Tatatan” [a place name we could not identify], Graeffe 1872; ZMZ 526684/15, Viti Levu, Graeffe 1872; ZMZ 526688/1, Viti Levu, Vaini Loba, Graeffe 1872; ZMZ 526682a, Viti Levu, Graeffe 1872; Viti Levu, Waivisa karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Shell sinistral, elongate oval, white, bulb reduced, last whorl ascending, lamellar system reduced.
Shell sinistral, elongate oval, white to light yellowish; protoconch acute, granulated, consisting of 2 whorls; last whorl not constricted, bulb reduced, inconspicuous; teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs, ribbing pattern slightly wider on the last two whorls; last whorl strongly ascending; aperture circular, in a central position, broadly adhered to the last whorl, peristomial rims connected; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; lamellar system completely reduced; bulb lamella very weak.
Outer surface with concentric rings of lamellae, internal surface concave and smooth inside, OD = 0.52.
Lectotype
(Fig.
Lectotype, here designated, ZMZ 526679/a, Fiji, Viti Levu, coll. Mousson ex Graeffe 1868. — Paralectotypes ZMZ 526679/6.
ZMZ 526686b/5, Viti Levu, “Tatatan” [a place name we could not identify], Graeffe 1872; ZMZ 526685/8, Fiji, Island of Ovalau, Graeffe 1866; ZMZ 526682b/7, Viti Levu, Graeffe 1872 [as
Shell sinistral, small, bulb well developed, periomphalum compressed, aperture circular, peristome with a faint labial callus, columella obliquely twisted, bulb lamella present.
Shell sinistral, small, broadly oval, whitish to greenish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb well developed; umbilicus closed, periomphalum compressed; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs; aperture circular, simple, adhered to the last whorl; peristome with a faint labial callus; oblique view into the aperture revealing a strong columellaris; internally, columella obliquely twisted, forming a horizontal lamella in its lower third; a moderately strong bulb lamella present, in some specimens entering the parietum as a thick lamella; small parietalis present.
Operculum corneous, with a long lamella on the outer surface, internally smooth, OD = 0.55.
Lectotype (Fig.
Ovalau and the hitherto mysterious locality “Tatatan” (or Tatatau?) on Viti Levu (possible Cautata, NE of Suva).
Possible syntypes ZMZ 526676/4. This lot contains 4 specimens from two places, as can be seen from the labels: 1. Viti Levu, “Vai Loban” [= Vaini-Loba], Graeffe [18]68 and 2. Viti Levu (S coast) Graeffe [18]72. The specimens from Vaini-Loba, the type locality, are mixed with those from the S coast, which reached Mousson after the description, and are not part of the type series. The Vaini-Loba material cannot be recognized; nonetheless, all specimens are conspecific. — Possible syntypes SMF 105141/2, Fiji, Viti Levu, coll. Möllendorff ex Mousson.
Viti Levu, surroundings of Qauia village, secondary wet forest, 20–50 m,
Shell sinistral, large, elongate spire, light yellowish, widely spaced ribs with occasionally interspersed smaller ribs, central teleoconch whorls rapidly increasing in diameter suture deep, columella with a small knob-like denticle.
Shell sinistral, large, elongate spire, white to light yellowish; protoconch acute, granulated, consisting of 2 whorls; initial teleoconch whorls narrow, subsequent whorls rapidly increasing in diameter; last whorl not constricted, bulb of moderate size; teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs with occasionally interspersed smaller ribs, rib pattern constant throughout the whole shell; deep suture and well-rounded whorls; last whorl ascending; aperture circular, in a central position, broadly adhered to the last whorl, peristomial rims connected; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; internally, columella not reinforced with a small knob-like denticle at the base; bulb lamella very weak.
Outer surface with concentric rings of lamellae, internal surface concave and smooth inside, OD = 0.91.
Possible syntype (Fig.
(Fig.
This is the type species of
No type specimens of
SMF 105079/4, Fiji, Viti Levu, coll. Möllendorff ex Mousson; Viti Levu, Voli Voli limestone outcrop, 10–30 m, secondary open forest,
Shell sinistral, elongate oval, teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, brown axial flames or blotches between the ribs, aperture circular, bulb reduced, columella a broad lamella, basally with columellar tooth.
Shell sinistral, elongate oval, eroded shells purely white, well preserved specimens with a pattern of brown axial flames or blotches between the ribs; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb reduced, demarcated by a faint bulb lamella; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, ribbing pattern above the aperture somewhat denser; aperture circular, sometimes with a double lip demarcated by a brown line, adhered to the last whorl; oblique view into the aperture revealing a strong columellaris; internally, columella forming a broad lamella extending towards the interior of shell, basally forming a columellar tooth.
Operculum corneous, outer surface with several concentric lamellae and a single, short raised lamella; internal surface concave, smooth.
Neotype of
(Fig.
After a careful comparison of the lectotype of
For a differential diagnosis, refer to
Lectotype MNHN IM-2000-26707 [number of specimens not originally mentioned; the original specimen deposited in the collection of Journal de Conchyliologie is herewith designated as lectotype].
ZMZ 526687/3, “Viti Levu (Vai-Loba) Südküste”, coll. Mousson ex Graeffe 1872; ZMZ 526689a/1, Viti Levu, “Tatatan”, coll. Mousson ex Graeffe, 1872 [identified by Mousson as “
Shell sinistral, small, bulb well developed, whorls widely ribbed, area above aperture fine and densely ribbed, labial callus weak, columella obliquely twisted, truncate with a thick bi-lobed tooth, parietalis a long slightly raised lamella.
Shell sinistral, small, broadly oval, faint yellowish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb well developed; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, area above the aperture with fine and densely arranged ribs; aperture circular, simple, adhered to the last whorl; aperture with a weak labial callus, two small ear-like processes on the upper edges of the peristome; by oblique view into the aperture columellaris visible; internally, columella obliquely twisted, truncate in the lower half forming a thick bi-lobed tooth; parietum with a long slightly raised parietalis in front of the bulb.
Operculum unknown.
Lectotype (Fig.
Vaini-Loba (or Vai-Loba?) on the southern coast of Viti Levu (modern name not identified); not found during the 1998–99 field work.
Holotype ZMZ 526680, paratypes ZMZ 526680/3. Type locality: Viti Levu, Nagar[r]a [probably now Naqara; also spelled Nanggara, south-east of Viti Levu], coll. Mousson ex Graeffe, 1868.
This species is named in honour of Albert Mousson who pioneered the description of the Fiji diplommatinid fauna.
Shell dextral, small, bulb inconspicuous, columellaris visible in frontal view forming a short horizontal lamella, bulb lamella visible as a fine white line in frontal apertural view.
Shell dextral, small, broadly oval, whitish to greenish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb inconspicuous; umbilicus slit-like, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs; aperture subquadrate, with two ear-like processes, simple, adhered to the last whorl; peristome with a labial callus; columellaris visible in frontal view; internally, columellaris forming a short horizontal lamella coiling into the interior of the shell; bulb lamella present, visible as a fine white line in frontal apertural view.
Operculum corneous, strongly concave, with a long lamella on the outer surface, internally smooth, OD = 0.7.
Holotype (Fig.
Only known from the type locality.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27453, paratypes MNHN/173 IM-2000-27454, NMBE 516861/20. Type locality: Viti Levu, Qalimare karst, East of Natawatawadi, 40 m, dry forest,
Adjective formed from the Latin noun
Shell sinistral, broadly oval, with a pattern of brown axial flames, large bulb, whorls with widely spaced ribs and occasionally interspersed smaller ribs, columella twisted with a truncate basal tooth.
Shell sinistral, broadly oval, protoconch acute, granulated; basic shell colour yellowish to white, with a pattern of brown axial flames between the ribs; last whorl not constricted, with a large bulb; teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs with occasionally interspersed smaller ribs, rib pattern constant throughout the whole shell; fine spiral threads visible on the upper teleoconch whorls (high magnification required); last whorl slightly ascending; aperture circular, sometimes with a double lip, broadly adhered to the last whorl; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; columella twisted, forming a narrow lamella, and ending in a truncate basal tooth; bulb lamella present.
Operculum flat, corneous, multispiral, with a short apophysis, OD = 0.61.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27455, paratypes MNHN/174 IM-2000-27456, NMBE 516862/20. — Viti Levu, Nakorosule limestone outcrop, 30 m, degraded forest,
ZMZ 526686a/9, Viti Levu, Tatatau, Graeffe 1872; Viti Levu, Saweni karst, 50–60 m, dry forest,
Vanua Levu, surroundings of Waivunia village, 100 m, from washing of vegetation in spring/seeps at head of creek,
Latin adjective
Shell sinistral, medium sized, light brownish, teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs, above the aperture, ribs weak or missing; columella only slightly reinforced.
Shell sinistral, medium sized, broadly oval, light yellowish brownish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, bulb of moderate size; teleoconch sculpture of widely spaced ribs, rib pattern constant throughout the whole shell; above the aperture, ribs becoming weak or are missing; last whorl slightly ascending; aperture circular, with a double lip, broadly adhered to the last whorl; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; columella only slightly reinforced, bulb lamella weak.
Operculum flat, corneous, outer surface with thick concentric lamellae, inner surface smooth, concave, with a short apophysis, OD = 0.78.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27457, paratypes MNHN/169 IM-2000-27458, NMBE 516863/20. — Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Waivisa karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
This species is dedicated to Klaus Kittel, who sorted the micro land snails from the Fiji leaf litter, and recognized the extent of the diplommatinid radiation.
Shell sinistral, small, yellowish, bulb laterally compressed, oblique to the shell’s axis, columella obliquely twisted, with a basal lamellar callus.
Shell sinistral, small, oval, whitish to yellowish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, ascending; bulb well developed, laterally compressed, oblique to the shell’s axis with a deep basal depression; suture very deep, whorls well rounded; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, ribbing pattern denser on the last 1.5 whorls; aperture circular, with a double lip, adhered to the last whorl, but parietal callus slightly detaching; oblique view into the aperture revealing a strong columellaris; internally, columella obliquely twisted, truncate in the lower half forming a basal lamellar callus, parietum with a very long parietalis in front of the bulb; a strong bulb lamella present.
Operculum corneous, flat, smooth, with a small apophysis, OD = 0.47.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27459, paratypes MNHN/16 IM-2000-27460, NMBE 516864/2. — Viti Levu, Waivisa karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, surroundings of Laselevu village, 80 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Shell sinistral, medium sized, brownish, whorls with moderately spaced ribs, ribbing pattern above the aperture much denser, aperture subquadrate, peristome reinforced by a strong labial callus, operculum with several concentric lamellae.
Shell sinistral, medium sized, broadly oval, brownish to yellowish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb well developed; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with moderately spaced ribs, ribbing pattern above the aperture much denser; aperture subquadrate, double lipped, adhered to the last whorl; peristome reinforced by a strong labial callus; by oblique view into the aperture columellaris invisible; internally, columella only slightly reinforced; bulb demarcated by a faint bulb lamella.
Operculum corneous, outer surface with several concentric lamellae and a single, short raised lamella; internal surface concave, smooth, OD = 0.67.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
For a differential diagnosis, refer to
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27461, paratypes MNHN/207 IM-2000-27462, NMBE 516865/20. — Viti Levu, Saweni karst, 50–60 m, dry forest,
ZMZ 526683/4, Fiji, Viti Levu, Island of Nagara, ex Godeffroy 1882 [as
Latin adjective derived from the noun
Shell sinistral, small, white, bulb reduced, teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, columella twisted forming a triangular lamella, palatalis and an elongate parietalis present.
Shell sinistral, small, elongate oval, white to faintly yellow; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb reduced, internally demarcated by a faint bulb lamella; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, ribbing pattern above the aperture somewhat denser; aperture suboblique, simple, adhered to the last whorl; by oblique view into the aperture columellaris almost invisible; internally, columella twisted, forming a broad triangular lamella, opposite with a perpendicular palatalis, parietum with an elongate parietalis.
Operculum corneous, outer surface with several indistinct concentric lamellae and a single, short raised lamella; internal surface concave, smooth, OD = 0.55.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27463, paratypes MNHN/31 IM-2000-27464, NMBE 516866/5. — Viti Levu, Wailotua karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Waivisa karst, 50–80 m, rainforest,
Latin adjective
Shell sinistral, small broadly oval, yellow to greenish, bulb reduced, aperture with a large horizontal columellaris, a strong palatalis corresponding to a deep furrow on the dorsal side of the last whorl, elongated parietalis present.
Shell sinistral, small to medium sized, broadly oval, faintly yellow to greenish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, ascending; bulb reduced; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, area above the aperture almost smooth; aperture subquadrate, with a double lip, and two ear-like processes on the upper edges of the peristome; adhered to the last whorl; aperture with a large horizontal columellaris in a central position; internally, columellaris forming a large horizontal lamella of approximately one whorl, slightly bent upwards towards its end; opposite a strong palatalis corresponding to a deep furrow on the dorsal side of the last whorl; an elongated parietalis and a faint bulb lamella present.
Operculum corneous, outer surface with indistinct concentric lamellae and a single, short raised lamella; internal surface concave, smooth, OD = 0.66.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27465, paratypes MNHN/4 IM-2000-27466. — Viti Levu, surroundings of Nandele village, 50 m, secondary agroforest with
Latin adjective, past participle of verb
Shell sinistral, small, bulb well developed with strong bulb lamella, columella obliquely twisted, truncate, basal tooth-like callus, one parietalis
Shell sinistral, small, oval, whitish to greyish; protoconch acute granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb well developed; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs; aperture circular, simple, adhered to the last whorl; oblique view into the aperture revealing a strong columellaris; internally, columella obliquely twisted, truncate in the lower third with a basal tooth-like callus, parietum with a small parietalis in front of the bulb and a parietal furrow or depression next to the columella; a strong bulb lamella present.
Operculum unknown.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
Holotype MNHN IM-2000-27467, paratypes MNHN/183 IM-2000-27468, NMBE 516867/20. — Viti Levu, limestone outcrop SE of Nambukulevu, 230 m, rainforest,
Viti Levu, Saweni karst, 50–60 m, dry forest,
Adjective, derived from Latin
Shell sinistral, small, faint yellowish, bulb well developed, whorls with widely spaced ribs, peristome with labial callus, columella obliquely twisted with a second columellaris beyond the bulb, a very long spatulate parietalis and a strong palatalis inside the bulb.
Shell sinistral, small, broadly oval, faint yellowish; protoconch acute, granulated; last whorl not constricted, slightly ascending; bulb well developed; umbilicus closed, periomphalum narrow; sculpture of teleoconch whorls with widely spaced ribs, area above the aperture almost smooth; aperture circular, simple, adhered to the last whorl; peristome reinforced by a strong labial callus, and two ear-like processes on the upper edges of the peristome; by oblique view into the aperture columellaris visible; internally, columella obliquely twisted and reinforced, truncate in the lower half forming a basal knob-like tooth, and a second columellaris beyond the bulb; parietum with a very long spatulate parietalis in front of the bulb; a strong palatalis inside the bulb present.
Operculum corneous, outer surface with several concentric lamellae and a single, short raised lamella; internal surface concave, smooth, OD = 0.67.
Holotype (Fig.
(Fig.
No type specimens in MNHN, probably lost.
“T. sinistrorsa, subrimata, irregulariter ovato-conica, pellucida, tenuissime et oblique striatula, pallide luteocornea; spira oblongo-conica, apice obtusulo; sutura impressa; anfr. 5 1/2 convexi, subglobosi, embryonales 1 1/2 laeves, antepenultimus et penultimus inflati, ultimus angustior, devius, usque ad antepenultimum ascendens, et penultimi partem obtegens, valide costulato-striatus; apertura fere verticalis, rotundata, intus nitidula; perist. continuum, plica parietali (in adultis speciminibus) munitum, subduplicato-expansum, reflexum citrino-luteum.— Long. 3, diam. maj. 1 1\2 mill. Apert. diam. 1 mill.”.
It is not clear whether
Twelve species of
The 1998–99 field work documented 35 diplommatinid species — six already known and 29 new. Six species (all in
Synoptic view of the
Synoptic view of the
Synoptic view of the
Species diversity of
In the Lau Islands, five islands were visited, with numbers of species on each ranging from one (Evuevu, Thikombia, Navutu-i-Loma) or two (Aiwa, Yagasa Levu) to four (Yacata). Four species are known from single islands (
Species diversity of
In Viti Levu, 12 localities were surveyed, each with 1 to 13, with an average of 5, species of
The number of historically known species not re-collected in 1998–99 (7 species), the number of single-site occurrences (14 species), and the numerous islands — including limestone islands — that have not been surveyed at all, all indicate that the 42 species of
Single site endemics on Viti Levu.
Like all other caenogastropod land snails, diplommatinids have separate sexes, and it is important not to mistake sexually dimorphic individuals as separate species. Sexual dimorphism has been reported in
This problem has not been sufficiently addressed in
Diagram showing the shell height/width ratio of four species of
Dimensions of four species of
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Height | Width | Height | Width | Height | Width | Height | Width | |
2878.73 | 2070.27 | 2375.61 | 1907.47 | 4200 | 3720 | 2292.28 | 1384.91 | |
2673.1 | 1916.47 | 2568.11 | 1853.18 | 4160 | 3460 | 2228.58 | 1404.29 | |
2839.35 | 2135.73 | 2384.36 | 1683.52 | 4460 | 3520 | 2274.83 | 1478.21 | |
2498.11 | 2008.65 | 2323.11 | 1701.51 | 3630 | 3680 | 2344.69 | 1419.58 | |
2721.23 | 1925.92 | 2358.11 | 1708.54 | 4200 | 3650 | 2419.43 | 1361.56 | |
2751.85 | 1990.59 | 2449.98 | 1748.77 | 3950 | 3550 | 2379.73 | 1544.83 | |
2686.23 | 1941.27 | 2515.61 | 1675.26 | 4440 | 3440 | 2440.75 | 1541.7 | |
2563.73 | 1862.56 | 2423.73 | 1857.16 | 3670 | 3850 | 2458.21 | 1488.89 | |
2664.35 | 1978.23 | 2498.11 | 1848.76 | 4210 | 3840 | 2370.89 | 1568.19 | |
2699.35 | 2070.06 | 2349.36 | 1749.17 | 3650 | 3440 | 2344.69 | 1506.65 | |
2594.36 | 2117.23 | 2393.11 | 1613.34 | 4190 | 3650 | 2314.49 | 1414.01 | |
2761.69 | 2078.74 | 2463.11 | 1762.46 | 3780 | 3760 | 2286.89 | 1401.27 | |
2824.49 | 2117.43 | 2419.36 | 1761.53 | 4350 | 3680 | 2257.37 | 1409.78 | |
2624.98 | 1964.34 | 2568.11 | 1684.01 | 4060 | 3850 | 2301.03 | 1456.66 | |
2738.73 | 1868.09 | 2349.36 | 1846.54 | 4340 | 3740 | 2404.04 | 1462.58 | |
2602.42 | 2060.59 | 2410.61 | 1723.56 | 3660 | 3580 | 2186.04 | 1474.33 | |
2629.6 | 1929.27 | 2541.86 | 1776.05 | 4120 | 3480 | 2171.03 | 1516.64 | |
2576.86 | 1989.79 | 2209.36 | 1577.62 | 3940 | 3670 | 2432.02 | 1508.25 | |
2804.35 | 1928.04 | 2498.11 | 1684.35 | 3960 | 3570 | 2290.4 | 1470.76 | |
2566.7 | 1903.09 | 2305.61 | 1806.84 | 3950 | 3400 | 2222.44 | 1462.78 | |
2624.65 | 2002.04 | 2366.86 | 1640.6 | 4230 | 3390 | 2501.88 | 1511.18 | |
2786.85 | 2008.09 | 2183.11 | 1623.1 | 4020 | 3760 | 2353.42 | 1388.46 | |
2684.42 | 1876.84 | 2165.61 | 1601.22 | 4200 | 3130 | 2345.22 | 1457.88 | |
2576.86 | 2068.65 | 2585.61 | 1750.05 | 4050 | 3530 | 2236.85 | 1441.45 | |
2659.98 | 2054.55 | 2226.86 | 1806.91 | 3910 | 3380 | 2274.83 | 1462.17 | |
2620.61 | 2047.39 | 2183.11 | 1556.7 | 4260 | 3790 | 2388.35 | 1592.72 | |
2834.98 | 2138.8 | 2191.86 | 1504.97 | 3950 | 3590 | 2456.33 | 1483.74 | |
2664.35 | 2033.9 | 2384.36 | 1688.06 | 4410 | 3780 | 2335.96 | 1559.71 | |
2655.6 | 1964.34 | 2463.11 | 1728.1 | 4460 | 3580 | 2344.69 | 1505.81 | |
2546.23 | 1956.74 | 2393.11 | 1644.94 | 4220 | 3460 | 2440.75 | 1471.42 | |
Mean | 2678.49 | 2000.25 | 2384.94 | 1717.14 | 4087.66 | 3597.33 | 2336.6 | 1471.68 |
St. deviation | 98.20 | 80.55 | 121.92 | 97.52 | 246.43 | 169.43 | 85.47 | 57.92 |
Min | 2498.11 | 1862.56 | 2165.61 | 1504.97 | 3630 | 3130 | 2171.03 | 1361.56 |
Max | 2878.73 | 2138.8 | 2585.61 | 1907.47 | 4460 | 3850 | 2501.88 | 1592.72 |
This key is based on adult specimens with fully developed apertural characteristics. To facilitate recognition, an overview plate with a frontal view of the species is given for each of the three genera. However, to ensure a reliable identification, shells of a few specimens should be opened to check the internal lamellar system.
1 | Shells dextral with a columellaris visible in the aperture | |
1’ | Shells different |
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2 | Shells with a constricted last whorl, aperture shifted to the left or right from columellar axis | |
2’ | Shells with normally sized last whorl, aperture rather central on shell axis |
1 | shell dextral |
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1’ | shell sinistral |
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2 | penultimate whorl densely ribbed, palatalis present |
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2’ | penultimate whorl coarsely ribbed, palatalis missing |
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3 | columella broadened to form a columellar plate |
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3’ | columella different |
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4 | columella simple |
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4’ | columella a twisted tooth |
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5 | aperture subtriangular, last whorl with shallow furrow |
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5’ | aperture different, last whorl always rounded |
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6 | a palatal lamella present |
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6’ | a palatal lamella absent |
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7 | aperture subquadrate, peristome adhered to penultimate whorl |
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8 | columellar plate simple, parietalis absent |
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8’ | columellar plate bipartite, parietalis present |
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7’ | aperture rounded, peristome not attached to penultimate whorl |
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9 | columellar plate broad, parietalis present |
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9’ | columella narrow, parietalis absent |
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10 | shell small with a strong constriction |
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10’ | shell large, constriction inconspicuous |
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11 | shell < 3 mm shell length |
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11’ | shell > 3 mm shell length |
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12 | aperture subquadrate, shifted to the left of shell’s axis, large periomphalum |
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12’ | aperture rounded, almost in central position, narrow periomphalum |
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13 | peristome doubled with an ear-like process above aperture |
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13’ | peristome simple |
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14 | neck of last whorl with a few heavy ribs |
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14’ | neck of last whorl with fine ribs |
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1 | Palatalis missing, shell very narrow |
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1’ | Palatalis present, shell elongate-oval |
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2 | A single palatalis situated above aperture |
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2’ | A vertical palatalis present, situated behind aperture |
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3 | Two palatal lamellae present (horizontal and vertical), shell small, yellowish |
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3’ | One vertical palatalis present, shell large, red-brown |
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4 | Palatalis an elongate lamella |
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4’ | Palatalis short, tooth-like |
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5 | Shell almost smooth, with faint axial threads (if at all) |
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5’ | Shell with clearly visible axial threads |
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6 | Last whorl conspicuously narrower than penultimate whorl, shell yellowish |
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6’ | Shell with regularly increasing whorls, shell brown |
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7 | Shell elongate, cylindrical |
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7’ | Shell broad, stout, very small |
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8 | Shell coarsely ribbed |
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8’ | Shell with axial threads only |
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9 | Shell < 2 mm height |
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9’ | Shell > 2 mm height |
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10 | Shell slender, aperture circular |
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10’ | Shell broad, aperture quadrate |
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1 | shell right coiling |
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1’ | shell left coiling |
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2 | peristome with a columellar denticle |
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2’ | peristome without columellar denticle |
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3 | species with a twisted columella |
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3’ | species with a differing type of columella |
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4 | parietalis missing |
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4’ | parietalis present |
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5 | parietalis short |
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5’ | parietalis very long |
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6 | columellaris a horizontal lamella visible in the aperture |
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6’ | columellaris not visible at all |
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7 | columellaris a broad lamella |
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7’ | columellaris different |
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8 | columellaris a bi-lobed tooth |
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8’ | columellaris different |
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9 | columella oblique with basal knob-like denticle, or reinforced |
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9’ | columella straight |
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10 | parietalis present |
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10’ | parietalis missing |
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11 | large species > 4.2 mm shell length |
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11’ | medium sized species < 4.2 mm shell length |
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12 | small bulb visible, columella narrow |
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12’ | bulb inconspicuous, columella broad |
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13 | area right above aperture almost smooth |
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13’ | area right above aperture ribbed |
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14 | area right above aperture densely ribbed, peristome reinforced by a lip |
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14’ | area right above aperture coarsely ribbed, peristome simple |
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We are grateful to the collection managers and curators, who generously gave access to the collections under their care: Jon Ablett (Natural History Museum, London); Virginie Héros (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris); Ronald Janssen (Research Institute Senckenberg, Frankfurt am Main); Wolf Blankenhorn, Barbara Oberholzer and Trudi Meier (Zoological Museum of the University, Zurich); Taehwan Lee (Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan). We are much indebted to Klaus Kittel (Wiesthal, Germany), who undertook the sorting of microsnails from the leaf litter collected in 1998–99, and made the initial family sort. Estée Bochud (Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde, Bern) is acknowledged for preparing most of the photos, and Gilberto Marani (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris) for the maps and graphs.