Research Article |
Corresponding author: Menno Schilthuizen ( menno.schilthuizen@naturalis.nl ) Academic editor: Frank Köhler
© 2015 Jaap J. Vermeulen, Thor-Seng Liew, Menno Schilthuizen.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Vermeulen JJ, Liew TS, Schilthuizen M (2015) Additions to the knowledge of the land snails of Sabah (Malaysia, Borneo), including 48 new species. ZooKeys 531: 1-139. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.531.6097
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We present reviews of the Sabah (Malaysia, on the island of Borneo) species of the following problematical genera of land snails (Mollusca, Gastropoda): Acmella and Anaglyphula (Caenogastropoda: Assimineidae); Ditropopsis (Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoridae); Microcystina (Pulmonata: Ariophantidae); Philalanka and Thysanota (Pulmonata: Endodontidae); Kaliella, Rahula, (Pulmonata: Euconulidae); Trochomorpha and Geotrochus (Pulmonata: Trochomorphidae). Next to this, we describe new species in previously revised genera, such as Diplommatina (Diplommatinidae); Georissa (Hydrocenidae); as well as some new species of genera not revised previously, such as Japonia (Cyclophoridae); Durgella and Dyakia (Ariophantidae); Amphidromus, and Trachia (Camaenidae); Paralaoma (Punctidae); Curvella (Subulinidae). All descriptions are based on the morphology of the shells. We distinguish the following 48 new species: Acmella cyrtoglyphe, A. umbilicata, A. ovoidea, A. nana, A. subcancellata, A. striata, and Anaglyphula sauroderma (Assimineidae); Ditropopsis davisoni, D. trachychilus, D. constricta, D. tyloacron, D. cincta, and Japonia anceps (Cyclophoridae); Diplommatina bidentata and D. tylocheilos (Diplommatinidae); Georissa leucococca and G. nephrostoma (Hydrocenidae); Durgella densestriata, Dyakia chlorosoma, Microcystina microrhynchus, M. callifera, M. striatula, M. planiuscula, and M. physotrochus (Ariophantidae); Amphidromus psephos and Trachia serpentinitica (Camaenidae); Philalanka tambunanensis, P. obscura, P. anomphala, P. rugulosa, and P. malimgunung (Endodontidae); Kaliella eurytrochus, K. sublaxa, K. phacomorpha, K. punctata, K. microsoma, Rahula delopleura, (Euconulidae); Paralaoma angusta (Punctidae); Curvella hadrotes (Subulinidae); Trochomorpha trachus, T. haptoderma, T. thelecoryphe, Geotrochus oedobasis, G. spilokeiria, G. scolops, G. kitteli, G. subscalaris, and G. meristorhachis (Trochomorphidae).
Malaysia, Sabah, Borneo, terrestrial Mollusca, Mount Kinabalu
Apart from a few revised groups (
At present, the material available to us largely consists of dry specimens, generally extracted from soil samples gathered by the authors since 1986. The samples from Sabah have yielded close to 8000 lots in our combined collections. Therefore, the species are distinguished by shell characters only. We are aware of the shortcomings of these proceedings, but we feel that investigations into the Sabah snail fauna are better helped by describing the species now, rather than by waiting until we have preserved animals of a representative selection of the species.
In the enumerations of localities, words are used from the Malay language: batu (= rock), bukit (= hill), gua (= cave), gunung (= mountain), pulau (= island), and sungai (= river).
The material studied derives from the following collections, indicated with abbreviations: BOR/MOL (
The drawings were made by the first author, with the aid of a Wild M8 stereo microscope with a Camera Lucida device; the SEM images were made by the second author. Also, all BOR/MOL samples were identified by the second author.
Shell very small to medium-sized, dextral, globose, ellipsoid, ovoid or conical, rarely almost discoid. Last whorl without a pore near the suture; on the inside usually without a constriction, rarely with a constriction (Anaglyphula). Sculpture absent, or fine spiral and/or radial sculpture present, sometimes with more distinct ribs and tubercles. Aperture usually angular above; peristome not or slightly thickened. Umbilicus closed or open, usually narrow. Operculum corneous, sometimes calcareous, usually paucispiral with an excentrical nucleus (Family description adapted from
In marine and intertidal environments, in the tropics also terrestrial. Globally distributed in temperate and tropical regions.
We provide a review of the terrestrial Assimineidae native to Sabah.
Acicula subgenus Acmella W.T. Blanford, 1869: 178. Acmella (W.T. Blanford) Nevill, 1878: 251.
Land snails. Spire without constriction. Umbilicus often with a slight periomphalic thread starting on the columellar side of the peristome, close to the columellar corner, and spiralling (steeply) upwards. Peristome usually not or hardly hardly thickened (except sometimes in gerontic shells).
Within several species long and slender shells occur next to shorter and wider ones. The periomphalic thread is sometimes inconspicuous and difficult to see, a mere strip of somewhat rougher sculpture that betrays its presence by the dirt that accumulates around it.
The family typically inhabits intratidal and supratidal environments. Only few genera live in fresh water or on land.
We divide the genus into two informal groups.
Acmella cyrtoglyphe nomen nudum:
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut valley, Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen,
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7977; leg. R. Haegens, V 5635). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1271). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1915); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8061); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7527; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 609); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7647; leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 13514, BOR/MOL 601); Gua Sanaron, inside cave (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 13558). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak (leg. M. Salverda, H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1775; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1867); Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2013, BOR/MOL 3592); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2045); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9644). Pinangah valley, Batu Melikop (leg. R. Kiew, V 7718). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7754; leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7757). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1844); Batu Baturong, North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7571); Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1735); Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu, N.E.-end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7677). Segama valley, ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1230). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. Of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1811); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1783).
Shell minute, thin, somewhat translucent, white. Surface shiny. Spire conical with approx. flat sides, apex obtuse, whorls convex, sometimes slightly shouldered. Sculpture. Radial sculpture predominant: densely placed and regularly spaced, prosocline riblets which are distinctly sinuous around the periphery, and which below the periphery are about as strong as above or weaker, some bifurcating from the periphery downwards. Spiral threads usually present, visible in between the radial riblets, inconspicuous to rather distinct, (rather) densely placed at regular intervals. Aperture approx. obliquely elliptic in outline, with a straight parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side rounded to obtusely angular. Umbilicus open, (rather) wide. Dimensions. Height 1.00–1.50 mm; width 0.85–1.10 mm; h/w 1.10–1.36; number of whorls 4 1/8–5 7/8; height aperture 0.35–0.50 mm; width aperture 0.37–0.50 mm.
1 Acmella cyrtoglyphe sp. n. Frontal view, shell 1.4 mm high 1B Same shell, umbilical view 1C Frontal view, shell 1.1 mm high 1D Same shell, umbilical view (1A, 1B Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut valley, Gua Sanaron,
Primary and secondary forest on limestone bedrock, at 0–700 m alt. Sabah: Interior Province, South part; East coast: from Kinabatangan River valley and further South. Also in Sarawak, Kalimantan. Endemic to Borneo.
Shares the prominent, prosocline radial sculpture with A. roepstoffiana Godwin Austen & Nevill, 1879, from the Nicobar Islands. A. cyrtoglyphe differs by the more convex whorls and the wider umbilicus, which is not at all covered by the peristome.
The material of this species displays variability in two characters but we are not able to divide it into discrete units. The ratio height/width varies, and with it the width of the umbilicus. The spacing of the radial ribs above the periphery also varies; specimens with moderately spaced radial ribs above the periphery have the radial ribs bifurcating more frequently below the periphery. Next to this, the whorls are more depressed in some specimens than in others.
The name refers to the shape of the riblets [kurtos (Gr.) = bent; glupho (Gr.) = to engrave].
Acmella umbilicata nomen nudum:
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen,
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8016, MOL/BOR 610; leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 13508, MOL/BOR 611). Sepulut valley, Gua Sanaron, inside cave (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 13559).
Shell minute, thin, somewhat translucent, white. Surface shiny. Spire conical with flat or slightly concave sides, apex obtuse, whorls convex, sometimes slightly shouldered. Sculpture. Radial sculpture predominant: densely placed and regularly spaced, almost orthocline riblets which are about straight with a few slightly sinuous around the periphery in between, and which below the periphery are about as strong as above, rarely bifurcating. Spiral threads inconspicuous or almost absent. Aperture approx. obliquely elliptic in outline, with a straight parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side rounded to obtusely angular. Umbilicus open, very wide. Dimensions. Height 1.15–1.50 mm; width 0.95–1.15 mm; h/w 1.00–1.37; number of whorls 4 1/8–5; height aperture 0.45–0.55 mm; width aperture 0.45–0.50 mm.
(Disturbed) primary forest on limestone bedrock, at c. 400 m alt. Sabah: Interior Province, South part only. Endemic to Sabah.
Differs from A. cyrtoglyphe by the almost orthocline radial ribs.
Just as in A. cyrtoglyphe, we observe variability in the ratio height/width of the shell, and with it in the width of the umbilicus.
The name refers to the wide umbilicus.
Acmella polita Von Moellendorff, 1887b: 301;
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7979). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1270). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1914); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8018; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 531; leg. J.J. Vermeulen, BOR/MOL 524); Bukit Tinahas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7608); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7526; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 523); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7646; leg. M. Schilthuizen & A.S. Cabanban, BOR/MOL 1745; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 530). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9784, BOR/MOL 1744; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 3586, BOR/MOL 1834, BOR/MOL 1871, BOR/MOL 3585; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1749, BOR/MOL 1750); Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1980); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9636); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9602; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1900, BOR/MOL 1935); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9697; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1748); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1505); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. G.E. Wilford, loc. 66, V 13412; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3587, BOR/MOL 1742, BOR/MOL 1743); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1622); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9624); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (, BOR/MOL 1747, BOR/MOL 1739; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 2140; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2174).Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7762, BOR/MOL 522). Tawau Province. Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1734). Segama valley, ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1242). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. Of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1810); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. Of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1784).
Shell very small, rather thick, hardly translucent, white. Surface dull or somewhat shiny. Spire conical with approx. flat or slightly convex sides, apex obtuse, whorls moderately convex. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: scattered, inconspicuous growth lines only, at irregular intervals. Spiral sculpture (almost) absent, or locally a very fine, dense spiral striation, just visible at 40 times magn. Aperture obliquely elliptic to broadly ovate in outline, with a straight or slightly curved parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side rounded to obtusely angular. Umbilicus open, (rather) narrow. Dimensions. Height 1.95–4.50 mm; width 1.40–3.00 mm; h/w 1.18–1.50; number of whorls 4 3/4–6 1/2; height aperture 0.85–2.00 mm; width aperture 0.90–1.70 mm.
3 Acmella polita Von Moellendorff, 1887. 3A Frontal view, shell 2.3 mm high 3B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River, V 7762). 4 Acmella ovoidea sp. n. 4A Frontal view, shell 1.2 mm high 4B Same shell, umbilical view 4C Frontal view, shell 1.15 mm high 4D Frontal view, shell 1.35 mm high (4A, 4B Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang),
Primary and secondary forest on limestone bedrock, often in caves. Alt. 0–500 m. Sabah: Interior; East coast. Also in Kalimantan Timur. Distribution: Philippines.
The largest Acmella species in Sabah.
Acmella ovoidea nomen nudum:
Acmella sp. “bor-01 [V 7980]”:
Acmella minutissima auct.:
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen,
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7980, BOR/MOL 526; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 528). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1269). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1913; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 600); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8019, BOR/MOL 525); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7528); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7645; leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7664); Batu Tinagas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 527). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9785; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1872, BOR/MOL 1835); Batu Batangan (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1737); Batu Mawas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1732; leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1946, BOR/MOL 1981, BOR/MOL 1945, BOR/MOL 3588); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9639, BOR/MOL 1730); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9577, BOR/MOL 1736; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 3590, BOR/MOL 3589, BOR/MOL 1901); Batu Tai (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1733); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 607, BOR/MOL 1738; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2270, BOR/MOL 2243); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9708, BOR/MOL 1734; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2048, BOR/MOL 2016; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1740); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1504); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1621; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3625; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3275, BOR/MOL 3336, BOR/MOL 3272; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 603); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9622, BOR/MOL 1731); Batu Materis (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1735; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2104, BOR/MOL 2074); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2207, BOR/MOL 2175; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 2141, BOR/MOL 3591; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1757, BOR/MOL 1741). Pinangah valley, Batu Melikop (leg. R. Kiew, V 7717). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7761). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1846); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7573). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1733). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. Of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1809); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. Of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1785).
Shell minute, rather thin, translucent, white. Surface shiny. Spire conical with slightly convex sides to ovoid, apex (broadly) obtuse, whorls slightly to moderately convex, sometimes slightly shouldered. Sculpture. Spiral sculpture predominant. Radial sculpture: scattered, inconspicuous growth lines only, in some shells locally grading into slight, densely placed and regularly spaced riblets on the crests of the spiral threads. Spiral sculpture: densely placed and regularly spaced, very fine, low and wide threads with only very narrow grooves in between. Aperture obliquely ovate in outline, with a concave to slightly convex parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side rounded. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions. Height 0.85–1.35 mm; width 0.80–1.00 mm; h/w 1.00–1.35; number of whorls 3 1/2–5; height aperture 0.40–0.55 mm; width aperture 0.40–0.50 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone bedrock, at 0–700 m alt. Sabah: Interior Province, South part; along the East coast from the Kinabatangan River valley Southwards. Also in Sarawak; Kalimantan Timur. Endemic to Borneo.
Characterized among the Sabah species by the more or less ovoid outline of the shell.
Differs from A. minutissima (Maassen, 2000) (= Anaglyphula minutissima Maassen), from Sumatra, by the same character. In addition, the sculpture on the teleoconch is different: the spiral threads are much wider, leaving only very narrow grooves in between. The radial sculpture cuts into the crests of the spiral grooves.
The index h/w is highly variable, and the umbilicus may be wider than in the illustrated shell.
The name refers to the shell outline [ovoideus (L.) = egg-shaped].
Acmella nana nomen nudum:
Malaysia, Sarawak, 4th Division, Niah Caves, South side of limestone area, West side of quarry, soil-filled crevice opened in quarry (leg J.J. Vermeulen,
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7978). Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8075, BOR/MOL 529); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8063). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 13268).
Shell minute (one of the smallest Borneo snail species), thin, translucent, white. Surface shiny. Spire conical with almost flat to distinctly convex sides, apex broadly obtuse, whorls moderately convex, sometimes slightly shouldered. Sculpture. Spiral sculpture predominant. Radial sculpture: scattered, inconspicuous growth lines only, grading into somewhat coarser riblets at irregular intervals. Spiral sculpture: rather conspicuous, densely placed and regularly spaced, fine, low and wide threads with only very narrow grooves in between. Aperture obliquely ovate in outline, with a slightly concave to slightly convex parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side rounded to obtusely angular. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions. Height 0.60–0.79 mm; width 0.50–0.60 mm; h/w 1.00–1.35; number of whorls 2 7/8–3 7/8; height aperture 0.30–0.37 mm; width aperture 0.26–0.30 mm.
(Disturbed) primary forest on limestone bedrock. Alt. 0–500 m. Sabah: Interior Province, South part; East coast: Kinabatangan River valley, 1 locality. Also in Sarawak and East Kalimantan. Endemic to Borneo.
Most similar to A. caelata Vermeulen & Junau, 2007, from Sarawak. This species is consistently wider (c. 0.7 mm in A. caelata, 0.50–0.60 mm in A. nana). If specimens with the same number of whorls are compared, the whorls of A. caelata are less depressed (at 3 1/8–3 3/8 whorl A. caelata is 0.80–0.95 mm high, A. nana only 0.60–0.75 mm high).
Also similar to A. ovoidea but smaller, with a narrower spire than juvenile A. ovoidea of the same size. It also has coarser spiral sculpture.
The name refers to the size [nanus (L.) = dwarf].
Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat,
Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu, North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7572).
Shell minute, rather thin, somewhat translucent, white. Surface shiny. Spire conical with flat to slightly convex sides, apex somewhat narrowly obtuse, whorls (moderately) convex, sometimes slightly shouldered. Sculpture. Spiral sculpture predominant. Radial sculpture: scattered, inconspicuous growth lines, grading into inconspicuous, rather densely placed and regularly spaced riblets on the crests of the spiral threads. Spiral sculpture: densely placed and regularly spaced, very fine, low and wide threads with only a very narrow groove in between. Aperture obliquely ovate in outline, with a slightly concave to approx. straight parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side rounded. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions. Height 1.19–1.30 mm; width 0.95–1.10 mm; h/w 1.11–1.26; number of whorls 4 1/8–4 1/2; height aperture 0.58–0.69 mm; width aperture 0.49–0.59 mm.
6 Acmella subcancellata sp. n. 6A Frontal view, shell 1.4 mm high 6B Same shell, umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Sabah, Tawau Province, Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu,
(Disturbed) primary forest on limestone bedrock, at c. 100 m alt. Sabah: East coast, Baturong Hill only. Endemic to Sabah.
Most similar in size and shell sculpture to A. ovoidea; differs by its conical shell. The sculpture is somewhat more prominent than in A. ovoidea.
The general shell shape is virtually identical to A. minutissima (Maassen, 2000), from Sumatra. A. subcancellata differs by its teleochonch sculpture, consisting of much wider spiral threads, leaving only narrow grooves in between, as well as by the radial sculpture cutting into the crest of the spural threads.
The name refers to the shell surface [sub-cancellata (L.) = with an inconspicuous, trellis-like structure].
Acmella striata nomen nudum:
Malaysia, Sabah, Kudat Province, Balambangan Island, South end, Batu Sireh (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen,
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8017, BOR/MOL 608; leg. R. Haegens, V 5630). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1272). Sepulut valley, Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 12682); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8062). Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9518); South end, Batu Sireh (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9563). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9695); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9621). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1845). Tawau Hills N.P., waterfalls near Headquarters area (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13199). West Coast Province. Mantanani Group, Pulau Mantanani Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 9846; leg. T.H. Liew, BOR/MOL 3726).
Description: Shell minute, rather thin, slightly translucent, corneous to white. Surface shiny. Spire conical with approx. flat sides, apex somewhat narrowly obtuse, whorls convex, often somewhat shouldered. Sculpture. Spiral sculpture predominant. Radial sculpture: growth lines, grading into irregularly and widely spaced riblets locally. Spiral sculpture: densely placed to moderately spaced, thin, narrow, very fine, distinctly wavy spiral threads which are occasionally interrupted or bifurcated, which have shallow and wide furrows in between and which run either approx. parallel to the suture or run slightly obliquely downwards. Aperture approx. elliptic in outline, with a slightly convex parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side rounded. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions. Height 1.40–1.80 mm; width 1.05–1.25 mm; h/w 1.33–1.44; number of whorls 4 1/8–5 1/4; height aperture 0.50–0.70 mm; width aperture 0.55–0.65 mm.
Primary forest, primary coastal woodland and secondary vegetation on limestone bedrock, also found in soil over sandstone and volcanic bedrock, at 0–1400 m alt. Sabah: scattered localities, including islands on the North and West coast. Also in Sarawak and Kalimantan. Distribution: Ambon, Ceram, Tanimbar Islands (see note below).
Characterized among Sabah Acmella by the comparatively high spire with distinctly convex whorls, and the teleoconch with fine, inconspicuous to rather distinct, but always very wavy spiral sculpture.
Also similar to Acmella sutteri Van Benthem Jutting, 1958, from Sumba. Acmella striata differs by the parietal side of the aperture, which is attached to the previous whorl over slightly more than half the distance between the periphery and the umbilicus of the latter. In A. sutteri it is only attached to the previous whorl over a very short distance near the angular corner.
Most Sabah samples have a slightly oblique spiral striation. In Sarawak shells with a spiral striation parallel to the suture predominate in most localities.
Samples from Mantanani and Balambangan Islands contain relatively large shells of dark colour. Similar shells are found locally in the Kinabatangan River valley; but towards the West populations grade into a smaller form with white shells, as is found in Gunung Mulu N.P., Sarawak. A sample from Kalimantan contains medium-sized and white shells.
The samples V 4721 (Indonesia, Tanimbar Islands, Yamdena, near Kampong Makatian), V 5052 (Indonesia, Ambon, 1 km from Poka), and V 5248 (Indonesia, Ceram, Moso) contain shells identical to the Borneo material. We regard these as the same species, and conclude that A. striata is a rather widespread species. It may well occur in Philippines, but we cannot find any described species identical to it.
The name refers to the shell surface [striata (L.) = striate].
Anaglyphula Rensch, 1932: 122.
Land snails. Spire with a slight constriction about 1/2 whorl back of the aperture, consisting of a circular rim on the inner surface, on the outside this rim shines through as a thin, white line. Umbilicus without periomphalic thread. Peristome thickened.
The presence of a constriction distinguishes Anaglyphula from Acmella. If this is not visible because the shell has turned opaque, the thickened peristome may serve as a distinguishing character.
Originally included in the Valloniidae, a Pulmonate family. Its position in the Caenogastropoda was established by
Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat,
Shell minute, rather thick, about opaque, pale corneous. Surface shiny. Spire conical with approx. flat or slightly concave sides, apex somewhat narrowly obtuse, whorls moderately convex. Sculpture consisting of radial ribs intersecting with about equally strong spiral threads, creating a pattern of rounded, sharply delineated depressions on the shell surface; locally this pattern is distorted, and around the periphery and below the suture the depressions more or less line up parallel to the growth lines; close to the aperture radial riblets and growth lines predominate. Aperture widely and obliquely ovate in outline, with a slightly concave parietal side, transition from parietal to basal side obtusely angular. Peristome thickened, with a slight lip on the inner side. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions. Height c. 1.75 mm; width c. 1.45 mm; h/w c. 1.25; number of whorls c. 5; height aperture c. 0.80 mm; width aperture c. 0.70 mm.
Primary forest on limestone soil, at 100–300 m alt. Sabah: East coast, Baturong Hill. Also in Kalimantan Timur. Endemic to Borneo.
The sculpture uniquely identifies the species among the Sabah snail fauna.
A. sauroderma shares the irregularly cancellate sculpture, with shallow pits, with A. cancellata Rensch, 1932, from Flores. It differs in having a higher spire (distinctly higher than wide) and evenly rounded whorls.
The name refers to the shell surface [sauros (Gr.) = lizard; derma (Gr.) = skin].
Shell small to very large, dextral, discoid to ovoid to conical. Last whorl with or without a pore near the aperture; on the inside with (Alycaeinae) or without a constriction. Sculpture absent, or inconspicuous to distinct spiral and/or radial sculpture present; periostracal sculpture often present. Aperture rounded to somewhat angular above; peristome often (distinctly) thickened. Umbilicus usually open, narrow to wide. Operculum corneous or calcareous, multispiral, nucleus approx. central (Family description adapted from
Terrestrial; ground- or tree-dwellers. Asia, Africa, Australia, and Oceania; fewer species in temperate regions.
Ditropopsis E.A. Smith, 1897: 416;
Cyclophorus subgenus Ditropis Blanford, 1869: 126. Genus Ditropis Hanley & Theobald, 1875: xiv.
[Not Ditropis Kirschbaum (Delphacidae, Hemiptera)]
Shell very small, white to pale corneous or pale greenish, without any colour patterns. Surface shiny or glossy. Spire rather high-conical, to approx. flat with a protruding apex. Radial sculpture absent or inconspicuous. Spiral sculpture prominent, consisting of distinct cords and keels. Peristome simple or double, expanded or not, without a notch in the angular corner. Height up to 2.3 mm. Umbilicus wide.
Borneo species of Japonia Gould, 1859 (s.l., including Pilosphaera
The two Borneo species of Craspedotropis Blanford, 1864, see
We provide a review of the Sabah species of the genus.
The cyclophorid fauna of Borneo includes a small number of species with small shells with conspicuous spiral cords: Jerdonia (?) borneensis Godwin Austen, 1889, Cyathopoma everetti E.A. Smith, 1895, Craspedotropis andrei Vermeulen, 1999 and Craspedotropis juvenilis Vermeulen, 1999. Except for the second species, all were included in Craspedotropis Blanford, 1864 by
For the Borneo material we conclude that the species listed below generally differ from the ones included in Craspedotropis by Vermeulen, 1999 by having a wider umbilicus and a less distinct radial sculpture. Their shell morphology agrees well with species generally included in Ditropopsis, and we include them in that genus. Below, we list all the Sabah species present in the collections available to us.
We divide the genus into three informal groups.
Malaysia, Sabah, Upper Padas valley, Matang River South of Long Pasia (leg. J.J. Vermeulen,
Shell very small, rather thick, somewhat translucent, whitish. Surface shiny. Teleoconch whorl entirely detached, more or less in one plane; apex protruding from the plane, distinctly oblique. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: fine growth lines, locally grading into fine, densely placed riblets. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 8 cords (position as on the first part of the teleoconch, close to the protoconch): 1 supraperipheral, 1 peripheral, 1 basal, these three distinct, and 5 umbilical, the outer 2 distinct, the inner 3 more inconspicuous; next to these a fine spiral striation on the lower surface. Sculpture continuing up to the peristome. Aperture. Peristome simple, not expanded, angular where the spiral cords meet the peristome. Dimensions. Height c. 0.7 mm; width c. 1.5 mm (both measured along the axis of the teleoconch); height and width aperture c. 0.5 mm.
9 Ditropopsis davisoni sp. n. 9A Frontal view, shell 1.5 mm wide 9B Back view (Malaysia, Sabah, Upper Padas valley, Matang River South of Long Pasia,
Found in montane forest, in a sandstone rock crevice near a small stream in thick leaf litter, at 1100 m alt. Sabah: Upper Padas River. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified among the Sabah species by the tubular, detached teleochonch.
Species from elsewhere with a detached teleoconch are D. adesmospira Moellendorff, 1895, D. mira Moellendorff, 1891, (both from the Philippines) D. spiralis Boettger, 1891 (from Maluku) and D. biroi Soós, 1911 (from Papua New Guinea). All have a protoconch which protrudes from the teleoconch, and a conical spire.
Named in honour of Dr. Geoffrey Davison, tireless advocate of nature conservation in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., near the km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen,
West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., summit trail, between 2308–2775 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4121, BOR/MOL 4113); Bowen route at 3376 m (leg. T.S. Liew & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4111); Mesilau trail between 2092–2356 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4119, BOR/MOL 4114); Kotal’s route between 2924–3048 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin, Safrie & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4117, BOR/MOL 4115; leg. T.S. Liew & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4118); Sayap-Nunuhon trail between 2640–2944 m (leg. T.S. Liew, Dominik, J. Lapidin & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4116, BOR/MOL 4112, BOR/MOL 4120, BOR/MOL 4123, BOR/MOL 4124).
Shell very small, rather thick, hardly translucent, pale greenish. Surface shiny. Spire rather high-conical. Radial sculpture: fine growth lines, locally grading into fine, densely placed riblets. Sculpture. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 4 cords: 1 supraperipheral and 1 peripheral, about equally wide, 1 basal; these all rather distinct; 1 umbilical, inconspicuous and located deep inside the umbilicus; next to these a fine spiral striation on the lower surface. This sculpture continuing up to about 0.8 mm from the peristome, to be replaced by densely and irregularly placed radial riblets with a periostracal crest. Aperture. Peristome simple, not expanded, parietal side slightly detached from the penultimate whorl, basal side rounded, hardly drawn out. Dimensions. Height c. 2.3 mm; width c. 2 mm; h/w c. 1.15; umbilicus measured over the basal spiral cord c. 25 % of the shell width; number of whorls c. 4 1/8; height aperture c. 0.8 mm; width aperture c. 0.8 mm.
Primary montane oak forest on sandstone bedrock, in leaf litter, sub-alpine forest on ultrabasic and granodioritic bedrock, 1300–1400 m (Crocker Range), 2000–3400 m (Mount Kinabalu) alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu, Crocker Range. Endemic to Sabah.
Similar to D. koperbergi, but shell higher conical. The distinctive sculpture near the aperture develops only when fully adult, as in other species of the genus.
D. gradata Quadras & Moellendorff, 1896 and D. pusilla Quadras & Moellendorff, 1895, from the Philippines, have a similarly high spire and spiral cord distribution. Both species have a more rounded profile to the whorls.
The name refers to the peristome [trachus (Gr.) rough; cheilos (Gr.) = lip].
Ditropopsis koperbergi (Zilch) Schilthuizen, 2004: 94. Ditropis koperbergi Zilch, 1955: 193. Type from Indonesia, Kalimantan, Landak.
West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Monggis-Tambuyukon trail at 1144 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4122). Interior Province. Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13226). Sandakan Province. Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 14490). Tawau Province. Danum Valley Conservation Area (leg.
Shell very small, rather thick, somewhat translucent, white to pale corneous. Surface shiny. Spire conical, apex not protruding, not oblique. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: fine growth lines, locally grading into fine, densely placed riblets. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 6 rather distinct cords: 1 supraperipheral and 1 peripheral, about equally wide, 1 basal and 3 umbilical; next to these a fine spiral striation on the lower sureface. Sculpture continuing up to the peristome. Aperture. Peristome simple, not expanded, parietal side attached to the penultimate whorl, basal side moderately angular but not drawn out. Dimensions. Height 1.7–2.1 mm; width 1.9–2.2 mm; h/w 0.85–1.00; umbilicus measured over the basal spiral cord 19–27 % of the shell width; number of whorls 4–4 3/4; height aperture 0.7–0.8 mm; width aperture 0.8–0.9 mm.
Primary forest on sandstone and limestone soil, 400–1200 m alt. Sabah: scattered localities. Also in Kalimantan. Endemic to Borneo.
D. koperbergi is characterized by its simple peristome: the aperture is not constricted, and there is no distinctive, rough sculpture close to it.
Elsewhere in Borneo, the conical spire and the angular whorl profile identify the species.
Ditropopsis sp. “BO-02”,
Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Danum Valley Conservation Area (RMNH5003920).
Tawau Province. Danum Valley Conservation Area (leg.
Shell very small, rather thick, somewhat translucent, white to pale (yellowish) green. Surface shiny or glossy. Spire almost flat, but apex protruding, slightly oblique. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: fine growth lines, locally grading into fine, densely placed riblets. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 6 very distinct cords: 1 supraperipheral and 1 peripheral, the latter widest and widely projecting, 1 basal and 3 umbilical; next to these a fine spiral striation on the lower surface. Sculpture continuing up to the peristome, but close to the peristome distorted and partly obliterated by densely placed, low radial riblets and increasingly coarse spiral threads. Aperture. Peristome simple, not expanded, distinctly constricted in fully adult shells, parietal side attached to the penultimate whorl in fully adult shells, basal side angular, slightly to distinctly drawn out. Dimensions. Height 1.4–1.65 mm; width 2.5–2.8 mm; h/w 0.52–0.56; umbilicus measured over the basal spiral cord 33–37 % of the shell width; number of whorls c. 4; height aperture 0.7–0.9 mm; width aperture 0.8–0.9 mm.
12 Ditropopsis tyloacron sp. n. 12A Frontal view, shell 1.6 mm high 12B Frontal view, shell 1.5 mm high 12C Umbilical view (12A, 12C Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Danum Valley Conservation Area,
Primary forest on limestone soil, rarely on sandstone, 0–600 m alt. Sabah: S.E. part. Also in Kalimantan, East part. Endemic to Borneo.
Well characterized among Sabah Ditropopsis by the low, almost flat spire with only the apex protruding. In Kalimantan the Sabah form (illustrated) locally grades into series with relatively smooth, large shells and with the supraperipheral and umbilical ridges partly or entirely missing. Such shells look a little like D. imadatei and D. cincta, but have a flatter spire and a wider umbilicus.
Elsewhere, D. moellendorfii Boettger, 1891 and D. papuana E.A. Smith, 1897 have similarly flat shells, but the first has a double peristome, and the second a more rounded spire.
The name refers to the shape of the apex [tulos (Gr.) = knob; akros (Gr.) = at the top; a knobhead, therefore].
Ditropopsis constricta nomen nudum,
Ditropopsis sp. “BO-01 [= V8027]”,
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut valley, Gua Sanaron (
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., near the km 59 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1183). Sepulut valley, Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8027); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8077); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7650). Sandakan Province. Danum Valley Field Centre (c. 60 km West of Lahad Datu): Clive Marsh grid W11/N0 (leg. Noel Tawatao, V 13483; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 314, BOR/MOL 316). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1850).
Shell very small, rather thick, somewhat translucent, off-white to pale greenish yellow. Surface shiny. Spire rather low-conical, apex slightly protruding, slightly oblique. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: fine growth lines, locally grading into fine, densely placed riblets. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 4–7 rather inconspicuous to very distinct cords: 1 supraperipheral and 1 peripheral, about equally wide, 1 basal and 1–4 umbilical, if fewer than 4 umbilicals then those closest to the basal cord absent; next to these a fine spiral striation on the lower surface. Sculpture continuing up to the peristome, but close to the peristome distorted and partly obliterated by densely placed, low radial riblets in fully adult shells. Aperture. Peristome simple, not expanded, distinctly constricted in fully adult shells, parietal side slightly detached from the penultimate whorl in fully adult shells, basal side slightly angular but not drawn out. Dimensions. Height 1.4–1.6 mm; width 1.8–2.1 mm; h/w 0.78–0.83; umbilicus measured over the basal spiral cord 31–32% of the shell width; number of whorls 3 7/8–4; height aperture 0.5–0.7 mm; width aperture 0.5–0.75 mm.
Primary and secondary forest. Predominantly on limestone soil, scattered records from sandstone, 0–1000 m alt. Sabah: South and S.E. part. Also in Sarawak; Brunei; Kalimantan (East part). Endemic to Borneo.
Differs from D. koperbergi by the constricted aperture, with a distinct radial sculpture. Juvenile shells of D. constricta, without a fully grown aperture, have lower conical shells than D. koperbergi, with a wider umbilicus.
The drawn specimen has relatively thick spiral cords, specimens with thinner cords occur.
The name refers to the constricted peristome.
Indonesia, Kalimantan Timur, Sangkulirang Peninsula, Liang Belana near Merabu (
Sandakan Province. Meliau Range: Southern slope of Gunung Meliau (leg. M. Schilthuizen, T.S. Liew & A. van Til, V 14344).
Shell very small, rather thick, somewhat translucent, corneous to brown. Surface shiny or glossy. Spire low-conical with convex sides, apex protruding, slightly oblique. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: fine growth lines, locally grading into fine, densely placed riblets. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 2 very distinct cords: 1 peripheral, widest and widely projecting, 1 basal; next to these a fine and inconspicuous spiral striation, particularly below the suture and around the basal cord. Sculpture continuing up to the peristome, but close to the peristome somewhat distorted because crossed by a few slightly more distinct growth lines. Aperture. Peristome simple, not expanded, parietal side attached to the penultimate whorl, basal side moderately angular and somewhat drawn out. Dimensions. Height 1.9–2.0 mm; width 2.5–2.7 mm; h/w 0.70–0.76; umbilicus measured over the basal spiral cord 40–48 % of the shell width; number of whorls 4–4 1/2; height aperture 0.8–0.9 mm; width aperture c. 1.0 mm.
14 Ditropopsis cincta sp. n. 14A Frontal view, shell 2.0 mm high 14B Umbilical view (Indonesia, Kalimantan Timur, Sangkulirang Peninsula, Liang Belana near Merabu,
Found in forest on ultrabasic bedrock. Elsewhere also on limestone bedrock, 400–500 m alt. Sabah: Meliau Range. Also in Kalimantan, East part. Endemic to Borneo.
The spire height of D. cincta is intermediate between D. imadatei and specimens of D. tyloacron without a supraperipheral cord. Next to this, it differs from D. imadatei by lacking the flaring outer peristome, and from D. tyloacron by its narrower umbilicus.
The name refers to the peripheral keel [cinctus (L.) = girded].
Ditropis imadatei Habe, 1965: 117. Type from Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Ditropopsis sp. “nov.”,
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Ulu Kimanis, trail 5 of Crocker Range Scientific Expedition (leg.
Shell very small, rather thick, somewhat translucent, white to pale greenish. Surface shiny or glossy. Spire conical with convex sides, apex somewhat protruding, hardly oblique. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: fine growth lines, locally grading into fine, densely placed riblets. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 5 cords: 1 peripheral, 1 basal, very distinct, and 2 much thinner and more inconspicuous umbilical cords; next to these a fine spiral striation locally present. Sculpture continuing up to the peristome. Aperture. Peristome double, the outer thickened and distinctly expanded, parietal side attached to the penultimate whorl in fully adult shells, basal side angular, distinctly drawn out; the inner peristome slightly protruding from the outer, slightly expanded, basal side only slightly angular and slightly drawn out. Dimensions. Height c. 2 mm; width 2.0–2.2 mm; h/w c. 0.9; umbilicus measured over the basal spiral cord 25–31% of the shell width; number of whorls c. 4 1/8; height aperture c. 1 mm; width aperture 1.0–1.2 mm.
Primary forest on sandstone and limestone soil, 200–800 m alt. Sabah: Crocker Range. Also in Sarawak; Brunei; Kalimantan, East part. Endemic to Borneo.
Uniquely identified among the Sabah species by the double peristome.
Elsewhere, D. moellendorfi Boettger, 1891 (Maluku) has a double peristome, but a much flatter shell with more numerous spiral cords.
Japonia Gould, 1859: 426.
Shell small, white to pale corneous or pale greenish, usually marked with brown. Surface dull or shiny. Spire low to high-conical. Radial sculpture usually consisting of growth lines, locally grading into riblets. Spiral sculpture usually consisting of inconspicuous to distinct threads, sometimes with a peripheral keel. Peristome simple or double, expanded or not, with a notch in the angular corner. Height 4–12 mm. Umbilicus narrow to wide.
The genus Leptopoma Pfeiffer, 1847 (Borneo species revised by
The Borneo species, numbering about 25, have not yet been revised. Nonetheless, we feel confident to describe one, highly distinctive, new species.
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen,
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1104; M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 200).
Shell small, rather solid, opaque, white to yellowish, with vaguely outlined pale brown radial blotches on the upper surface. Surface slightly shiny. Spire conical, top distinctly protruding, periphery sharply angular, whorls almost flat to slightly convex (in large specimens) above the periphery, slightly convex below; transition from basal to umbilical area somewhat less distinctly angular than the periphery. Whorls not channeled towards the suture. Sculpture. Radial sculpture: rather distinct, irregular growth lines, grading into similar radial riblets. Spiral sculpture on the last whorl: 1 distinct peripheral thread, 1 distinct basal thread, above the peripheral thread slight and inconspicuous spiral striation, below slightly more distinct striation, in the umbilical region still more distinct striation, grading into very fine, densely placed, thin threads; penultimate whorl with 1 distinct peripheral thread, just above the suture. Aperture subcircular, slightly angular on the palatal side. Peristome double, the inner hardly reflected, a rim which slightly protrudes from the outer; the outer peristome moderately reflected, somewhat concave. Dimensions. Height 4.7–6.2 mm; width 5.6–7.1 mm; h/w 0.84–0.88; umbilicus 0.7–1.0 mm wide, u/w 0.11–0.13; number of whorls 4 7/8–5 5/8; height aperture 2.5–2.8 mm; width aperture 2.7–3.5 mm. Periostracum without hairs.
16 Japonia anceps sp. n. 16A Frontal view, shell 6.0 mm high 16B Same shell, umbilical view 16C Same shell, right lateral view (Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau,
Secondary forest on limestone bedrock. Alt. c. 500 m. Sabah: Crocker Range, Laing Cave near Keningau only. Endemic to Sabah.
Shares the angular periphery and the whorls which are only slightly convex above and below with J. hyalina Vermeulen & Junau, 2007, and J. ditropis Vermeulen & Junau, 2007, both from Sarawak. It differs from both by its larger size (shell height 4.7–6.2 mm, versus 2.0–3.5 mm), the presence of brown blotches on on the shell, as well as by the less conspicuous spiral sculpture apart from the peripheral and basal thread.
The name refers to the fact that the upper and lower surface of the last whorl are about equally convex [anceps (L.) = with two faces].
Shell (very) small, dextral or less frequently sinistral, ellipsoid to ovoid to conical, or cylindrical. Last whorl without a pore near the aperture; on the inside with a constriction. Coiling axis changing direction one to several times during development, often resulting in (partly) detached whorls. Sculpture: usually a distinct radial sculpture, spiral sculpture subordinate; rarely with spiral sculpture only, or without sculpture. Aperture rounded to somewhat angular above; peristome (distinctly) thickened. Umbilicus closed, or open, narrow. Operculum corneous, paucispiral (Family description based on Webster et al. 2012;
Rock and soil foragers, frequently associated with limestone substrates. Asia (from India, China, Japan Southwards) to Australia, and Oceania.
Diplommatina
The Borneo species of Diplommatina have been revised in
Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat,
Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 7581).
Shell dextral, conical, with the last whorl or the last two whorls widest; sides flat or slightly convex. Suture impressed. Constriction level with the parietal side of the peristome, with 1 parietalis which continues as a lamella down to the aperture, 1 longitudinal palatalis slightly to the left of the parietal peristome, 1 transversal palatalis, 1 columellaris which continues as a lamella down to the aperture. Tuba 7/8 whorl. Sculpture. Radial ribs straight, distinct, rather low, rather wide, rather densely placed (7–11 ribs/0.5 mm on the penultimate whorl). Spiral striation present, inconspious, fine and dense. Aperture hardly tilted with regard to the coiling axis; columellaris large, slightly downwards directed; the distal end of the parietalis visible on the parietal side as a tooth. Peristome double, expanding; palatal side only slightly sinuous, without edge; basal side without edge; basal edge not sinuous; outer peristome not or hardly expanding beyond the inner; inner peristome with a palatal lip, free and erect on the columellar side, expanding on the parietal side. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions. Height 1.9–2.3 mm; width 1.00–1.25 mm; umbilicus 0.05–0.20 mm wide; number of whorls 6–6 3/4; height and width aperture 0.25–0.30 mm.
(Disturbed) primary forest on limestone bedrock, at c. 100 m alt. Sabah: East coast, Baturong Hill only. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified by the parietal lamella, which runs over the full length of the tuba and which is visible as a pearietal tooth deep in the aperture.
In
The name refers to the two teeth in the aperture [bidentata (L.) = with two teeth].
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (
Interior Province. Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13227).
Shell dextral, fusiform, with the penultimate whorl widest. Suture impressed. Constriction level with the angular edge of the peristome, or up to 1/8 whorl beyond this point, towards the apex, with 1 parietalis, 1 longitudinal palatalis, 1 transversal palatalis, 1 columellaris which continues as a lamella down to the aperture. Tuba 1–1 1/8 whorl. Sculpture. Radial ribs straight, distinct, rather low, narrow, rather densely placed (6–9 ribs/0.5 mm on the penultimate whorl). Spiral striation present, rather distinct, moderately spaced. Aperture hardly tilted with regard to the coiling axis; columellaris large, patent; a second conical, obtuse tooth present on the palatal side, just below the angular edge. Peristome double, expanding; palatal side sinuous, with or without a slight edge; basal side without edge; basal edge not sinuous; outer peristome somewhat expanding beyond the inner; inner peristome with a palatal lip, free and erect on the columellar side, somewhat expanding on the parietal side. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions. Height 1.75–2.05 mm; width 0.95–1.15 mm; number of whorls 6–6 1/4; height aperture 0.30–0.40 mm; width aperture 0.35–0.45 mm.
Found in primary forest on limestone soil. Alt. 900–1000 m. Sabah: Gunung Trusmadi. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified among Sabah Diplommatina species by the distinct, conical, obtuse tooth on the palatal peristome, close to the angular edge.
Diplommatina unicrenata Godwin Austen, 1897 [1897–1914], from India, Naga Hills is the only known species with a similar structure on the palatal peristome; it differs in having two teeth with a distinct furrow in between.
The name refers to the diagnostic character [tulos (Gr.) = knob; cheilos (Gr.) = lip].
Shell (very) small, dextral, ellipsoid to ovoid to conical. Last whorl without a pore near the aperture, on the inside without a constriction. Sculpture absent, or inconspicuous to distinct spiral and/or radial sculpture present, often fused to nodular structures. Aperture rounded to somewhat angular above; peristome usually not thickened. Umbilicus usually covered by a thickened callus, an extension of the peristome. Operculum calcareous, paucispiral, with a central calcareous peg projecting from the inner surface (Family description adapted from
Widespread in humid terrestrial environments, often associated with limestone habitats. Palearctis, Africa, but most diverse in Southeast Asia to Australia and Oceania.
The family is poorly known and has not been revised in the past 140 years and as a consequence, the status of the various genus names (including Georissa) is uncertain.
Georissa Blanford, 1864: 463.
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton (
Interior Province. Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8081, BOR/MOL 61); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8068). Tawau Province. Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1736).
Shell minute, rather solid, translucent, white; spire conical with convex sides to approx. ovoid; apex rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls moderately convex, rounded; last whorl somewhat more narrowly rounded to slightly angular at the periphery, rounded below. Protoconch minutely rugulose. Teleoconch: radial sculpture consisting of growth lines, locally grading into low, thin riblets at irregular intervals. Spiral sculpture: rather distinct, somewhat spaced, fine, low, thin, rounded spiral threads, on the last whorl present above the periphery, but absent in a narrow area just below the suture. Aperture semi-elliptic, with the parietal side approx. straight or slightly convex; peristome widely extended on the parietal side, not reflected elsewhere, free on the columellar side. Umbilicus open, rimate, a narrow slit underneath the reflected columellar peristome. Dimensions: Height 0.70–1.05 mm; width 0.65–1.00 mm; number of whorls 2 1/4–3; height aperture 0.35–0.50 mm; width aperture 0.35–0.45 mm.
19 Georissa leucococca sp. n. 19A Frontal view, shell 0.85 mm high 19B Frontal view, shell 1.05 mm high (19A Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton,
Primary and secondary forest on limestone bedrock. Alt. up to c. 500 m. Sabah: infrequent, a few localities only. Also in Sarawak. Endemic to Borneo.
The small size, hardly over 1 mm high at 3 whorls, characterizes the species. Georissa gomantongensis E.A. Smith, 1893, has a similar spiral sculpture. Apart from being larger, it has orange to yellow shells and a nodular uppermost spiral thread, situated close to the suture.
The name refers to the white shell [leucos (Gr.) = white; coccos (Gr.) = kernel].
Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (
Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9795; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1449, BOR/MOL 1450; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1845); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9833, BOR/MOL 1452); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9832); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9834); Unnamed limestone hills near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2186; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 2153; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1451).
Shell minute, solid, opaque or nearly so, orange to white; spire conical with convex sides; apex rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls distinctly convex, rounded; last whorl rounded at the periphery. Protoconch minutely rugulose. Teleoconch: radial sculpture in some specimens consisting of growth lines, only locally somewhat raised, in others consisting of densely placed, inconspicuous to rather distinct, low and rather flat ridglets with narrow, shallow grooves in between. Spiral sculpture: virtually absent in some specimens, in others consisting of densely placed to somewhat spaced, very fine, shallow grooves cutting into the raised elements of the radial sculpture, but sometimes most conspicuous in between the radial riblets on the apical whorls. Aperture reniform, with the parietal side distinctly concave; peristome extended on the parietal side, not reflected elsewhere, embedded in the shell surface on the columellar side. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height 1.35–1.60 mm; width 0.90–1.15 mm; number of whorls 2 3/4–3 1/2; height aperture 0.60–0.65 mm; width aperture 0.50–0.55 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone bedrock. Alt. up to c. 100 m. Sabah: Lower Kinabatangan valley only. Endemic to Sabah.
Most similar to G. similis E.A.
The name refers to the shape of the aperture [nephros (Gr.) = kidney; stoma (Gr.) = mouth].
Snails or semi-slugs. Shell (very) small to very large, dextral or sinistral, (low-)conical, ellipsoid, lenticular or discoid; semi-slugs with a (partly) reduced shell. Sculpture absent, or inconspicuous (rarely more distinct) spiral and/or radial sculpture present. Aperture without teeth or lamellae, peristome usually thin and not reflected. Umbilicus closed or open, narrow (Family description adapted from Baker (1941), and
Generally forest species found on leaf litter and vegetation. Throughout South, East, and Southeast Asia, and Oceania, with a few species circumtropically introduced.
Durgella Blanford, 1863: 81.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., summit trail, near Layang-layang at 2641 m (Leg. Liew T.S., BOR/MOL 6035).
Examined material from Sabah: West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., summit trail (Leg. Liew T.S.,
Shell small, membranous, leathery with only a thin calcareous layer on the inside, somewhat translucent, greenish or brownish, low-conical with slightly concave sides; apex narrowly rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls convex, rounded, suture impressed. Protoconch approx. smooth. Teleoconch, radial sculpture: irregularly spaced, somewhat raised growth lines, locally grading into some very fine, inconspicuous, densely placed riblets. Spiral sculpture: above the periphery with very fine, wavy, densely placed, shallow grooves. Peristome not reflected. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 5.5 mm; width up to 6.2 mm; diameter of the first three whorls c. 0.85 mm, c. 1.75 mm, c. 3.7 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 3 3/4, height aperture up to 3.8 mm; width aperture up to 3.5 mm.
Primary forest on sandstone or granodiorite bedrock. Alt. 2400–2700 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu. Endemic to Sabah.
We assume this is the shell of an ariophantid semi-slug. Among the genera already reported from Borneo, it fits best in Durgella, Blanford, with regard to the general shell shape and the number of whorls. It differs from D. hosei Godwin Austen, 1891, from Sarawak, as well as from continental Asiatic species listed in
Only damaged material was available to us, with some dried remnants of the animal.
The name refers to the shell sculpture [densus (L.) = dense; striatus (L.) = striated].
Dyakia Godwin Austen, 1891: 29.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., Ulu Kimanis, along Keningau-Kimanis road (BOR/MOL 1364).
West Coast Province. Crocker Range N.P., Ulu Kimanis, along Keningau-Kimanis road (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1363, BOR/MOL 1364), (leg. M. Schilthuizen & A.S. Cabanban, BOR/MOL 3006). Kinabalu N.P., Headquarters area, Liwagu Trail (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1362). Gunung Trusmadi slopes (leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 919).
Shell medium-sized, very thin, translucent, pale yellowish green, conical with slightly concave (juveniles) to slightly convex (adults) sides; apex narrowly rounded. Surface glossy. Whorls: top whorls moderately convex, outer whorls flat above and convex below the periphery, periphery pinched and sharply keeled. Protoconch sculpture: a few flat radial folds, no other sculpture. Teleoconch, radial sculpture: first whorls slightly crenellated immediately below the suture, all whorls with more or less regularly spaced, slightly raised, weak growth lines, shell surface, particularly on the last whorl, distinctly undulated following the growth lines. Spiral sculpture absent, some shells with a inconspicuous spiral undulation on the last whorl. Peristome not reflected, not drawn out into a spur at the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 14 mm; width up to 32 mm; diameter of the first three whorls 1.9–2.1 mm, 3.5–4 mm, 8.0–8.3 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 4, height aperture up to 10.5 mm; width aperture up to 14.0 mm. Animal (pale) green including the tentacles, shining through the shell a bright green.
22 Dyakia chlorosoma sp. n. 22A Frontal view, shell 14 mm high 22B Umbilical view 22C Apical view (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., Ulu Kimanis, along Keningau-Kimanis road, BOR/MOL 1364, holotype) 23 Dyakia moluensis Godwin Austen, 1891 23A Frontal view, shell 12.5 mm high 23B Umbilical view 23C Apical view (Malaysia, Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park, V 10464).
Primary forest on sandstone bedrock. Alt. 1200–1500 m. Sabah: Crocker Range, Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trusmadi. Endemic to Sabah.
Very similar to Dyakia moluensis Godwin Austen, 1891, the shell differs by being very thin, by having a somewhat higher spire, and a markedly undulate upper surface, by absence of any colour markings, and by absence of a fine, somewhat spaced spiral striation on the upper and lower surface. For comparison, we also provide illustrations of D. moluensis (fig. 23).
Adult shells of Rhinocochlis nasuta (Metcalfe, 1851) differ by having the palatal side of the peristome drawn out into a tapering, slightly backwards curved beak. Juvenile shells without the beak are very similar to Dyakia chlorosoma, but differ by the presence of a fine, somewhat spaced, spiral striation. The animal of R. nasuta is green, with somewhat yellowish to orange red tentacles.
The name refers to the green body of the living animal [chloros (Gr.) = green; soma (Gr.) = body].
Nanina subgenus Microcystina Mörch, 1872: 311. Microcystina (Mörch) Godwin Austen, 1882 (1882–1888): 11.
Shell minute or very small, thin, lenticular, inflated-lenticular to depressed-ovoid; spire almost flat to moderately elevated. Surface shiny or glossy. Sculpture very fine, hardly prominent. Umbilicus open but very narrow, to closed, often partly or entirely covered by a minute, triangular spur protruding from the columellar corner of the peristome; this spur lacking or inconspicuous in juveniles. Dimensions: Width of adult shells 1.7–3.6 mm.
The genus Microcystina includes small (up to 3.6 mm wide) species with lenticular (depressed ovoid in M. physotrochus) shells. Invariably, the shell surface seems smooth at a first impression, any sculpture present on the shells is very fine and inconspicuous. This distinguishes the smaller species of Microcystina (particularly M. sinica) from sympatric, yet undescribed Charopa species (Charopidae), which have lenticular, minute shells (width of adult shells 0.9–1.9 mm) with a much more conspicuous sculpture. In several Microcystina species the umbilicus is partly or entirely covered by a minute, triangular spur protruding from the columellar corner of the peristome.
Borneo Macrochlamys and Everettia (Ariophantidae), and Helicarion (Helicarionidae) may have similarly shaped shells, including the inconspicuous sculpture, but they are larger (width of adult shells 8 mm or more).
Placement of Microcystina into the family Ariophantidae follows
We provide a review of the Sabah species of Microcystina. We divide the genus into two informal groups.
Microcystina microrhynchus nomen nudum,
Microcystina sp. “BO-01”,
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Gua Pungiton (
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Matang River South of Long Pasia (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 9815); Matang River South of Long Pasia, ridge on West bank (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 9824); Long Pasia (leg. T.S. Liew & Meckson, BOR/MOL 4355). Tenom (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3348). Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1109, V 1114); West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9749; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3137; leg. J. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1081). Gunung Trusmadi slopes: Forestry chalet (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13211); Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13244). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7997, V 1143, V 1168, BOR/MOL 1067; leg. R. Haegens, V 5633; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1085). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1284. Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1971; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1099); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8041, BOR/MOL 1071; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1091); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7629; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1096); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7548, BOR/MOL 1069); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7678; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1082, BOR/MOL 1098). Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9530); South end, Batu Sireh (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9544; leg. T.H. Liew, Sazilin & Ramlan, BOR/MOL 3689). Banggi Island, South end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1429; leg. M.A. Rahman, BOR/MOL 1094); Karakit Hill (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1466; leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9470, V 9498); Pitas, Gua Mundau (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 4370); Kg. Magnin (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 4365). Sandakan Province. Meliau Range between 355–470 m (leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3196, BOR/MOL 3197, BOR/MOL 3221). Kinabatangan valley, Batu Batangan (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1328); Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9790; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1858, BOR/MOL 1892; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1322, BOR/MOL 1319); Hill Resang River (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1324); Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1969, BOR/MOL 2004; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1325); Batu Materis (; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2094, BOR/MOL 2126); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9641; leg. J.P. King, BOR/MOL 1326); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9582; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1321; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1926); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9713); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1500); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1631; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1080; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3122, BOR/MOL 3276, BOR/MOL 3292, BOR/MOL 3302, BOR/MOL 3309, BOR/MOL 3321, BOR/MOL 3344; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3649); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9628); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1074, BOR/MOL 1317; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2263, BOR/MOL 2294); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1327; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2036, BOR/MOL 2064); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1320; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 2166; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2197). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7780, BOR/MOL 1087); Tabin Wildlife Reserve (leg. T. Kimsin, BOR/MOL 735; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1086). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1853); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7588). Danum Valley (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1068, BOR/MOL 1073, BOR/MOL 1077; leg.
Shell very small, thin, translucent, white, lenticular; spire almost flat or slightly elevated. Surface glossy. Whorls slightly convex. Protoconch: smooth, sometimes with a few inconspicuous, scattered radial riblets only. Teleoconch: Spiral sculpture absent. Radial sculpture teleoconch: growth lines inconspicuous, next to these widely but irregularly spaced, shallow grooves, often alternating with areas of a much finer, more dense but irregularly spaced striation; sometimes the latter striation is predominant. Umbilicus partly or entirely covered by a minute, triangular spur protruding from the columellar corner of the peristome; this spur lacking or inconspicuous in juveniles; umbilical region moderately concave. Dimensions: Height up to 1.7 mm; width up to 3 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.5–0.8 mm, 0.9–1.5 mm, 1.5–2.5 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 1/8; height aperture up to 1.4 mm; width aperture up to 1.7 mm.
24 Microcystina microrhynchus sp. n. 24A Frontal view, shell 1.6 mm high 24B Apical view 24C Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton; 24A
Rainforest, periodically dry, shrubby woodland, coastal woodland, secondary forest and other degraded vegetation; on limestone, sandstone and granitic soil, up to 3500 m alt. Sabah: common and widespread. Also in Brunei; Sarawak; Kalimantan. Endemic to Borneo.
Characterized among the Borneo Microcystina species with white shells by a complete lack of spiral striation. Usually it is also larger and has more rapidly expanding whorls.
Elsewhere, Lamprocystus vitreiformis Von Moellendorff, 1897, from Sumatra, Java, and Bali (see
The name refers to the spur covering the umbilicus [mikros (Gr.) = small; rhynchos (Gr.) = beak].
Microcystina callifera nomen nudum,
Malaysia, Sabah, Mantanani Group, Pulau Lungisan (
Kudat Province. Banggi Island, South end, Karakit Hill (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9499). West Coast Province. Mantanani Group, Pulau Lungisan (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 9861; leg. M. Schilthuizen & T.H. Liew, BOR/MOL 3746); Pulau Mantanani Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 9849; leg. T.H. Liew, BOR/MOL 3715); Pulau Mantanani Kecil (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 9856; leg. T.H. Liew, BOR/MOL 3732).
Shell very small, (rather) thin, almost opaque or slightly translucent, white, lenticular; spire almost flat to moderately elevated. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls slightly convex. Protoconch with inconspicuous, widely spaced, continuous, shallow, vaguely outlined spiral grooves, as well as with fine, widely spaced, shallow radial riblets towards the teleoconch. Teleoconch: upper surface with very fine, widely spaced, continuous, moderately raised, sharply outlined spiral threads; lower surface with equally fine, widely spaced, shallow grooves. This sculpture is sometimes rather distinct, sometimes inconspicuous and patchy. Radial sculpture teleoconch: growth lines inconspicuous, in some specimens locally grading into irregularly and rather densely placed to widely spaced, shallow grooves. Umbilicus closed by a callous extension of the columellar corner of the peristome, the same callus also narrowing the aperture on the columellar side. Dimensions: Height up to 1.5 mm; width up to 2.5 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.5–0.6 mm, 0.9–1.0 mm, 1.2–1.4 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 1/2; height aperture up to 1.0 mm; width aperture up to 1.4 mm.
Coastal woodland on limestone soil. Sabah: Islands: Mantanani Group and Banggi Island. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified within Microcystina by the callus on the columellar side of the aperture. Substantial series of shells all have this callus, rendering the possibility of malformation unlikely. The spiral sculpture is usually more distinct, and more widely spaced than in M. striatula.
The name refers to the callus in the aperture.
Microcystina striatula nomen nudum,
Microcystina sp. “BO-02”,
Malaysia, Sabah, Tabin Valley (
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1112). Gunung Trusmadi slopes: Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13245). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1159). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1287). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1970); Batu Temurung (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 730); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7550). Kudat Province. Banggi Island, South end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 2515). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Materis (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1315); Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2005); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3611); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1499). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7779). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1854); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7590). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1723). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1678); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1228). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1822); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1768); Bod Gaya Island (leg. T.S. Liew, Abdul & Ladja, BOR/MOL 4750); Sebangkat Island (leg. T.S. Liew & Abdul, BOR/MOL 4968). West Coast Province. Pulau Tiga in Kimanis Bay (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 11343). Kota Kinabalu, Kiansom (leg.
Shell very small, thin, almost (slightly) translucent, white, lenticular; spire almost flat to slightly elevated. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls slightly to moderately convex. Protoconch with a very fine (hardly visible at 40 times magnification), densely placed, continuous, shallow, vaguely outlined spiral striation, and sometimes with fine, moderately spaced, shallow radial grooves towards the teleoconch only. Teleoconch with very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification) only slightly spaced, continuous, shallow, rather vaguely outlined spiral grooves on the upper surface; similar, but more densely placed grooves on the lower surface. This spiral sculpture is inconspicuous and patchy in some shells. Radial sculpture teleoconch: inconspicuous growth lines mainly, sometimes a few scattered, slight grooves. Umbilicus open, narrow, inner wall with an obtuse periomphalic edge; umbilical region distinctly concave. Dimensions: Height up to 1.1 mm; width up to 1.9 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.4–0.5 mm, 0.8–0.9 mm, 1.4–1.5 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 3 3/4; height aperture up to 0.8 mm; width aperture up to 1.0 mm.
Rainforest, seasonally dry coastal forest and shrubby forest on limestone bedrock, up to 1000 m alt. Sabah: scattered localities; less common than M. microrhynchus. Also in Kalimantan. Endemic to Borneo.
Differs at first sight from M. microrhynchus by the presence of a fine spiral striation, giving the shell a soft, silky shine rather than a high gloss. Next to that, the umbilical area is more distinctly concave.
Elsewhere, M. chionodiscus Vermeulen, 1996, from Bali, is similar, but M. striatula has a more distinct spiral striation.
SEM images at 400 times magnification show that the areas in between the spiral grooves on the upper surface of the teleoconch have a ‘welded’ appearance.
The name refers to the sculpture [striatula (L.) = finely striated].
Microcystina sinica Von Moellendorff, 1885: 386;
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Matang River South of Long Pasia (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 9813). Tenom (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3349). Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9745). Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7549); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8071). Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9527, V 9515); South end, Batu Sireh (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9565; leg. T.H. Liew, Sazilin & Ramlan, BOR/MOL 3690). Banggi Island, South end, Karakit Hill (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1465; leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9501, V 9466; leg. M.A. Rahman, BOR/MOL 1127). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Batangan (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2347, BOR/MOL 2348); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9579). Tawau Province. Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 13457); N.E. End (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7699; leg. M. Schilthuizen & A.S. Cabanban, BOR/MOL 3574). Segama valley, ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1220). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 13460); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1769). Semporna Islands Park: Pulau Bod Gaya (leg. M. Schilthuizen & A.S. Cabanban, V 12744) (leg. T.S. Liew, Abdul & Ladja, BOR/MOL 4723, BOR/MOL 4741, BOR/MOL 4751, BOR/MOL 4762, BOR/MOL 4776, BOR/MOL 4790, BOR/MOL 4803, BOR/MOL 4816, BOR/MOL 4841, BOR/MOL 4857, BOR/MOL 4876, BOR/MOL 4886, BOR/MOL 4898, BOR/MOL 4927, BOR/MOL 4937, BOR/MOL 4949, BOR/MOL 4958); Pulau Bohay Dulang (leg. M. Schilthuizen & A.S. Cabanban, V 12743, BOR/MOL 3535; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4608, BOR/MOL 4621, BOR/MOL 4645, BOR/MOL 4656, BOR/MOL 4669; leg. T.S. Liew & M. Ruf, BOR/MOL 4696, BOR/MOL 4710); Sebangkat Island (leg. T.S. Liew, Abdul & Ladja, BOR/MOL 4993); Selakan Island (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 5005, BOR/MOL 5340); Tetagan Island (leg. T.S. Liew, Abdul & Ladja, BOR/MOL 5021, BOR/MOL 5029). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Poring Hot Springs, along path to waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13005); Serinsim (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3102). Pulau Tiga in Kimanis Bay (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 11347). Mantanani Kecil Island (leg. T.H. Liew, BOR/MOL 3734).
Shell minute, thin, somewhat translucent, pale yellowish to pale corneous, lenticular; spire moderately elevated, conical with a rounded apex. Surface moderately glossy, or with a silky shine. Whorls moderately convex. Protoconch with a fine, moderately spaced spiral striation consisting of rows of minute pits (barely visible at 40 times magnification) which are arranged in a reticulate pattern, sometimes traces of radial riblets (barely visible at 40 times magnification). Teleoconch: Spiral sculpture sometimes approx. absent or very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), rather widely spaced, continuous, shallow, rather sharply outlined grooves present locally or over the entire shell. Radial sculpture teleoconch: inconspicuous growth lines, next to these inconspicuous to distinct, well-spaced to densely placed shallow grooves, often at irregular intervals. Umbilicus closed, or open and very narrow; columellar side of the peristome somewhat thickened but not covering the umbilicus; umbilical region slightly concave. Dimensions: Height up to 1.1 mm; width up to 1.7 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.3–0.5 mm, 0.5–0.8 mm, 0.8–1.3 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 18; height aperture up to 0.9 mm; width aperture up to 0.9 mm.
27 Microcystina sinica Von Moellendorff, 1885. 27A Frontal view, shell 0.6 mm high 27B Frontal view, shell 1.0 mm high 27C Apical view 27D Umbilical view (27A, 27C, 27D Malaysia, Sabah, Sepulut valley, Gua Sanaron, V 8071 27B Indonesia, Kalimantan Selatan, Meratus Mts., West flank, Nateh near Batu Tangga, c. 18 km E Barabai, V 3061) 28 Microcystina consobrina Van Benthem Jutting, 1959. 28A Frontal view, shell 1.4 mm high 28B Frontal view, shell 1.3 mm high 28C Apical view 28D Umbilical view 28E Umbilical view (28A, 28C, 28D Indonesia, Sumatra, Berastagi,
29 Microcystina callifera sp. n. SEM image of the third whorl (Malaysia, Sabah, Mantanani Islands, Pulau Lungisan, BOR/MOL 3746) 30 Microcystina striatula sp. n. SEM image of the third whorl (Malaysia, Sabah, Pulau Tiga, BOR/MOL 1100, lost) 31 Microcystina sinica Von Moellendorff, 1885. SEM image of the third whorl (material and data lost) 32 Microcystina consobrina Van Benthem Jutting, 1959. SEM image of the third whorl (Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabalu N.P., Kotal route between 2292 and 3112 m alt., BOR/MOL 4003).
Primary and secondary forest, coastal woodland on limestone, sandstone and volcanic bedrock, up to 1100 m alt. Elsewhere also in more severely degraded environments such as Imperata grass fields. Sabah: rather common in East Sabah, scattered localities in West Sabah. Also in Sarawak; Kalimantan. Distribution: widespread, from South China to Java; Eastwards to Irian Jaya.
Shares the small size, slowly expanding whorls, and pitted protoconch with M. muscorum; it differs by having a continuous spiral striation on the teleoconch. Shells entirely without spiral striation can be distinguished by the colour, as well as by the absence of shallow, widely spaced radial grooves, as occur in M. muscorum.
M. striatula and M. gratilla have more rapidly expanding whorls, and have a flatter shell; M. striatula also has a white shell.
Microcystina consobrina Van Benthem Jutting, 1959: 145;
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Kotal route between 2292 and 3112 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin, Safrie & Jasilin V 14326; V 14325, BOR/MOL 4003).
Shell very small, thin, translucent, pale yellowish green to yellowish brown, approx. lenticular; spire moderately elevated, conical with a rounded apex. Surface shiny, glossy below. Whorls moderately to distinctly convex. Protoconch without spiral sculpture; with fine, densely placed, low radial riblets towards the teleoconch, but slightly coarser than on the teleoconch. Teleoconch: Spiral sculpture above the periphery absent or inconspicuous, below the periphery with numerous fine, well-spaced, continuous, shallow, rather vaguely outlined grooves. Radial sculpture teleoconch: above the periphery with very fine, very densely and regularly placed, low riblets; below the periphery with some irregularly spaced growth lines only. Umbilicus open, narrow; columellar side of the peristome somewhat thickened but not covering the umbilicus. Dimensions: Height up to 1.4 mm; width up to 2.3 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.5–0.6 mm, 0.8–1.0 mm, 1.4–1.6 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 1/4; height aperture up to 1 mm; width aperture up to 1.2 mm.
Primary forest on granodiorite soil, 2200–3200 m alt., elsewhere at 0–1700 m alt. Sabah: Mt. Kinabalu. Distribution: Sumatra; Bali.
Uniquely characterized within Group 2 by the fine and dense radial ribbing above the periphery.
Elsewhere, Lamprocystis exigua Von Moellendorff, 1897, from Java to Flores, (see
The description includes extralimital material as well. The Kinabalu material has slightly coarser radial riblets than the type.
Malaysia, Sabah, Mt. Trusmadi, Gua Dawaras (
Interior Province. Gunung Trusmadi slopes: Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13220); Gua Dawaras (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 12742; leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 9868).
Shell very small, thin, translucent, yellowish brown, discoid-lenticular; spire almost flat. Surface glossy. Whorls moderately convex. Protoconch with 7–10 very fine, widely and regularly spaced spiral grooves. Teleoconch: very fine, widely and sometimes irregularly spaced spiral grooves on the upper and lower surface; these sometimes (partly) absent on the outer whorls. Radial sculpture teleoconch: scattered, inconspicuous growth lines; very slight, irregularly spaced folds just below the suture. Umbilicus open, narrow; columellar side of the peristome somewhat thickened but not covering the umbilicus. Dimensions: Height up to 1.5 mm; width up to 2.6 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.7–0.8 mm, 1.2–1.3 mm, c. 2.3 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 3 1/8; height aperture up to 1.2 mm; width aperture up to 1.4 mm.
33 Microcystina planiuscula sp. n. 33A Frontal view 33B Apical view 33C Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Gunung Trusmadi, Gua Dawaras,
Primary forest on limestone soil, 1600–1700 m alt. Sabah: Mt. Trusmadi only. Endemic to Sabah.
Identified by the distinctly more rapidly expanding whorls than in any other species in Group 2.
The name refers to the shell shape [planiusculus (L.) = somewhat flattened].
Lamprocystis appendiculata Von Moellendorff, 1893: 72. Type from Philippines, Leyte.
Microcystina lissa nomen nudum,
Microcystina sp. “BO-03”,
Interior Province. Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1972); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8042); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7628; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1102). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9789; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1348); Batu Mawas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1333; leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1970, BOR/MOL 2006); Batu Materis (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1330; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2095, BOR/MOL 2127); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9669); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9596; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1927); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1125, BOR/MOL 1332; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2264, BOR/MOL 2295); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9687; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2037, BOR/MOL 2065); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1630; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3267, BOR/MOL 3282; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3648); Hill Sg. Resang (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1335, BOR/MOL 3612); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2198). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7781). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1856); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7599). Danum Valley (leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 1105; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1103, BOR/MOL 1110; leg.
Shell very small, thin, somewhat translucent, brown, lenticular; spire slightly to moderately elevated, conical with a rounded apex. Surface glossy. Whorls slightly convex. Protoconch with 6–10 very fine, well-spaced, continuous, shallow spiral grooves. Teleoconch: very fine, moderately to widely spaced, continuous, shallow, rather vaguely outlined spiral grooves on the top whorls, in adults usually absent on the last whorl above the periphery, but more frequently present, more densely placed, below the periphery. Spiral sculpture rarely entirely absent. Radial sculpture teleoconch: inconspicuous growth lines, a few irregularly spaced, very slight grooves. Umbilicus partly or entirely covered by a minute, semi-elliptic to triangular spur protruding from the columellar corner of the peristome; this spur often less conspicuous in juveniles. Dimensions: Height up to 1.9 mm; width up to 3.3 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.5–0.6 mm, 0.9–1.2 mm, 1.5–1.9 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 3/4; height aperture up to 1.3 mm; width aperture up to 1.9 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone and sandstone soil, up to 1400 m alt. Sabah: common in East Sabah, scattered localities in West Sabah. Distribution: Philippines (Palawan, Leyte).
The only Sabah species within group 2 of Microcystina with a peristome extension covering the umbilicus. Similar to M. planiuscula, but with less rapidly expanding whorls, and with a finer spiral striation. Juveniles with an inconspicuous spur on the columellar side of the peristome can be distinguished from M. physotrochus by the lack of radial riblets on the protoconch and by with the flat, not convex, sides of the spire.
M. cavernae Godwin Austen, 1891, from Sarawak, has a shell of similar shape and colour; it differs in lacking the columellar spur.
Microcystina muscorum Van Benthem Jutting, 1959: 146;
Microcystina sp. “BO-05”,
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Matang River South of Long Pasia, ridge on West bank (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 9823). Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, South end, Batu Sireh (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9551). Banggi Island, South end, Karakit Hill (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9465). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Batangan (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1338); Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 12727; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1336, BOR/MOL 3614, BOR/MOL 3616; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1859); Batu Mawas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1341); Batu Materis (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 3615, BOR/MOL 2128; leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1972, BOR/MOL 2007); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 12731); Bod Tai (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1342); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 12730) (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2643, BOR/MOL 1944); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1350, BOR/MOL 3613); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 12729); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1498); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1633; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3650); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9616). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7782); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2234, BOR/MOL 2199; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 2167; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1337). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1857). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1727). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1696); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 14346); Sabahmas Cave (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7459, V 12728, BOR/MOL 1126). Semporna, Bohey Dulang Island (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4607, BOR/MOL 4620, BOR/MOL 4655; leg. T.S. Liew & M. Ruf, BOR/MOL 4697, BOR/MOL 4709); Bod Gaya Island (leg. T.S. Liew, Abdul & Ladja, BOR/MOL 4749, BOR/MOL 4760, BOR/MOL 4801, BOR/MOL 4831, BOR/MOL 4856, BOR/MOL 4864, BOR/MOL 4875, BOR/MOL 4885, BOR/MOL 4896, BOR/MOL 4917); Sibuan Island (leg. T.S. Liew & Abdul, BOR/MOL 5058). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Poring Hot Springs, along path to waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13004); Serinsim (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3078).
Shell very small, thin, translucent, straw yellow to brown, approx. lenticular; spire moderately elevated, conical with a rounded apex. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex. Protoconch with a fine, moderately spaced spiral striation consisting of rows of minute, rather sharply outlined pits which are arranged in a reticulate pattern towards the teleoconch; with or without patches of fine, densely placed riblets. Teleoconch: above the periphery with a very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), dense and regularly spaced spiral striation, the striae consisting of rows of disconnected or partially connected, minute, rather deep, sharply outlined pits (best visible in tangential light); below the periphery the pits are sometimes more or less connected to continuous grooves. Spiral sculpture sometimes absent on the teleoconch. Radial sculpture teleoconch: inconspicuous growth lines, next to these with inconspicuous to distinct, well-spaced to densely placed, very shallow grooves, often at irregular intervals. Umbilicus open, narrow, columellar side of the peristome somewhat thickened but not covering the umbilicus. Dimensions: Height up to 1.9 mm; width up to 3.1 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.3–0.5 mm, 0.6–0.9 mm, 1.1–1.5 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5 1/4; height aperture up to 1.2 mm; width aperture up to 1.5 mm.
35 Microcystina muscorum Van Benthem Jutting, 1959 35A Frontal view, shell 1.2 mm high 35B Apical view 35C Umbilical view (Indonesia, Bali, Danau Buyan, V 3974) 36 Microcystina gratilla Van Benthem Jutting, 1950. 36A Frontal view, shell 2.0 mm high 36B Apical view 36C Umbilical view (Indonesia, Java, limestone mountains near Padalarang,
38 Microcystina muscorum Van Benthem Jutting, 1959 38A SEM image of the third whorl 38B SEM image of apex (Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabatangan river valley, Batu Mawas, leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1341) 39 Microcystina gratilla Van Benthem Jutting, 1950 39A SEM image of the third whorl 39B SEM image of apex (Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabalu N.P., Monggis-Tambuyukon trail between 896 and 1016 m alt., BOR/MOL 4141).
Primary and secondary forest, coastal woodland on limestone and sandstone soil, up to 2100 m alt. Sabah: rather common in East Sabah, only few localities in West Sabah. Distribution: Laos; Peninsular Malaysia; Sumatra; Java; Bali.
Usually well-characterized by the spiral striation consisting of minute pits. Rare populations (one in Sabah) lack this striation on the teleoconch. On the protoconch, however, the pits are always present, which serves to distinguish M. muscorum from M. gratilla.
M. sinica has a similarly pitted protoconch, see under that species.
Microcystina gratilla Van Benthem Jutting, 1950: 448;
Microcystina sp. “BO-04”,
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 12741). Gunung Trusmadi (leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, V 12740). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Poring Hot Springs, along path to waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13006); Monggis-Tambuyukon trail between 896 and 1016 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4139, BOR/MOL 4141); Serinsim-Nombuyukon trail between 548 and 877 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4140, BOR/MOL 4143).
Shell very small, thin, translucent, yellowish brown to brown, lenticular; spire almost flat to moderately elevated, conical with a rounded apex. Surface glossy. Whorls moderately convex. Protoconch: spiral striation absent, with or without a few inconspicuous, scattered radial riblets towards the teleoconch. Teleoconch: with or without traces of very fine (only just visible at 40 times magnification), widely and somewhat irregularly spaced, shallow, rather sharply outlined grooves which are somewhat interrupted towards the protoconch, but which are continuous on the outer whorls. Radial sculpture teleoconch: inconspicuous growth lines, next to these inconspicuous to distinct, well-spaced to densely placed, shallow grooves, often at irregular intervals. Umbilicus open, narrow, columellar side of the peristome somewhat thickened but not covering the umbilicus. Dimensions: Height up to 2.2 mm; width up to 3.6 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.4–0.5 mm, 0.8–1.0 mm, 1.2–1.6 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 7/8; height aperture up to 1.3 mm; width aperture up to 1.3 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on sandstone bedrock, up to 900 m alt., elsewhere up to 2400 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambuyukon; Mount Trusmadi, Crocker Range. Also in Kalimantan. Distribution: Java; Madura, Bali; Flores.
Very similar to M. muscorum, but the sculpture, at least on the protoconch, is different; see below M. muscorum. Juvenile M. appendiculata in which the spur protruding from the columellar corner of the peristome has not yet developed can be distinguished by the absence of well-spaced radial grooves on the teleoconch. Juvenile M. physotrochus has a protoconch with more distinct radial riblets.
Most Sabah shells have a comparatively high spire.
Microcystina physotrochus nomen nudum,
Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Kinabatangan Valley, Batu Keruak 2, near Sukau (
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Long Pasia (leg. T.S. Liew & Meckson, BOR/MOL 4354). Gunung Trusmadi slopes: Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13243); Gua Dawaras (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 9873). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 2643). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1969); Bukit Tinahas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7456); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8082). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1971; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1345); Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 12726; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 1347); Hill on Resang river (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1346). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7500). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong, North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7587). Danum Valley Conservation Area (leg.
Shell very small, thin, slightly translucent, brown; inflated-lenticular to depressed-ovoid; spire (moderately) elevated (more distinctly elevated in some adults) conical with convex sides or depressed-ovoid, with a rounded apex. Surface glossy. Whorls moderately convex. Protoconch: with or without very fine (only just visible at 40 times magnification), well-spaced, somewhat interrupted, shallow, rather sharply outlined spiral grooves; also with patches of fine, densely placed radial riblets, particularly below the suture. Teleoconch: fine, well-spaced, shallow spiral grooves on the upper and lower surface; sometimes only present on part of the shell, or (almost) entirely absent. Radial sculpture teleoconch: inconspicuous growth lines, next to these rather distinct, well-spaced to densely placed shallow grooves, often at irregular intervals. Umbilicus open, narrow; columellar side of the peristome somewhat thickened but not covering the umbilicus. Dimensions: Height up to 2.3 mm; width up to 2.9 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.5–0.7 mm, 0.9–1.2 mm, 1.3–1.8 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 7/8; height aperture up to 1.5 mm; width aperture up to 1.6 mm.
Rainforest, seasonally dry forest, coastal forest, secondary woodland; on limestone and sandstone bedrock, up to 2600 m alt. Sabah: rather common. Usually found in small numbers. Also in Sarawak. Endemic to Borneo.
Generally identified among Sabah Microcystina by the somewhat inflated shell. Relatively flat specimens differ from M. appendiculata because they lack the spur on the columellar side of the peristome.
Elsewhere, the following species have a similar inflated-lenticular or depressed-ovoid shell of comparable size. Sitala infantilis E.A. Smith, 1895, from Palawan, has a corneous shell with a comparatively larger aperture, and a smooth surface, Microcystina seclusa Godwin Austen, 1891, from Sarawak, has the last whorl more narrowly rounded around the periphery. Lamprocystis ambonica Boettger, 1891, from the Moluccas, has a larger aperture. Sitala amussitata E.A. Smith, 1895, from Sarawak, and Lamprocystis subglobosa Von Moellendorff, 1897 (see
Philalanka anomphala (see Endodontidae) is characterized by the thinner shell, with much coarser, raised growth lines.
Juveniles and some adults have the basal edge of the peristome more angular than in the illustrated specimen. A small callus (not protruding beyond the rim of the peristome, as in M. appendiculata) may be present on the columellar peristome in such shells. Shells from Mount Kinabalu tend to be relatively small, with a distinctly elevated spire.
The name refers to the inflated shell shape [phusa (Gr.) = bellows; trokhos (Gr.) = wheel, a word often used for the gastropod spire].
Snails. Shell often colourful, medium-sized to very large, dextral, sinistral or chirally dimorphic, (narrowly-)conical, ellipsoid, ovoid, lenticular discoidal or globose. Sculpture absent, or inconspicuous; often with minute, geometrically arranged scars, each with a periostracal hair on top. Aperture usually without teeth or lamellae, peristome usually thickened and/or reflected. Umbilicus closed or open, narrow (Family description adapted from
Tree and rock dwellers. Widespread and species-rich throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
Although the family is well-studied, and some groups have been confidently excluded because of polyphyly, such as the American taxa (Scott 1996; Wade et al. 2007),
Amphidromus
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (
Interior Province. Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1311).
Shell sinistral, rather large, rather thin but rather solid, opaque, white, top whorls with or without some oblique, pale brownish-purple markings, spire high-conical with convex sides to approx. narrowly ovoid; apex narrowly rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls: top whorls convex, other whorls slightly convex, flat or slightly concave just below the suture; last whorl rounded at the periphery, slightly convex below the periphery. Protoconch whorls rounded, minutely punctate. Teleoconch: few growth lines at irregular intervals, locally slightly raised. Spiral sculpture: a faint, very fine, dense stration locally present. Aperture slightly obliquely elliptic, peristome distinctly reflected on the palatal, basal and columellar side. Umbilicus closed, or rimate, a narrow pore underneath the reflected columellar peristome. Dimensions: Height 24–25 mm; width 11–12 mm; number of whorls 5–5 1/2; height aperture 11.0–11.5 mm; width aperture 6.5–7.5 mm.
40 Amphidromus psephos sp. n. Frontal view, shell 24 mm high (Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut,
Found in shrubby forest on limestone bedrock. Alt. c. 500 m. Sabah: Interor, Pun Batu only. Endemic to Sabah.
The small size, combined with the narrow spire uniquely identifies this species within in the genus Amphidromus.
The name refers to the size of the shell [psephos (Gr.) = pebble].
Trachia Albers in Albers & Von Martens, 1860: 160.
The classification of this genus is still unresolved (
Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Gunung Meliau, South flank (BOR/MOL 3201).
Shell dextral, medium-sized, thin, opaque, whitish with 3 rather narrow, brown bands: one slightly above the periphery, one below the suture and one basal, peristome white, spire low-conical with slightly convex sides; apex almost flat. Surface dull. Periostracum rather thick, easily peeling off in dead shells, translucent, greenish-corneous, with regularly spread, short hairs. Whorls convex and not shouldered, last whorl rounded at the periphery, convex below the periphery. Protoconch whorls rounded. Teleoconch: growth lines at irregular intervals, locally raised to inconspicuous, rather densely placed, flat riblets. No spiral sculpture. Aperture obliquely rhombiform, distinctly drawn out into a rounded beak on the paratal side, peristome only slightly reflected above the beak, distinctly so below the beak. Umbilicus closed, covered by an extension of the peristome. Dimensions: Height c. 11.5 mm; width c. 18.0 mm; diameters of the first three whorls c. 3.5 mm, c. 7.0 mm, c. 12.0 mm respectively; number of whorls c. 3 7/8; height aperture c. 7.5 mm; width aperture c. 11.5 mm.
Found in primary forest on ultrabasic bedrock. Alt. 600–700 m. Sabah: Gunung Meliau. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified among Sabah Camaenidae by its beak-like extension of the palatal side of the aperture. The only Sabah species with a similar beak is the ariophantid Rhinocochlis nasuta (Metcalfe, 1851), which has a flat, sharply keeled, entirely white shell without hairs on the periostracum.
This species may be endemic to the Sabah areas on ultrabasic bedrock.
The name refers that the species is found on serpentinite bedrock.
Snails. Shell small to medium-sized, dextral, conical, lenticular, or discoidal. Sculpture often rather distinct, consisting of spiral striation and/or radial ribs, sculpture sometimes inconspicuous or absent. Aperture with or without teeth or lamellae, peristome neither thickened nor reflected. Umbilicus closed or open, narrow or wide (Family description adapted from
Generally found in litter and on the vegetation. Worldwide, but particularly species-rich on the islands of and around the Pacific.
The status of several genera often included in this family, including the ones we discuss here (Philalanka and Thysanota), has been debated. Raheem et al. (2014) follow
The endodontid genera Philalanka and Thysanota generally include small species with more or less conical shells, and often with one or more distinct spiral threads. Particularly Philalanka displays a wide range of shell shapes, which makes it impossible to find a diagnostic set that unequivocally distinguishes between the genera. However, we feel that including Philalanka, Kaliella and the various satellite genera into a single genus would be unjustified. This is in spite of the fact that we are in favour of genera of convenience, by necessity because in most cases our taxonomy is largely based on shells. The best we can do is to compare groups within Philalanka with groups within Kaliella which share one or two characters.
We provide a review of the Sabah species of the Endodontidae.
Endodonta subgenus Philalanka Godwin Austen, 1898: 11. Philalanka (Godwin Austen) Gude, 1914: 14;
Shell conical to conical-ovoid, whorls somewhat depressed or not. Teleoconch: Radial sculpture prosocline, indistinct to coarse growth lines only, or with fine growth lines grading into rather densely placed, rather distinct riblets. Last whorl without spiral threads, or with 1–6 distinct spiral threads (next to a number of much finer spiral threads), the lowermost around the periphery, the others above the periphery and often interrupted. Umbilicus open, narrow, or closed.
Type of the genus is P. secessa Godwin Austen, from Sri Lanka, a species comparable to P. thienemanni, with a single peripheral thread on the last whorl. Next to these, species with more than one spiral thread (comparable to P. kusana, below) are included by
On account of anatomical characters,
We divide the genus into two informal groups.
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Long Pasia (leg. T.S. Liew & Meckson, BOR/MOL 4340). Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 14250; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2317). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13221).
Shell very small, thin, translucent to opaque, pale brown- or yellow-corneous to white, conical with flat or slightly convex sides; apex widely rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls convex, rounded. Protoconch whorls convex; sculpture: 10–15 rather distinct, thin spiral threads; radial sculpture approx. absent or some very fine, subordinate wrinkles. Teleoconch: Last whorl with (1-)2 inconspicuous to distinct, narrow spiral threads (1 above the periphery, sometimes absent; 1 below the periphery, coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl); next to these a distinct, fine, rather dense spiral striation present, sometimes less conspicuous just below the suture; below the lowermost spiral thread the spiral striation is (somewhat) more widely spaced and gradually disappears towards the umbilicus. Radial sculpture most distinct below the suture: fine growth lines grading into rather densely placed, rather distinct riblets; the interstices between these riblets cut into the crests of the spiral striation. Umbilicus open, rather narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.3 mm; width up to 2.5 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.55–0.80 mm, 0.95–1.20 mm, 1.45–1.80 mm, 2.0–2.3 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5; height aperture up to 1.0 mm; width aperture up to 1.3 mm.
42 Philalanka tambunanensis sp. n. 42A Frontal view, shell 1.9 mm high 42B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon,
Damp primary forest around streams, on limestone and sandstone bedrock, 500–1000 m alt. Sabah: Upper Padas River, Tambunan valley. Endemic to Sabah.
Differs from P. kusana by the more distinct spiral striation next to the two threads, as well as a more distinct radial sculpture. As a result, the shell is not shiny, but has a silky luster. Philalanka tambunanensis usually has two spiral threads; P. kusana usually has three, sometimes two.
Philalanka carinifera (Stoliczka), from Peninsular Malaysia, is more densely coiled (diameters of the first four whorls 0.4–0.5 mm, 0.70–0.85 mm, 1.05–1.20 mm, 1.4–1.6 mm respectively), and has a shiny surface with inconspicuous sculpture only, apart from the spiral threads.
The name refers to the area where the species is found.
Trochomorpha kusana Aldrich, 1889: 24. Sitala kusana (Aldrich) Godwin Austen, 1891: 40. Philalanka kusana (Aldrich) Schilthuizen & Rutjes, 2001: 419–420;
Sitala quadricarinata Gude, 1917: 315. Type from Borneo.
[Not Philalanka kusana auct. Vermeulen & Whitten, 1998: 92, 148; = P. tjibodasensis (Leschke)].
Interior Province. Long Pa Sia (leg. Meckson & T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4341). Tenom (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3359). Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1115; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 755); West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9730; leg. J. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 763; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3140). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13223; leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 760; leg. M. Suleiman & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2401). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1165, V 8000; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 747). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1281). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1984; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4327; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 745); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8045, V 8046; BOR/MOL 767, BOR/MOL 768; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 746); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7630; leg. J.J. Vermeulen, BOR/MOL 753; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 740); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7553, V 8084, BOR/MOL 749); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7666; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 739, BOR/MOL 744). Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9531; leg. T.H. Liew, BOR/MOL 3695); Forest near Kampung Magnin (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 4359, BOR/MOL 4366). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9646); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9689; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 2069; leg. J.J. Vermeulen, BOR/MOL 2314); Bod Tai (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2316); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1484); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1618; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3279; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3280, BOR/MOL 3298; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 761; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 3657). Segama Valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7772); Tabin (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 743; leg. H.N. Chai, BOR/MOL 751; leg. J.J. Vermeulen, BOR/MOL 766). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1862); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7596). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1731); N.E. end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7703). Danum Valley (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 748, BOR/MOL 756, BOR/MOL 757, BOR/MOL 759; leg. J.J. Vermeulen, BOR/MOL 741; leg. H.N. Chai, BOR/MOL 754; leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 764; leg. N. Tawatao, BOR/MOL 2318; leg.
Shell very small, thin, translucent to opaque, light brown to pale yellow-corneous to white, conical with slightly convex sides, sometimes conical-ovoid; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls convex, rounded or slightly angular because of the presence of strong spiral threads, somewhat flattened below the lowermost spiral thread, sometimes somewhat flattened above the upper spiral thread. Protoconch whorls convex; sculpture: (1-)4–6(-9) inconspicuous to distinct, thin spiral threads; radial sculpture absent or some subordinate wrinkles. Teleoconch: Last whorl with (2-)3(-4) distinct, narrow spiral threads (when 2: 1 above and 1 below the periphery; when 3–4: 1 at the periphery, 1 well below, and 1–2 above), the lowermost coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl; between the spiral threads often (traces of) a fine, rather dense to moderately spaced spiral striation; below the lowermost spiral thread a similar moderately to widely spaced spiral striation which gradually disappears towards the umbilicus. Radial sculpture most distinct below the suture: fine growth lines, locally grading into somewhat spaced riblets. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 3.2 mm; width up to 3.5 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.6–0.8 mm, 1.0–1.3 mm, 1.6–2.0 mm, 2.1–2.7 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5 1/2; height aperture up to 1.1 mm; width aperture up to 1.6 mm.
Primary and secondary forest, shrubby regrowth, rock outcrops, on sandstone and limestone soil, up to 600 m alt. (up to 1200 m alt. in Sarawak). Sabah: common, widespread. Also in Sarawak; Kalimantan. Distribution: Peninsular Malaysia; Sumatra; Eastwards to Irian Jaya.
Philalanka tjibodasensis (Leschke), from Java, has a comparable size and mode of coiling (diameter of the first four whorls c. 0.6 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.6 mm, 2.4 mm respectively). It differs by having flattened protoconch whorls without spiral sculpture.
Philalanka carinifera (Stoliczka), from Peninsular Malaysia, is of similar shape, but smaller (height up to 2 mm, and width up to 2.1 mm, at 5 3/8 whorls). It is also more densely coiled (diameter of the first four whorls 0.4–0.5 mm, 0.70–0.85 mm, 1.05–1.20 mm, 1.4–1.6 mm respectively).
Most individuals of P. kusana have 3 spiral threads, but large samples usually include a small number of specimens with only 2 spiral threads. In a few samples from the Crocker Range, Kappes (unpublished report) suspects two discrete species within our concept of P. kusana, based on molecular data and supported by slight differences in protoconch sculpture. We find a wide variability in protoconch sculpture, and cannot accordingly divide all material available.
Sitala moluensis E.A. Smith, 1893: 343. Philalanka moluensis (E.A. Smith).
Sitala inaequisculpta E.A. Smith, 1895: 112. Type from Malaysia, Sarawak, Mount Rabong).
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Matang River South of Long Pasia (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 9812). Crocker Range N.P., Kalang Waterfalls (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1178); Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1110, V 1124); West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9728). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13232). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8001, V 1166, V 1167, BOR/MOL 782; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 773); Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1986; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 778); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8047, BOR/MOL 781; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 777); Bukit Tinahas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7631); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7558, BOR/MOL 770); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7668; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3619, BOR/MOL 775). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1617). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1858); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7595). Segama valley, ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1219), West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Poring Hot Springs, along path to waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13009).
44 Philalanka moluensis (E.A. Smith, 1893). 44A Frontal view, shell 2.3 mm high 44B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton, V 7558) 45 Philalanka obscura sp. n. 45A Frontal view, shell 2.1 mm high 45B Umbilical view (Indonesia, Kalimantan Timur, Sangkulirang Peninsula, Meweding Cave near village Tabalar Ulu (
Shell very small, rather thin, more or less opaque, brown, very rarely yellowish, conical with approx. flat or slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface about dull or with a silky luster above the periphery, glossy below. Whorls convex, approx. rounded. Protoconch whorls convex; sculpture: 9–12 inconspicuous to distinct, very fine, thin spiral threads; radial sculpture absent or some subordinate wrinkles. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a distinct spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above this 2–4 slightly less distinct threads with a very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification) spiral striation in between, particularly towards the periphery; below the periphery up to 4 fine spiral threads close to it, with very fine spiral striation in between. Radial sculpture: densely placed, very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), narrow riblets that may be inconspicuous locally. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.9 mm; width up to 2.8 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.55–0.65 mm, 0.9–1.1 mm, 1.35–1.55 mm, 1.9–2.1 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5 7/8; height aperture up to 1.2 mm; width aperture up to 1.6 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone and sandstone soil, up to 1100 m alt. Sabah: West part; scattered localities along East coast. Also in Sarawak. Endemic to Borneo.
Resembles Kaliella microconus (Mousson), which also occurs in Sabah, but it has much coarser and less regularly spaced spiral threads, and more convex whorls.
Philalanka obscura nomen nudum,
Indonesia, Kalimantan Timur, Sangkulirang Peninsula, Meweding Cave near village Tabalar Ulu (
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Long Pasia (leg. T.S. Liew & Meckson, BOR/MOL 4350). Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 12721; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 774); Ulu Kimanis (leg.
Shell very small, rather thin, more or less opaque, (dark) brown, sometimes yellowish, conical with approx. flat or slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface about dull or with a silky luster above the periphery, glossy below. Whorlsconvex, approx. rounded. Protoconch whorls convex; sculpture: 9–12 inconspicuous to distinct, very fine, thin spiral threads; radial sculpture absent or some subordinate wrinkles. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a distinct spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above this 3–4 about equally distinct threads, and in between up to 2 less distinct ones; below the lowermost thread a very fine spiral striation close to it, sometimes with up to 4 slightly coarser threads interspersed. Radial sculpture: densely placed, very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), narrow riblets that may be inconspicuous locally. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.7 mm; width up to 2.4 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.5–0.65 mm, 0.85–1.00 mm, 1.15–1.35 mm, 1.5–1.8 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5 3/4; height aperture up to 0.9 mm; width aperture up to 1.3 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone and sandstone soil, up to 500 m alt. Sabah: scattered localities. Also in Kalimantan. Endemic to Borneo.
Differs from P. moluensis by not having a fine spiral striation in between the spiral threads above the periphery, except for a few subordinate threads. Next to this, the shells are usually higher conical, and the spiral threads are thicker.
The name refers to the shell colour [obscurus (L.) = dark].
Philalanka thienemanni B. Rensch, 1932: 105;
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 14251). West Coast Province. Crocker Range N.P., 22.5 km road Tambunan to Kota Kinabalu, near Rafflesia Park (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 13530).
Shell very small, very thin, translucent, pale yellow-corneous to white, conical with convex sides, to almost conical-ovoid; apex rounded. Surface glossy. Whorls moderately convex, last whorl rounded or slightly angular because of the presence of a strong spiral thread. Protoconch whorls convex, smooth or with 1–6 very inconspicuous, thin spiral threads. Teleoconch: last whorl with a distinct, thick peripheral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl; next to this thread (traces of) very fine, inconspicuous, well-spaced, very thin spiral threads present except in the umbilical region; with or without (traces of) an even finer (just visible at 40 times magnification), dense spiral striation in between these threads, especially above the peripheral thread. Radial sculpture: locally a few inconspicuous, well-spaced growth lines, locally also very fine (barely visible at 40 times magnification), densely placed riblets. Umbilicus open, wide. Dimensions: Height up to 2.35 mm; width up to 2.6 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.5–0.6 mm, 0.90–1.05 mm, 1.3–1.6 mm, 1.80–2.15 mm respectively; number of whorls 6; height aperture up to 0.8 mm; width aperture up to 1 mm.
Found in damp forest on sandstone soil, at 500–1700 m alt. Sabah: Crocker Range. Distribution: Thailand; Java; Bali; Flores.
Shells from Thailand (V5603, from Chiang Mai) have a slightly more distinct spiral sculpture, particularly on the lower surface, than shells from Java. The Borneo shells are intermediate in this respect.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Mesilau trail (
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., near Kotal route at 2376 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin, Safrie & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4202, V 14335); Mesilau trail between 2112 and 2356 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4204, BOR/MOL 4206, V 14334; leg. T.S. Liew & J. Lapidin, BOR/MOL 4205); Summit trail at 2308 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4203).
Shell very small, thin, hardly translucent, yellow-corneous, low-conical with slightly convex sides; apex somewhat flattened. Surface glossy. Whorls convex, rounded. Protoconch whorls convex; surface almost smooth, the slightest traces of a very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), dense spiral striation, as well as some traces of radial sculpture. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a thin, inconspicuous (conspicuous in juveniles) spiral thread following the periphery and coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl; above this traces of very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), rather dense spiral striation, below the periphery with a similar, but widely spaced, striation; this spiral striation subordinate to rather coarse, moderately spaced but irregularly placed, usually somewhat sunk growth lines above the periphery, radial sculpture below the periphery less conspicuous. Umbilicus closed, rimate in juveniles. Dimensions: Height up to c. 1.75 mm; width up to c. 2.3 mm; diameters of the first three whorls c. 0.75 mm, c. 1.25 mm, c. 1.9 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 3 5/8; height aperture up to 1.0 mm; width aperture up to 1.2 mm.
47 Philalanka anomphala sp. n. 47A Frontal view 47B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Mesilau trail,
Montane forest on sandstone soil. Alt. 2100–2400 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu. Endemic to Sabah.
Differs from P. rugulosa and P. malimgunung, as well as from the similar looking species P. lieftincki Van Benthem Jutting (Indonesia, Ambon), and P. micromphala Van Benthem Jutting (Indonesia, Java), by having a closed umbilicus.
The name refers to the absence of an umbilicus [an-omphalos (Gr.) = without umbilicus].
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., summit trail (
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Summit trail between 2984 and 4080 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4197, BOR/MOL 4198, BOR/MOL 4199, BOR/MOL 4200, BOR/MOL 4201, V 14339, V 14340, V 14341).
Shell very small, very thin, hardly translucent, yellowish brown, (low) conical with slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls convex above and below the periphery, periphery rounded to slightly angular (in adults, more distinctly angular in juveniles, suture somewhat impressed. Protoconch whorls moderately convex; almost smooth with the slightest traces of a radial sculpture, and a very fine, dense spiral striation. Teleoconch: last whorl sometimes with a thin, inconspicuous peripheral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl; some traces of a fine, dense spiral striation below this thread. Radial sculpture: rather distinct, irregularly spaced, somewhat raised growth lines, grading into more regularly and rather densely placed, low riblets; towards the umbilicus the growth lines tend to become less conspicuous. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.7 mm; width up to 3.4 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.65–0.75 mm, 1.2–1.4 mm, 2.25–2.60 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 4 1/4; height aperture up to 1.5 mm; width aperture up to 1.75 mm.
Subalpine vegetation on granodiorite soil. Alt. 2900–4100 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu (summit trail area). Endemic to Sabah.
Distinctly larger than P. anomphala and P. malimgunung; from the first it also differs by having an umbilicate shell.
Philalanka lieftincki Van Benthem Jutting, 1953 (Indonesia, Ambon) looks similar but is smaller (shell 1.5–1.9 mm high, at 4–4 1/2 whorls). Philalanka micromphala Van Benthem Jutting, 1952 (Indonesia, Java) is of similar shape and size, but has a more angular last whorl with a distinct peripheral thread, a finer radial sculpture and a more depressed aperture (aperture 1.1–1.2 mm high, at a shell height of 2.1–2.7 mm).
Kaliella scandens and K. doliolum are similar in shape but have a far more regular radial sculpture, consisting of densely placed ribs.
The name refers to the shell surface [rugulosus (L.) = finely wrinkled].
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., summit trail (
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Summit trail between 3119 and 4080 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4192, BOR/MOL 4193, BOR/MOL 4195, BOR/MOL 4196,V 14336, V 14337, V 14338).
Shell minute, very thin, hardly translucent, pale yellow-brown, yellow-corneous below, (low-)conical with approx. flat sides; apex rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls convex, rounded (angular in juveniles), suture somewhat impressed. Protoconch whorls moderately convex; with inconspicuous, very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification) and dense spiral striation. Teleoconch with very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), dense spiral striation above the periphery, which is continuous on the top whorls but more patchy on the last whorl; with a similar but somewhat more widely spaced striation below the periphery; spiral striation somewhat subordinate to the rather distinct, irregularly spaced, slightly raised growth lines, which are less conspicuous towards the umbilicus. Umbilicus open, rather narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 1.4 mm; width up to 1.9 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.45–0.50 mm, 0.85–1.00 mm, 1.40–1.55 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 3 1/2; height aperture up to 0.8 mm; width aperture up to 0.9 mm.
Subalpine vegetation on granodiorite soil. Alt. 3200–4100 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu (summit trail area). Endemic to Sabah.
Most similar in size and shape to P. anomphala, it differs by having an open umbilicus, and by lacking the peripheral thread. It also differs from the extralimital species listed under P. rugulosa by the lack of a peripheral thread.
The species is named in recognition of generations of mountain guides (‘Malim Gunung’) who assist tourists and scientists on their way to the peaks of Mount Kinabalu every day, and who have aided scientific discoveries on this mountain since the first documented exploration of Mount Kinabalu in 1851. The species name also serves to honour the guides who lost their lives protecting mountain climbers when Mount Kinabalu was struck by earthquake on June 5th, 2015.
Nanina section Thysanota Albers in Albers & Von Martens, 1860: 63. Thysanota (Albers) Godwin Austen, 1907 (1897–1914): 189;
Queridomus Iredale, 1937: 322;
Shell conical, with almost flat sides, with depressed whorls. Teleoconch: Radial sculpture prosocline, consisting of densely placed to moderately spaced, fine riblets. Last whorl with 2–3 distinct spiral threads (next to a number of much finer spiral threads), the lowermost around the periphery, the others above the periphery and often interrupted. Umbilicus open, narrow, or closed.
The Sabah species of Thysanota differ from Philalanka by the combination of a conical spire, with almost flat sides, somewhat depressed whorls and a very narrow, or closed umbilicus.
The generic position of the two species listed below is unresolved.
Nanina conula Blanford, 1865: 73. Helix conulus (Blanford) Pfeiffer, 1868: 89. Kaliella conulus (Blanford) Godwin Austen, 1883 (1882–1888): 71. Queridomus conulus (Blanford)
Sitala fimbriosa Quadras & Von Moellendorff, 1894: 89. Kaliella fimbriosa (Quadras & Von Moellendorff) Rensch, 1932: 67. Sitalinopsis fimbriosa (Quadras & Von Moellendorff) Rensch, 1935: 332. Liardetia fimbriosa (Quadras & Von Moellendorff) Van Benthem Jutting, 1950: 410. Queridomus fimbriosus (Quadras & Von Moellendorff) Vermeulen & Whitten, 1998: 104. Type from Philippines, Negros.
Sitala elatior Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1908: 232. Type from Vietnam, Phu-Quoc-Oai.
Thysanota elegans Preston, 1909: 135); Naggs and Raheem 2000: iii, 23. Type from Sri Lanka.
Interior Province. Sepulut valley, Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8044, BOR/MOL 886; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 885).
Shell very small, rather thin, somewhat translucent or opaque, pale brown to white, high-conical with approx. flat sides; apex rounded. Surface about dull or with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls moderately convex, (moderately) angular at the periphery, above the periphery slightly rounded or almost flat, below the periphery with a second, moderate angle at a distance from the periphery, below this almost flat. Protoconch whorls convex, with 10–15 distinct, fine, rather densely placed, thin spiral threads; radial sculpture absent or subordinate. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a distinct peripheral spiral thread, below the periphery with a second, equally distinct spiral thread at a distance from the periphery, and coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl; next to these two with numerous much finer, well-spaced spiral threads, which become finer and more widely spaced towards the suture and towards the umbilicus. Radial sculpture: growth lines above the periphery and particularly below the suture grading into rather densely placed to moderately spaced, fine, narrow riblets at more or less regular distances. which may form slight nodes where they cross the spiral threads. Umbilicus closed, or open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.3 mm; width up to 1.6 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.40–0.45 mm, 0.60–0.65 mm, 0.80–0.95 mm, 1.05–1.30 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 6 1/2; height aperture up to 0.5 mm; width aperture up to 0.9 mm.
Found near a limestone cliff in logged forest, at 400–500 m alt. Elsewhere in a range of disturbed environments, drought tolerant. Sabah: Interior, Sepulut valley. Distribution elsewhere: India; Vietnam; Peninsular Malaysia; Southwards to Java; Eastwards to Halmahera.
The relative width of the shell shows some variability: some shells are slightly higher than wide, others are distinctly higher than wide.
Helix grenvillei Brazier, 1876: 104. Queridomus grenvillei (Brazier) Solem, 1988: 552. Type from Australia, Queensland, Cape York Peninsula.
Tawau Province. Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1730). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1789); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1775).
Shell very small, rather thin, somewhat translucent or opaque, (pale) brown, somewhat depressed conical with approx. flat sides; apex rounded. Surface about dull or with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls moderately convex, (moderately) angular at the periphery, above the periphery rounded or with a second, slight angle at a distance from the periphery, below the periphery rounded. Protoconch whorls convex, with 7–10 rather distinct, very fine, well-spaced, thin spiral threads; radial sculpture absent. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a distinct peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above this 1(-2) less distinct threads as well as numerous very fine spiral threads, the latter more widely spaced towards the upper suture; below the peripheral thread a number of finer threads close to it, as well as a fine, continuous, moderately spaced striation over most of the lower surface. Radial sculpture: growth lines, above the periphery grading into densely placed, rather regularly spaced, fine, narrow riblets, which form minute nodes where they cross the spiral threads. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.0 mm; width up to 2.5 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.4–0.5 mm, 0.70–0.95 mm, 1.15–1.50 mm, 1.85–2.40 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 5/8; height aperture up to 0.85 mm; width aperture up to 1.25 mm.
Found on limestone hills near the coast. Elsewhere also found in coastal environments. Sabah: Gunung Madai, Segarong Hills E.N.E. of Semporna. Distribution elsewhere: Vietnam; Australia.
More depressed conical than T. conula, with the shell wider than high.
The Borneo material is virtually identical with the Australian shell shown in
The species is now known from three widely distant coastal areas. It is probably a widespread element of the coastal fauna, but appears very rare. It is not an Australian endemic species, as was assumed so far.
Snails. Shell (very) small, dextral, conical, ovoid or sometimes lenticular. Sculpture inconspicuous, consisting of very fine spiral striation and/or radial riblets. Aperture without teeth or lamellae, peristome neither thickened nor reflected. Umbilicus closed, or covered by a thin callus extending from the peristome, or open, narrow (Family description adapted from Baker 1941,
Generally dwelling in litter and low vegetation. Worldwide.
Kaliella Blanford, 1863: 83.
Teleoconch: Radial sculpture prosocline, consisting of fine growth lines or densely placed to moderately spaced, fine riblets. Last whorl without prominent spiral threads (numerous very fine spiral threads may be present), or with 1 spiral thread or keel at the periphery.
The inclusion of the species listed below in Kaliella is merely a convenience, as is the inclusion of our concept of Kaliella in the Euconulidae. Both are inspired by an overall similarity of the shells. It is certain that our arrangement does not reflect phylogenetic relationships between the species. In fact, anatomical analysis of 5 Sabah species (
We provide a review of the Sabah species of Kaliella. We divide the genus into four informal groups.
Nanina microconus Mousson, 1865: 192. Coneuplecta microconus (Mousson) H. Burrington Baker, 1941: 236;
Sitala bandongensis Boettger, 1890: 141. Coneuplecta bandongensis (Boettger) Van Benthem Jutting, 1950: 388. Type from Indonesia, Java, Bandung, Gunung Malabar.
Sitala baritensis E.A. Smith, 1893: 343. Durgellina baritensis (E.A. Smith) Rensch, 1932: 68. Type from Malaysia, Sarawak, Barit Mountain.
Sitala singularis Godwin Austen, 1891: 39. Type from Malaysia, Borneo.
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1094); Mahua (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2394). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13233). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1142, V 8007). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1279). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1988); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8049; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 808); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7826; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 801, BOR/MOL 3620); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7561); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7827). Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9521); Gua Mundau (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 4371). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1961, BOR/MOL 1997; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2392); Batu Materis (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2122); Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9811, BOR/MOL 2389; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2393); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9664, BOR/MOL 2388); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9588, BOR/MOL 2395; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1919, BOR/MOL 1942); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9706); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2288; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2391, BOR/MOL 802); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1486); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1620; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3266, BOR/MOL 3297; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3663); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9620); Hill Ulu Sungai Resang (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2390); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2191, BOR/MOL 2227; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2387). Segama Valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7786). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1860); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7598). Danum Valley (leg. T. Kimsin & H.N. Chai, BOR/MOL 804; leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 805). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1728); N.E. end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7709). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1680); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1233); Sabahmas Cave (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7825, BOR/MOL 803). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1790); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1776). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Poring Hot Springs, along path to waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13015); Orchid Garden (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13028); Serinsim (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3075). Kota Kinabalu, Kiansom (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 807).
Shell very small, thin, somewhat translucent, pale brown, conical with flat sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Top whorls moderately convex, outer whorls slightly convex, last whorl angular at the periphery, slightly convex below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with predominant, well-spaced, very thin spiral threads, and very fine, densely and somewhat irregularly placed radial riblets. Teleoconch: Spiral sculpture predominant, above the periphery with fine, well-spaced, very thin spiral threads (usually 10 or fewer on the last whorl); below the periphery and close to it with a few to many more of such threads, towards the umbilicus sometimes with much finer, densely placed grooves. Radial sculpture teleoconch: above the periphery growth lines grading into very fine, densely and somewhat irregularly placed radial riblets; below the periphery with irregularly spaced growth lines only. Umbilicus open, very narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 3.0 mm; width up to 2.9 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.45–0.60 mm, 0.75–1.00 mm, 1.05–1.45 mm, 1.45–2.00 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 6 1/8; height aperture up to 0.9 mm; width aperture up to 1.4 mm. Radula: central 3-cuspid; laterals and marginals similar, serrate with 2 large cones at the tip.
54 Kaliella microconus (Mousson, 1865). 54A Frontal view, shell 2.3 mm high 54B Umbilical view (Indonesia, Kalimantan Selatan, between Batulichin and Benualawas, V 3284) 55 Kaliella humilis (Tillier & Bouchet, 1988). 55A Frontal view, shell 2.8 mm high 55B Frontal view, shell 3.3 mm high 55C Umbilical view (a, c. Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabalu N.P., V 14330, aperture reconstructed B Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabalu N.P., BOR/MOL 2882).
Primary and secondary forest on limestone and sandstone soil. Alt. up to 1000 m, elsewhere up to 1700 m alt. Sabah: widespread. Also in Sarawak; Kalimantan. Distribution elsewhere: Vietnam; Peninsular Malaysia to Java; Eastwards to Australia; Fiji; Samoa.
Information on the radula is from
Kionghutania humilis Tillier & Bouchet, 1988: 275. Kaliella humilis (Tillier & Bouchet)
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2882). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Summit trail between 3080 and 3330 m (leg. T. Narainan, V 13489, V 13480, BOR/MOL 2675, BOR/MOL 2678, BOR/MOL 2683; leg. T.S. Liew, V 14330, BOR/MOL 6037).
Shell very small, thin, about opaque, greenish brown, (low) conical with flat or slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Top whorls moderately convex, outer whorls moderately convex and somewhat shouldered, last whorl angular at the periphery, slightly convex below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with predominant, very fine, well-spaced, thin spiral threads, radial sculpture inconspicuous. Teleoconch: Spiral sculpture predominant, above the periphery with fine, very densely placed, somewhat irregularly spaced, thin spiral threads (30 or more on the fifth whorl); below the periphery with very fine, widely spaced threads, with or without numerous still finer, densely placed grooves in between. Radial sculpture teleoconch: above the periphery with raised growth lines at irregular intervals, most distinctly so just below the periphery; below the periphery the growth lines are less distinct. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 3.3 mm; width up to 4.1 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.6–0.7 mm, 1.05–1.15 mm, 1.6–1.7 mm, 2.35–2.50 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5 7/8; height aperture up to 1.4 mm; width aperture up to 2 mm. Radula: central 3-cuspid; laterals 3-cuspid; marginals serrate with 2 large cones at the tip.
Submontane to subalpine forest on granodiorite and sandstone soil. Alt. 1200–3300 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu; Crocker Range. Endemic to Sabah.
Cross diagnosis: Shares the distinct sculpture of spiral threads above and below the periphery with K. microconus, but differs by the wider shell with more convex, slightly shouldered whorls, and the much more numerous and more densely placed spiral threads. The sympatric K. kinabaluensis and K. nephelophila differ unequivocally by the slightly more concave outline of the spire, whorls without a shoulder, and by the absence of spiral threads on the lower surface (a fine sculpture of spiral grooves may be present).
Kionghutania nephelophila Tillier & Bouchet, 1988: 276. Kaliella nephelophila (Tillier & Bouchet)
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Paka Cave (leg. Tachaini Narainan, V 13495).
Shell very small, very thin, somewhat translucent, slightly brownish green, conical with flat or slightly concave sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls slightly to moderately convex and not shouldered, last whorl angular at the periphery, slightly to moderately convex below the periphery. Protoconch whorls rather flat, with predominant, fine, somewhat inconspicuous, well-spaced, thin spiral threads; radial sculpture inconspicuous. Teleoconch: first whorls with moderately-spaced, thin spiral threads, outer whorls above the periphery with fine, rather densely placed, somewhat wavy spiral threads (less than 80 on the fifth whorl) which are slightly more distinct towards the periphery; below the periphery without spiral sculpture, or locally with fine spiral striation. Radial sculpture teleoconch: above the periphery with distinctly raised growth lines at irregular intervals; below the periphery these are slightly less distinct. Umbilicus almost closed. Dimensions: Height up to 3.8 mm; width up to 4.6 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.65–0.80 mm, 1.05–1.20 mm, 1.60–1.75 mm, c. 2.7 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5 5/8; height aperture up to 1.9 mm; width aperture up to 2.4 mm. Radula: central 3-cuspid; laterals 3-cuspid; marginals serrate with 2 large cones at the tip.
56 Kaliella nephelophila (Tillier & Bouchet, 1988). 56A Frontal view, shell 3.5 mm high 56B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabalu N.P., V 13495, shell partially reconstructed) 57 Kaliella kinabaluensis (Tillier & Bouchet, 1988). 57A Frontal view, shell 5.3 mm high 57B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabalu N.P., V 13478, last 1/3 whorl reconstructed) 58 Kaliella dendrophila (Van Benthem Jutting, 1950). 58A Frontal view, shell 2.7 mm high 58B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Kinabatangan river valley, Batu Pangi, V 9647).
Upper montane forest on granodiorite soil.Alt. 3000–3100 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu (summit trail area). Endemic to Sabah.
Kaliella nephelophila is similar to K. kinabaluensis. Diagnostic is the spiral sculpture above the periphery: fine but still distinct spiral threads, particularly towards the periphery, in K. nephelophila; an indistinct, dense spiral striation in K. kinabaluensis. The two species differ anatomically; see
Kionghutania kinabaluensis Tillier & Bouchet, 1988: 271. Kaliella kinabaluensis (Tillier & Bouchet)
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Gunting Lagadan (leg. Tachaini Narainan, V 13478).
Shell small, very thin, somewhat translucent, slightly greenish brown, conical with flat or slightly concave sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex and not shouldered, last whorl angular at the periphery, moderately convex below the periphery. Protoconch whorls somewhat convex, with spiral sculpture predominant but inconspicuous, very fine, well-spaced, thin threads; radial sculpture inconspicuous. Teleoconch: subordinate spiral striation, first whorls with traces of very inconspicuous, moderately-spaced striation, outer whorls above the periphery with a very fine, very densely placed, somewhat wavy striation (more than 100 striae on the last whorl); below the periphery almost smooth, with faint traces of an even finer spiral striation only towards the periphery. Radial sculpture teleoconch: Above the periphery with coarse, distinctly raised growth lines at irregular intervals; below the periphery these are slightly less distinct. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 5.6 mm; width up to 6.2 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.8–0.85 mm, 1.2–1.3 mm, 1.80–1.95 mm, c. 2.7 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 6 1/8; height aperture up to 2.4 mm; width aperture up to 3.2 mm. Radula: central 3-cuspid; laterals 3-cuspid; marginals serrate with 2 large cones at the tip.
Subalpine forest on granodiorite soil, at 3300–3400 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu (summit trail area). Endemic to Sabah.
Very similar to K. nephelophila; see note under the latter.
Liardetia dendrophila Van Benthem Jutting, 1950: 407;
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1126). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9647); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2357; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3834).
Shell very small, thin, translucent, very pale greenish to yellowish, somewhat depressed-conical with flat sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls: Top whorls convex, outer whorls (almost) flat, last whorl sharply angular at the periphery, almost flat or slightly convex above and below. Protoconch whorls convex, with distinct, moderately spaced, rounded spiral threads, radial sculpture absent or inconspicuous, subordinate. Teleoconch: A slight, obtuse keel present around the periphery; above and below with rather distinct, well-spaced (particularly half-way between suture and periphery, as well as just below the periphery) spiral threads, which consist of rows of densely placed beads which are often elongated in the direction of the growth lines. Radial sculpture: above the periphery with some rather distinct, irregularly spaced, somewhat raised growth lines, next to these locally some very fine, inconspicuous, moderately spaced, low and thin riblets; below the periphery with a few inconspicuous, irregularly spaced growth lines only. Umbilicus open, very narrow, or closed. Dimensions: Height up to 2.7 mm; width up to 4.1 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.55–0.67 mm, 1.1–1. 5 mm, 2.1–2.7 mm, c. 3.6 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 1/2; height aperture up to 1.6 mm; width aperture up to 2 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone soil. Alt. 0–500 m. Sabah: Crocker Range; Kinabatangan River valley.
River valley. Distribution elsewhere: Peninsular Malaysia; Java; Sulawesi; Ambon.
Easily recognizable within group 1 by the spiral sculpture on the teleoconch, above the periphery. K. punctata, of group 2, has a similar spiral sculpture, but consisting of pits. It also has a higher conical shell with whorls that increase much less rapidly in width. K. gregaria and K. microsoma have a similar shell but a spiral sculpture not consisting of rows of beads.
Gunongia gregaria Tillier & Bouchet, 1988: 264. Kaliella gregaria (Tillier & Bouchet)
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Laban Rata (leg. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, V 13531); Bowen route between 3320 and 3376 m (leg. T.S. Liew, V 14329, BOR/MOL 6038, BOR/MOL 6039).
Shell small, very thin, somewhat translucent, greenish or brownish, depressed-conical with flat sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex, last whorl angular and slightly compressed at the periphery, rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with numerous fine, rather densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture subordinate and inconspicuous (visible at 40 times magnification), numerous very densely placed grooves. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above and below this numerous continuous, fine, densely and regularly placed spiral grooves. Radial sculpture: above the periphery rather distinct, irregularly spaced, somewhat raised growth lines, next to these fine, densely and regularly placed (about as densely as the spiral grooves) riblets; below the periphery with similar but less distinct radial sculpture. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 5.2 mm; width up to 6.8 mm; diameters of the first three whorls c. 0.75 mm, c. 1.65 mm, c. 3.25 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 4, height aperture up to 3.4 mm; width aperture up to 4 mm.
Subalpine forest on diorite bedrock. Alt. 3300–3400 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu (summit trail area). Endemic to Sabah.
The whorls increase faster in width than in any other Borneo Kaliella species. In this respect K. sublaxa is most similar.
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (
Interior Province. Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13237). Tawau Province. Danum Valley Conservation Area, 2 km N.W. of Danum Valley Field Centre (leg. H.A. Rutjes, V 13513).
Shell small, rather thin, somewhat translucent or opaque, pale yellow-corneous to white, depressed-conical with approx. flat or slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex, last whorl angular at the periphery, rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with numerous fine, rather densely placed radial riblets, which are most distinct below the suture; numerous approx. equally strong, densely placed spiral grooves cutting into the crests of the radial riblets. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above and below this numerous fine, moderately and regularly spaced, continuous spiral grooves. Radial sculpture: growth lines above the periphery, at somewhat irregular intervals, which are approx. as strong as the spiral sculpture, and which are most distinct just below the suture. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 2.65 mm; width up to 3.8 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.80–0.85 mm, 1.5–1.6 mm, 2.35–2.50 mm, 3.6–3.7 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 1/8; height aperture up to 1.5 mm; width aperture up to 2.0 mm.
60 Kaliella eurytrochus sp. n. 60A Frontal view, shell 2.6 mm high 60B Umbilical view 60C Apical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon,
62 Kaliella nephelophila (Tillier & Bouchet, 1988). SEM image of the third whorl (Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabalu N.P., Pakka, 3080 m alt., (BOR/MOL 2873, lost) 63 Kaliella dendrophila (Van Benthem Jutting, 1950). SEM image of the third whorl (Malaysia, Sabah, Kinabatangan River valley, Gomantong, BOR/MOL 3661, lost) 64 Kaliella punctata sp. n. SEM image of the third whorl (Malaysia, Sabah, Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul, BOR/MOL 4325) 65 Kaliella calculosa (Gould, 1852). SEM image of the third whorl (Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Danum Valley, BOR/MOL 815).
Primary forest on limestone and sandstone soil. Alt. c. 400–1000 m. Sabah: Gunung Trusmadi; Danum Valley. Two localities. Endemic to Sabah.
Differs from K. gregaria by its smaller size, at the same number of whorls. In K. eurytrochus, the whorls increase less fast in width; compare the diameters of the third whorl of both species. The shell of K. eurytrochus is also distinctly thicker, and less fragile.
The name refers to the inflated shell shape [eurus (Gr.) = wide; trokhos (Gr.) = wheel, a word often used for the gastropod spire].
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas (
Interior Province. Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13259). West Coast Province. Crocker Range N.P., km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, J.J.M. van Alphen & J. van Alphen, V 13493).
Shell small, very thin, somewhat translucent, pale yellowish-brown, somewhat depressed-conical with flat or slightly concave sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex, last whorl slightly angular, rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls rather flat, with numerous fine, densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture virtually absent. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a thin peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above and below this numerous fine, densely and regularly placed, continuous spiral grooves. Radial sculpture: above the periphery with a few growth lines, next to these fine, densely and regularly placed (about as dense and as strong as the spiral grooves) riblets; below the periphery with similar but less distinct radial sculpture. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 3.5 mm; width up to 4.1 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.7–0.8 mm, 1.35–1. 50 mm, 2.40–2.65 mm, c. 3.9 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 4; height aperture up to 2.2 mm; width aperture up to 2.4 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone and sandstone soil. Alt. 900–1700 m. Sabah: Crocker Range; Gunung Trusmadi. Endemic to Sabah.
In general shape most similar to K. dendrophila, differs by the protoconch sculpture with predominant radial riblets and the more convex outer whorls. Also similar to K. calculosa and K. microsoma, differs by the less dense mode of coiling (compare the width of the third and fourth whorl).
It differs from K. gregaria by its denser mode of coiling (compare diameters of the third whorl), and from K. eurytrochus by the more dense spiral sculpture on the outer whorls, above the periphery, as well as by the larger aperture at the same number of whorls.
The name refers to the mode of coiling [sub-laxa (L.) = a little loose].
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (
Interior Province. Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13215).
Shell very small, rather thin, somewhat translucent or opaque, yellow-brown corneous, depressed-conical to almost lenticular with slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex, the last whorl angular at the periphery, rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with numerous fine, densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture subordinate, consisting of approx. 12 very fine, densely placed spiral grooves cutting into the crests of the radial riblets. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above and below this numerous continuous, fine, moderately and regularly spaced, continuous spiral grooves. Radial sculpture: growth lines above the periphery only. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 1.7 mm; width up to 2.6 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.55–0.65 mm, 0.95–1.10 mm, 1.45–1.60 mm, 2.05–2.30 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 4 3/4; height aperture up to 1.05 mm; width aperture up to 1.3 mm.
66 Kaliella phacomorpha sp. n. 66A Frontal view, shell 1.8 mm high 66B Umbilical view 50C Apical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon,
Found in primary forest on limestone soil. Alt. 900–1000 m. Sabah: Gunung Trusmadi. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified among Sabah Kaliella species by its depressed-conical, almost lenticular spire.
The name refers to the shell shape [phakos (Gr.) = lentil; morphe (Gr.) = shape].
Kaliella punctata nomen nudum,
Coneuplecta angulata auct.,
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut River valley, Gua Pungiton (
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1108; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 821). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13235). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8005). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1277). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1987; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 788; leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & S. Chiba, BOR/MOL 4325); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8052; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 819); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7632); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7829, BOR/MOL 786); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7669; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 794, BOR/MOL 806). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9796, BOR/MOL 2364; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2367); Batu Materis (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2119; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2368); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9605, BOR/MOL 2365; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1918); Bod Tai (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2366); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 795); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9694; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2029, BOR/MOL 2059); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1485; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 796); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1616; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3314; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3666); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9629). Segama Valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7783, BOR/MOL 791), Tabin Wildlife Reserve (leg. T. Kimsin & H.N. Chai, BOR/MOL 800; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 822). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1859). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1682); Danum Valley (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 797, BOR/MOL 798, BOR/MOL 811; leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 3618, BOR/MOL 792; leg.
Shell (very) small, thin, slightly translucent or more or less opaque, pale (yellowish) brown, conical with flat or slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex, the last whorl angular at the periphery, rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with fine, densely but slightly irregularly placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture about equally strong, fine, slightly more spaced grooves which are partly continuous, and partly broken up into minute pits. Teleoconch: Last whorl with or without a peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above the periphery with numerous (rather) fine, well-spaced grooves which consist of rows of densely placed pits which are often elongated in the direction of the growth lines; below the periphery usually with numerous fine, well-spaced, continuous grooves. Radial sculpture: above the periphery with some irregularly spaced, somewhat raised growth lines, these less conspicuous below the periphery. Umbilicus open, very narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 6 mm; width up to 5.4 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.7–1.0 mm, 1.15–1.60 mm, 1.7–2.2 mm, 2.1–3.2 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 7 7/8, height aperture up to 2.1 mm; width aperture up to 3 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone and granodiorite soil, up to 1700 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu; Interior; East coast. Also in Sarawak; Kalimantan. Distribution elsewhere: Sulawesi.
Uniquely identified by the pitted spiral sculpture on the teleoconch, in combination with its size. In Kaliella dendrophila, of group 1, the spiral sculpture consist of beads on the shell surface, not pits in the shell surface. It is much smaller, has a thinner, more translucent shell with a smaller protoconch with predominant spiral sculpture, and with whorls more rapidly increasing in size.
The spiral sculpture above the periphery is fine in some specimens, somewhat coarser in others. The continuous spiral striation below the periphery is absent in some specimens.
Refers to the shell sculpture [punctatus (L.) = dotted].
Helix calculosa Gould, 1852: 48. Coneuplecta calculosa (Gould) H. Burrington Baker, 1941: 234;
Sitala demissa E.A.
Coneuplecta sitaliformis auct.
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Long Pasia (leg. T.S. Liew & Meckson, BOR/MOL 4357). Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9736; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 814). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13234). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1282). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1985); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8050); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7560). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Gomantong (leg. A. Van Til, BOR/MOL 3269); Batu Keruak (leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2358); Batu Materis (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2121); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2258; leg. M. Schilthuizen, A. van Til & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2972); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2058); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2225). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 14247); Danum Valley (leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 813, BOR/MOL 815; leg.
Shell small, very thin, translucent, pale yellowish-green to pale yellowish-brown, conical with about flat sides. Surface with a silky luster, shiny below the periphery. Whorls somewhat convex, last whorl almost rounded to angular at the periphery, moderately convex below the periphery. Protoconch sculpture: distinct, fine, densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture slightly subordinate, equally densely placed or slightly wider spaced grooves cutting into the crests of the radial riblets. Teleoconch: Last whorl with or without a thin peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above and below this with very fine to rather coarse, moderately to widely spaced, continuous, sometimes rather shallow and wide grooves cutting through the radial riblets. Radial sculpture teleoconch subordinate: above the periphery inconspicuous growth lines, next to these very fine, densely and regularly placed riblets, sometimes on the outer whorls locally interrupted by approximately smooth areas; below the periphery with occasional growth lines only. Umbilicus open, very narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 5.0 mm; width up to 4.6 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.65–0.75 mm, 1.15–1.25 mm, 1.75–2.10 mm, 2.6–3.2 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 5 3/4; height aperture up to 2.5 mm; width aperture up to 2.7 mm.
68 Kaliella calculosa (Gould, 1852). 68A Frontal view, subadult, shell 3,6 mm high 68B Frontal view, shell 4.0 mm high 68C Umbilical view, subadult (68A, 68C Malaysia, Sarawak, Gunung Mulu N.P., Gunung Api, path from camp to pinnacles, incl. pinnacle area, V 11408 68B Malaysia, Sarawak, Upper Penrissen valley, Mount Bra’ang, West flank, about 2 km North of Temurang village, V 13996) 69 Kaliella microsoma, sp. n. 69A Frontal view, shell 1.6 mm high 69B Umbilical view (Malaysia, West Coast Province. Crocker Range N.P., km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas,
Primary and secondary forest on limestone and sandstone soil. Alt. up to 1000 m. Sabah: Crocker Range; Interior; East coast; scattered localities. Distribution elsewhere: From India, Laos, to Australia; Eastwards to Tahiti.
When fresh, shell thinner and more translucent than the other species in this group, K. dendrophila excepted. Juveniles can be distinguished from that species by the different apical sculpture.
Elsewhere, Kaliella sitaliformis
K. calculosa shows considerable variability in the prominence and the density of the spiral sculpture on the teleoconch. SEM-images show that the widest spiral grooves have a distinctly convex bottom; it is as if a thin thread is embedded in the groove.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas (
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Matang River South of Long Pasia (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 9817). West Coast Province. Crocker Range N.P., km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9767).
Shell very small, very thin, somewhat translucent, greenish-brown, conical with slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Top whorls convex, outer whorls only a little less convex, last whorl angular at the periphery, somewhat obtusely so near the aperture in adult specimens, moderately convex below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with very fine, densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture subordinate and sometimes inconspicous, very densely placed grooves, just visible at 40 times magnification. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above the periphery fine, moderately spaced, narrow spiral grooves that cut into the crests of the radial riblets and that are slightly to distinctly subordinate to these; below the periphery with similar, but slightly more distinct and slightly more spaced grooves. All spiral sculpture varies from rather distinct to inconspicuous and only locally present. Radial sculpture teleoconch: above the periphery rather inconspicuous, irregularly spaced, somewhat raised growth lines, next to these fine, very densely and regularly placed riblets on the inner whorls, less densely placed riblets locally present on the outer whorls; radial sculpture less conspicuous below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 1.6 mm; width up to 1.8 mm; diameters of the first three whorls 0.45–0.55 mm, 1.0–1.2 mm, 1.65–1.90 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 3 3/8; height aperture up to 0.85 mm; width aperture up to 1.0 mm.
Primary forest on sandstone soil. Alt. 1100–1700 m. Sabah: upper Padas River valley; Crocker Range. Endemic to Sabah.
General shape as in K. gregaria, but much smaller (check the diameters of the first three whorls), slightly higher conical and with more convex whorls. The spiral sculpture is generally coarser then in K. gregaria, but may be very inconspicuous in specimens from the Crocker Range (including the illustrated shell which, on the lower surface, has spiral sculpture only near the aperture).
The name refers to the small size [mikros (Gr.) = small; soma (Gr.) = body].
Helix barrakporensis Pfeiffer, 1852: 156. Kaliella barrakporensis (Pfeiffer) Godwin Austen, 1882 (1882–1888): 2;
Sitala rumbangensis E.A. Smith, 1895: 110. Type from Malaysia, Sarawak, Rumbang and Mount Rabong.
Sitala cara E.A. Smith, 1895: 111. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Gomantong hill.
Kaliella angigyra Von Moellendorff, 1897: 60. Liardetia angigyra angigyra (Von Moellendorff) Van Benthem Jutting, 1950: 398;
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1129; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 836); Mahua Waterfall (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3142). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13238; leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 833); Gua Dawaras (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 9874; leg. M. Schilthuizen & M. Suleiman, BOR/MOL 2363). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1169, BOR/MOL 844; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 847). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1278). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1989; leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & S. Chiba, BOR/MOL 4326; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 851); Batu Sanaron (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 850, BOR/MOL 852; leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & S. Chiba, BOR/MOL 4313); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8051, BOR/MOL 831; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 846); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7633; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 848); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7559, BOR/MOL 843; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 845). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9925; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1941); Batu Materis (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2088, BOR/MOL 2120); Batu Mawas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2384; leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1960, BOR/MOL 1996); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. T. S. Liew & Badul, V 13528; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2415); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2030); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1487); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1619; leg. J.P. King, BOR/MOL 2417; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3305; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3659); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2226). Pinangah valley, Batu Melikop (leg. R. Kiew, V 7724). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1861). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1732). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1681); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1229); limestone hill on North bank Segama River, near bridge of road Sandakan to Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7513); Danum Valley (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 810, BOR/MOL 1230, BOR/MOL 829; leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 830); Tabin Wildlife Reserve (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 840); Sabahmas Cave (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7468, BOR/MOL 841). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1791). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Headquarters area near entrance (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 9771, BOR/MOL 2416); Summit trail at 1723 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 6041); Poring Hot Springs, along path to waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13014, leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 832); Serinsim (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 3077). Kota Kinabalu, Kiansom (leg.
Shell small, rather thin, somewhat translucent or opaque, (pale) brown-corneous, (somewhat elongated) conical with almost flat or slightly convex sides; apex narrowly rounded. Surface shiny or with a silky luster. Whorls moderately convex, the last whorl rounded to angular at the periphery, rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with spaced, inconspicuous radial riblets and usually subordinate, very fine spiral grooves; protoconch sometimes almost smooth. Teleoconch: Last whorl usually with a peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above this with very fine, densely and regularly placed radial riblets, often only locally present, in some specimens virtually absent, and with or without traces of very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), inconspicuous spiral striation; below the periphery usually with numerous fine, moderately and regularly spaced, continuous spiral grooves. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 4.6 mm; width up to 4.3 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.65–0.80 mm, 1.10–1.25 mm, 1.5–2.0 mm, 2.15–2.70 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 6 1/2; height aperture up to 1.5 mm; width aperture up to 2.0 mm.
70 Kaliella barrakporensis (Pfeiffer, 1852). Frontal view, shell 3.4 mm high (Indonesia, Bali, Mount Abang, V 3505) 71 Kaliella accepta (E.A. Smith, 1895). 71A Frontal view, shell 2.5 mm high 71B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Kinabatangan river valley, Batu Pangi, V 9657).
Primary and secondary forest, rocky, vegetated roadsides, on limestone, sandstone, and granodiorite soil, up to 2200 m alt. Sabah: widespread. Also in Sarawak; Kalimantan. Distribution elsewhere: Africa. India; Thailand; Laos; Peninsular Malaysia to Java; Eastwards to Sulawesi, Flores.
Incidental specimens lack the spiral thread along the periphery of the last whorl. A fine but almost continuous spiral striation may be present on the top whorls.
Sitala accepta E.A. Smith, 1895: 111. Kaliella accepta (E.A. Smith) Schilthuizen, 2004: 94;
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9746; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2386); Gunung Emas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 880); Ulu Kimanis at 750 m (leg.
Shell small, rather thin, somewhat translucent or opaque, (pale) yellow-corneous to brown-corneous, (somewhat depressed) conical with convex sides; apex broadly rounded. Surface glossy or shiny. Whorls moderately convex, the last whorl more or less angular at the periphery, rounded above, rounded to almost flat below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with spaced radial riblets and usually subordinate (sometimes equally distinct), very fine spiral grooves; usually these are reduced to spiral rows of minute, shallow identations; often the protoconch is almost smooth. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a peripheral spiral thread coinciding with the suture of the penultimate whorl, above this with very fine, inconspicuous, densely and regularly placed radial riblets locally, or with a few growth lines only; with or without traces of very fine, inconspicuous spiral striation, below the periphery usually with numerous fine, moderately and regularly spaced, continuous spiral grooves which are most distinct towards the periphery. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.8 mm; width up to 3.2 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.5–0.8 mm, 0.90–1.35 mm, 1.5–2.0 mm, 2.0–2.8 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 5; height aperture up to 1.2 mm; width aperture up to 1.6 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone, sandstone and volcanic soil, up to 1400 m alt. Sabah: widespread. Also in Kalimantan. Endemic to Borneo.
Adult or nearly adult shells differ from K. barrakporensis by the lower conical spire with more convex sides and a more broadly rounded apex. Usually, the sculpture is less distinct than in K. barrakporensis, and the shells are glossier. Juveniles of both species are sometimes difficult to keep apart.
Helix scandens Cox, 1871: 645. Liardetia scandens (Cox) Solem, 1988: 550. Kaliella scandens (Cox)
Kaliella indifferens Boettger, 1891: 256. Liardetia indifferens (Boettger) Van Benthem Jutting, 1950: 408. Type from Indonesia, Ambon.
Sitala dulcis E.A. Smith, 1895: 111. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Gomantong Hill.
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1098; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 858); West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9748; leg. J. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 870). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13239). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1155; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 868). Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1283). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1983; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 867); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7634); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7557). Kudat Province. Kampong Magnin (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 4362); Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9927, BOR/MOL 2396); South end, Batu Sireh (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9549; leg. T.H. Liew, Sazilin & Ramlan, BOR/MOL 3697). Banggi Island, South end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1430); Karakit Hill (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1463). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Batangan (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2410); Batu Keruak 2 near Sukau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9799, BOR/MOL 2405; leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2398, BOR/MOL 2402); Batu Mawas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2407; leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1962, BOR/MOL 1998); Batu Materis (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2118); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V9663); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9578); Bod Tai (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2399; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1920); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2400; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2645; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2409, BOR/MOL 862); Hill on Resang River (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2408); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9688, V 9926 BOR/MOL 2403; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2031); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1496); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1632); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9615); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2404; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 2159; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2192). Segama Valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7784, BOR/MOL 859; leg. T. Kimsin & H.N. Chai, BOR/MOL 854; leg. J.J. Vermeulen, BOR/MOL 855; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 856). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1864); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7601). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1729; leg. M. Schilthuizen & A.S. Cabanban, BOR/MOL 3575); N.E. end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7707). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1689); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1225); limestone hill on North bank Segama River, near bridge of road Sandakan to Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7515); Sabahmas Cave (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7467); Danum Valley (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 860, BOR/MOL 864; leg.
Shell small, rather thin, somewhat translucent, (pale) brown, sometimes white, rather low-conical with flat to slightly convex sides; apex rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls moderately convex, last whorl rounded at the periphery (somewhat angular in juveniles), rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with numerous fine, rather densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture subordinate or approx. equally distinct, very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), densely placed grooves. Teleoconch: above the periphery with fine, slightly spaced, narrow spiral grooves cutting into the crests of the radial riblets and subordinate to these; below the periphery slightly coarser and slightly more spaced spiral grooves. Radial sculpture: above the periphery fine, densely and regularly placed riblets; below the periphery with a few irregularly spaced, inconspicuous growth lines only. Umbilicus open, very narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.8 mm; width up to 3.65 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.6–0.7 mm, 1.05–1.30 mm, 1.6–1.9(-2.0) mm, 2.25–2.70(-3.0 mm) respectively; number of whorls up to c. 5 1/2; height aperture up to 0.7 mm; width aperture up to 1.2 mm. Radula: central 3-cuspid; laterals 3-cuspid; marginals 3–5 cuspid.
72 Kaliella scandens (Cox, 1871) 72A Frontal view, shell 2.2 mm high 72B Umbilical view (Indonesia, Java, Nusa Kembangan, V 3581) 73 Kaliella dendrobates (Tillier & Bouchet, 1988). 73A Frontal view, subadult, shell 2.6 mm high 73B Frontal view, shell 3.2 mm high 73C Umbilical view, subadult (73A, 73C Malaysia, Sabah, Mount Kinabalu, V 13464 73B Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu, after
Primary and secondary forest, coastal forest, at 0–1000 m alt, elsewhere to 2000 m alt. Sabah: widespread. Also in Sarawak; Kalimantan. Distribution elsewhere: Vietnam; Thailand; Peninsular Malaysia to Java; Eastwards to Australia, Pacific.
Samples from montane environments (e.g. Poring Hot Springs, V 13027 may include shells with a more loosely coiled spire than usual (diameter of the fourth whorl up to 3.0 mm; in other specimens 2.25–2.70 mm). In this character the shells approach K. dendrobates, but the sculpture is typical for K. scandens.
Information on the radula is from
Gunongia dendrobates Tillier & Bouchet, 1988: 269. Kaliella dendrobates (Tillier & Bouchet)
Interior Province. Gunung Trusmadi, Gua Dawaras (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 13527). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Carson’s Falls (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 12712); Gunting Lagadan (leg. Tachaini Narainan, V 13464); Mesilau trail at 2092 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 6045); Kotal’s route at 2132 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin, Safrie & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 6044).
Shell small, very thin, somewhat translucent, (yellowish) brown, rather low-conical with flat sides; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls moderately convex, last whorl rounded at the periphery (angular in juveniles), rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with numerous fine, densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture subordinate, very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification) to rather distinct, very densely placed grooves, locally present. Teleoconch: above the periphery locally with fine, slightly spaced, narrow spiral grooves cutting into the crests of the radial riblets and subordinate to these, particularly towards the suture and the periphery; below the periphery slightly coarser and slightly more spaced spiral grooves. Radial sculpture: above the periphery distinct, irregularly spaced and locally crowded, somewhat raised growth lines, next to these areas with fine, densely (slightly more densely than the spiral striation) and regularly placed riblets, on the outer whorls locally interrupted by approximately smooth areas; below the periphery with irregularly spaced, slightly raised growth lines only. Umbilicus open, very narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 3.2 mm; width up to 3.9 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.65–0.75 mm, c. 1.1 mm, 1.7–1.8 mm, c. 2.65 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 5 1/2; height aperture up to 1.6 mm; width aperture up to 1.9 mm. Animal with an obtuse caudal horn. Radula: central 1-cuspid; laterals and marginals similar, serrate with 2 large cones at the tip and a small in between.
Montane and sub-alpine forest on granodiorite and sandstone soil, at 1600–3400 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu, Gunung Trusmadi. Endemic to Sabah.
In general shape, sculpture and mode of coiling very similar to K. scandens. Kaliella dendrobates has a much thinner, more shiny shell. The sculpture above the periphery includes irregularly raised growth lines where the fine sculpture of minute radial riblets and even finer spiral grooves is indistinct or entirely absent. In K. scandens raised growth lines are usually absent, and the finer sculpture is continuous. Further differences between the two are found in the radula.
Kaliella micula (Mousson, 1857) (Zonites micula Mousson, 1857), a widespread species which occurs in Sarawak, resembles K. dendrobates but has a widely rounded apex and slightly convex sides. It is also less densely coiled than K. dendrobates (diameter of the first four whorls c. 1.0 mm, 1.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 4.0 mm respectively in V 13975 from Sarawak, Kuching area, Mount Nambi).
Juveniles of K. dendrobates with a peripheral keel differ from K. calculosa in having a lower conical spire, and a radial sculpture dominated by rather prominent, irregularly spaced, raised growth lines.
We depict a keeled, juvenile specimen with approx. 1 whorl less than the type specimen, which does not have a keel. The sculpture and general shape is similar in both specimens.
The Gunung Trusmadi record is based on a shell consisting of hardly more than a protoconch. Its identity is somewhat uncertain.
Helix doliolum Pfeiffer, 1846: 41. Kaliella doliolum (Pfeiffer) Von Moellendorff, 1890: 205;
Sitala (?) orchis Godwin Austen, 1891: 40. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Labuan.
Interior Province. Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1982). Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9537, BOR/MOL 2413; leg. T.H. Liew, Sazilin & Ramlan, BOR/MOL 3696). Banggi Island, South end, Karakit Hill (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9500, BOR/MOL 2411). Sandakan Province. Gomantong Cave (leg. J.P. King, BOR/MOL 2412; leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3277, BOR/MOL 3299; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3662). Pulau Mataking, Easternmost island of the Semporna-Sulu Chain (leg. G.W.H. Davison, V 11517). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km WSW of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1863). Semporna area, Bukit Tengkorak, 5 km South of Semporna (leg. M. Schilthuizen & A.S. Cabanban, V 13482); Segarong Hills, Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1771); Bohey Dulang Island (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4634); Tetagan Island (leg. T.S. Liew & Abdul, BOR/MOL 5022; leg. T.S. Liew, Abdul & Ladja, BOR/MOL 5031); Mantabuan Island (leg. T.S. Liew & Abdul, BOR/MOL 5039, BOR/MOL 5050); Sibuan Island (leg. T.S. Liew & Abdul, BOR/MOL 5062, BOR/MOL 5070); Maiga Island (leg. T.S. Liew & Abdul, BOR/MOL 5078; leg. Abdul & Ladja, BOR/MOL 5091). West Coast Province. Pulau Tiga in Kimanis Bay (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 11340; leg.
Shell small, rather thin, slightly translucent or opaque, (pale) brown, rather low-conical with approx. flat sides; apex broadly rounded. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls (moderately) convex, last whorl rounded at the periphery (somewhat angular in juveniles), rounded above and below the periphery. Protoconch whorls convex, with numerous fine, densely placed radial riblets; spiral sculpture subordinate, very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), densely placed grooves cutting into the crests of the radial riblets. Teleoconch: above the periphery with rather densely and somewhat irregularly placed, distinct and rather coarse radial ribs; with or without subordinate, very fine and inconspicuous, rather dense spiral striation in the interstices; below the periphery with a few irregularly spaced, inconspicuous growth lines, and with or without fine, densely placed or somewhat spaced spiral grooves. Umbilicus open, narrow. Dimensions: Height up to 2.9 mm; width up to 3.6 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.7–0.8 mm, 1.2–1.4 mm, 1.80–2.25 mm, 2.5–3.1 mm respectively; number of whorls up to c. 5 1/8; height aperture up to 0.7 mm; width aperture up to 1.2 mm.
Primary forest, secondary forest and coastal forest on limestone bedrock and volcanic bedrock; all localities in the lowlands. Sabah: Scattered localities along the East coast and Islands around Semporna; one locality in the interior: Sepulut valley. Also in Sarawak. Distribution elsewhere: Vietnam; Peninsular Malaysia to Java; Eastwards to Australia, Pacific.
Shell shape similar to K. scandens; diagnostic is the much coarser radial sculpture. If present, the spiral sculpture below the periphery is much finer.
Rahula Godwin Austen, 1907 (1897–1914): 216.
Teleoconch: Radial sculpture approx. orthocline, consisting of widely spaced, coarse ribs. Last whorl with 1 spiral thread near the periphery.
The genus Rahula is well characterized by its coarse radial ribs.
Rahula raricostulata auct.
Rahula sp. V9667 auct.
Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Kinabatangan valley, Batu Pangi (
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8006, BOR/MOL 827). Sepulut valley, Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7556; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 824); Batu Tinagas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 826); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8072). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9667, BOR/MOL 2361); Batu Materis (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2100); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2266, BOR/MOL 2299; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2360); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2359). Segama Valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7787, BOR/MOL 825)). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong, North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7597). Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu, N.E. end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7706). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1676); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1224); limestone hill on North bank Segama River, near bridge of road Sandakan to Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7512). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1820).
Shell small, rather solid, somewhat translucent to opaque, (pale) brown, conical with convex sides to almost ovoid; apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls convex, rounded, suture somewhat imperessed. Protoconch whorls convex, with very fine, densely placed radial riblets starting at some distance from the apex; apex with very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification), inconspicuous spiral striation, which gradually disappears where the radial riblets become more prominent. Teleoconch: Last whorl with a distinct spiral ridge slightly below the periphery, which seems to be the edge of a callus covering the lower surface of the shell, and which continues just above the suture of the penultimate whorl; next to this a fine, dense spiral striation on the lower surface of the shell. Radial sculpture above the spiral ridge consisting of well-spaced (26–33 on the last whorl), coarse, orthocline, approx. straight, high and narrow ribs, which reach down to the spiral ridge and are fused to it, interstices smooth or with an occasional, inconspicuous growth line. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height up to 2.6 mm; width up to 2.1 mm; diameters of the first four whorls 0.5–0.6 mm, 0.8–0.9 mm, 1.1–1.2 mm, 1.35–1.55 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 6 1/2; height aperture up to 0.85 mm; width aperture up to 1.1 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone soil, up to 500 m alt. Sabah: Interior (Sepulut valley, upper Pinangah valley); East coast. Endemic to Sabah.
Differs from Rahula raricostulata (E.A. Smith, 1893) (Sitala raricostulata E.A. Smith, 1893), from Sarawak, by the absence of a distinct, predominant spiral sculpture on the protoconch. Rahula raricostulata has a more conical spire, and fewer radial ribs (11–20) on the last whorl.
All continental Asiatic species of Rahula have prosocline radial ribs, see Blanford & Godwin Austen (1908: 249), and
The name refers to the sculpture [delos (Gr.) = manifest; pleura (Gr.) = rib].
Shell very small, dextral, lenticular or discoid. Sculpture consisting of inconspicuous radial riblets, spiral sculpture subordinate. Aperture without teeth or lamellae, peristome usually thin and not reflected. Umbilicus open, narrow or wide (Family description adapted from
Soil and litter dwellers. Widely distributed in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The family is poorly known and although many genera and species have been described, the true diversity may consist of a smaller number of widespread, regionally variable species.
Paralaoma Iredale, 1913: 380.
Sabah Paralaoma species have low-conical to lenticular shells, like Microcystina, but with a different sculpture: well-spaced radial ribs with a much finer, reticulate sculpture in between.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range, Kiansom Waterfall (
West Coast Province. Kiansom Waterfall in foothills of Crocker Range (leg.
Shell minute, thin, slightly translucent, yellowish brown, low-conical to lenticular, apex rounded. Surface shiny. Whorls well-rounded. Protoconch sculpture: densely placed radial riblets which are particularly distinct towards the periphery; fine, rather densely placed spiral grooves cutting into the crests of the radial riblets. Teleoconch, radial sculpture: locally distinct, widely spaced radial ribs, often with a periostracal crest, which gradually disappear towards the umbilicus; in between these very fine, densely placed, low secondary riblets above the periphery. Spiral sculpture teleochonch: spiral threads, as fine and as densely placed as the secondary radial riblets, above the periphery, grading into widely spaced, rather distinct grooves towards the umbilicus. Umbilicus narrow, 5–6 % of the shell width. Dimensions: height up to 1.1 mm; width up to 1,6 mm; diameter of the first three whorls 0.40–0.45 mm, 0.75–0.80 mm, 1.25–1.30 mm respectively; number of whorls up to 3 3/4, height aperture up to 0.75 mm; width aperture up to 0.90 mm.
76 Paralaoma angusta sp. n. 76A Frontal view, shell 1.1 mm high 76B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range, Kiansom Waterfall,
Secondary forest on sandstone hills, lowland conditions. Sabah: West Coast, one locality known. Endemic to Sabah.
Characterized within the genus by the narrow umbilicus, the presence of radial riblets on the protoconch, and the distinct and widely spaced spiral sculpture on the lower surface.
The name refers the the narrow umbilicus [angustus (L.) = narrow].
Snails. Shell small to very large, dextral (rarely sinistral), narrowly conical to cylindrical and more or less tapering towards the apex. Sculpture absent, or inconspicuous, radial riblets with usually subordinate spiral striation; rarely spiral keels present. Aperture without teeth or lamellae, peristome thin, not reflected. Umbilicus closed or open, narrow (Family description adapted from on
Scavengers of soil and litter. Globally distributed in the tropics and subtropics.
Curvella Chaper, 1885: 49.
The generic and specific classification of the Subulinidae are still unresolved. Applying
Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Danum Valley Conservation Area, 2 km NW of Research Station (leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 663).
Interior Province. Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1160). Sandakan Province. Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7778). Tawau Province. Segama valley, ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1222).
Shell small, thin, slightly translucent, white, subcylindrical, only slightly tapering towards the apex, with slightly convex sides. Surface glossy. Whorls: apical whorls moderately convex, others slightly convex, the last slightly flattened around the periphery; suture moderately impressed. Protoconch large, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture predominant, widely and somewhat irregularly spaced, rather fine but narrow and rather deep grooves, in between these a finer, inconspicuous striation present locally. Spiral sculpture: absent or a very fine spiral striation, particularly present locally on the apical whorls, shallowly engraved in the areas in between the radial grooves. Aperture oblique, narrowly ovate, peristome not thickened nor reflected. Umbilicus closed. Dimensions: Height 7.5–7.8 mm; width 1.4–1.5 mm; number of whorls c. 6 1/8, height aperture 2.8–3 mm; width aperture 1.4–1.5 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone, also on other types of bedrock. Alt. 0–400 m. Sabah: scattered localities. Infrequent. Endemic to Sabah.
Among Borneo Subulinidae, Curvella hadrotes is identified by its subcylindrical shell and the radial sculpture.
The name refers to the general shape of the shell [hadrotes (Gr.) = thick].
Snails, rarely semi-slugs. Shell medium-sized to very large, dextral or sinistral, (low-)conical, to lenticular or discoid. Sculpture usually inconspicuous to distinct, fine spiral striation and/or radial riblets; in some species coarser sculpture is present, for instance spiral ridges or nodular structures on the intersection of spiral and radial sculpture. Aperture without teeth or lamellae, peristome thin or thick, reflected or not. Umbilicus closed or open, narrow (Family description adapted from Baker 1941;
Most species are found on understorey vegetation. Widely distributed in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The genera reviewed are Trochomorpha Albers, and Geotrochus Van Hasselt.
Generally, the two genera include species with conical shells, not unlike Kaliella Blanford (Helicarionidae) or Philalanka Godwin Austen (Endodontidae), but consistently larger. Several species, for instance G. conicoides, G. labuanensis, and G. scolops, have shells of very characteristic appearance, with a prominent, sharp peripheral keel.
Trochomorpha Albers, 1850: 116; Albers in Albers & Von Martens, 1860: 60.
Shell rather small to medium-sized, (pale) yellowish green to (yellowish) brown, without any colour patterns, or with lighter or darker streaks following the growth lines; low-conical with flat or slightly convex sides, apex protruding or not. Radial sculpture above the periphery distinct, consisting of riblets or irregularly spaced, raised growth lines locally causing a coarse, irregular wrinkling. Spiral sculpture distinct, consisting of threads which are highest or nodular where crossing the radial sculpture, lower or even absent elsewhere. Umbilicus closed, entirely covered by an extension of the parietal callus of the peristome.
Shares the closed umbilicus with Borneo Geotrochus. We keep the two separate, although the Sabah representatives of both genera have very similar shells. Sabah Trochomorpha is characterized by a coarser radial sculpture on the upper surface of the shell. The spiral sculpture overlies the radial sculpture, forming nodes where the two cross.
Possibly, the protoconch with radial riblets can be added to the diagnostic set distinguishing between Borneo Geotrochus and Trochomorpha. Unfortunately, we could not check this for all Borneo Trochomorpha species.
We provide a review of the Sabah species of Trochomorpha.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., near the km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen,
West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., near the km 54 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan, Gunung Mas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2959).
Shell rather small, thin, opaque, reddish brown with darker brown or whitish streaks following growth lines, slightly paler brown with similar darker streaks below the suture, conical with flat sides; apex not protruding. Surface dull or slightly shiny above the periphery, glossy below. Whorls somewhat convex, outer whorls slightly shouldered; suture impressed, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl distinctly angular and slightly compressed at the periphery, moderately rounded below the periphery. Protoconch (absent in available material). Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery irregularly spaced growth lines, developing into locally coarse, irregular wrinkling on the outer whorls, particularly below the suture; below the periphery indistinct growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a peripheral thread; start of fifth whorl above the periphery with 8–9 spiral threads: 3–4 coarse, high and rather narrow threads, with c. 5 minor threads interspersed; all threads highest and most distinct over the raised radial sculpture, low or interrupted in between, at irregular intervals, and with a somewhat erose and locally incised crest; below the periphery a few traces of densely placed, shallow spiral grooves. Umbilicus closed. Peristome not thickened, nor reflexed (see remarks, below). Dimensions: Height c. 8.5 mm; width c. 12.5 mm, h/w c. 0.66; estimated diameters of the first 4 whorls c. 1.2 mm, c. 2.3 mm, c. 4.0 mm, c. 6 mm respectively; number of whorls c. 5 3/4, height aperture c. 4 mm; width aperture c. 7 mm.
Mixed montane forest, c. 1400 m alt. Sabah: Crocker Range only. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified by the very coarse, at irregular intervals interrupted spiral sculpture.
The material seen is probably sub-adult, and has the apex damaged. The description of the apex and the peristome will need amendation once more material becomes available.
The name refers to the shell surface [trachus (Gr.) = rough].
Trochomorpha rhysa Tillier & Bouchet, 1988: 257. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Mount Kinabalu.
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Summit trail between 2526 and 3200 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 3979, V 14493; leg. K. Kittel,V 4806); near Laban Rata (leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 2783); Mesilau trail between 2404 and 2680 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 3983, BOR/MOL 3977, BOR/MOL 3981, BOR/MOL 3978); Kiau-Spurs trail 2688 and 2944 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin & Safrie, BOR/MOL 4403, BOR/MOL 3980); Kotal’s route at 2992 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin, Safrie & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 3982); Sayap-Nunuhon trail between 2480 and 2640 m (leg. T.S. Liew, Dominik, J. Lapidin & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 3984, BOR/MOL 3986, BOR/MOL 4401).
Shell rather small, rather thin, about opaque, (pale) yellowish brown to pale greenish brown, moderately low-conical with approx. flat sides; apex not protruding. Surface with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls somewhat convex, outer whorls slightly shouldered; suture impressed, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl distinctly angular but not or hardly compressed at the periphery, rounded below the periphery. Protoconch 2 1/8–2 1/4 whorls, with dense radial riblets except at the apex; transition to teleoconch sculpture abrupt. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery rather densely placed, more or less regularly spaced riblets, slightly more irregular on the last whorl and fading towards the aperture; below the periphery growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a peripheral thread; start of fifth whorl with 14–19 fine, rather low and wide spiral threads or more or less equal strength, forming nodes over the radial sculpture (less distinctly so on the earlier teleoconch whorls), threads on the last whorl dissolving in rows of granules; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome moderately thickened and reflexed, more distinctly so on the columellar side. Dimensions: Height 6.0–6.8 mm; width 10–12 mm, h/w 0.57–0.62; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.4–1.5 mm, 2.3–2.5 mm, 3.7–4.0 mm, 5.5–6 mm respectively; number of whorls 5 3/4–6, height aperture 3.0–3.8 mm; width aperture 5–6 mm.
79 Trochomorpha rhysa Tillier & Bouchet, 1988. 79A Frontal view, shell 5.8 mm high 79B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Paka Cave, V 4806) 80 Trochomorpha haptoderma sp. n. 80A Frontal view, shell 10.0 mm high 80B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., near Summit trail, BOR/MOL 6046, holotype) 81 Trochomorpha thelecoryphe sp. n. 81A Frontal view, shell 5.5 mm high 81B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., near Summit trail, BOR/MOL 6047, holotype).
Montane and sub-alpine forest on sandstone and granodiorite bedrock, 2400–3300 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu only. Endemic to Sabah.
See under T. haptoderma and T. thelecoryphe.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., near Summit trail (leg. T.S. Liew et al., BOR/MOL 6046).
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Summit trail between 2560 and 3330 m (leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 1205; leg. T. Narainan, BOR/MOL 2673, BOR/MOL 2690, BOR/MOL 2880; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 3995; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2997); Kotal’s route between 2376 and 3112 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 3987; (leg. T.S. Liew & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 3988, BOR/MOL 4106, BOR/MOL 3989, BOR/MOL 3990, BOR/MOL 3991); Kiau-Spurs trail between 3024 and 3088 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin & Safrie, BOR/MOL 3994, BOR/MOL 3997, BOR/MOL 3992); Sayap-Nunuhon trail between 2320 and 2944 m (leg. T.S. Liew, Dominik, J. Lapidin & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4405, BOR/MOL 3993); Mesilau trail between 1948 and 2528 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 3996); Monggis-Tambuyukon trail at 2360 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4108).
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, about opaque, yellowish brown, moderately low-conical with somewhat convex sides; apex slightly protruding. Surface with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: Apical whorls convex, outer slightly convex; suture moderately impressed, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl angular, hardly compressed at the periphery, rounded below the periphery. Protoconch 1 7/8–2 1/4 whorls, with dense radial riblets except at the apex, and a spiral striation cutting into the radial riblets towards the teleoconch; transition to teleoconch sculpture gradual. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery rather densely placed, more or less regularly spaced riblets; below the periphery growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a peripheral thread; start of fifth whorl with 11–14 spiral threads: 2–8 rather distinct, rather low and wide threads but with a narrow crest, which are highest or form nodes over the radial sculpture, and 5–12 similar but less conspicuous threads interspersed; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome slightly thickened and slightly reflexed, more distinctly so on the columellar side. Dimensions: Height 7.4–10.0 mm; width 14.0–17.0 mm; h/w 0.53–0.59; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.7–1.9 mm, 3.0–3.3 mm, 5.0–5.5 mm, 7.5–8.2 mm respectively; number of whorls 5 1/2–6 1/8, height aperture 5.0–6.0 mm; width aperture 6.5–8.5 mm.
Montane and sub-alpine forest on sandstone bedrock, 1900–3300 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu only. Endemic to Sabah.
Consistently larger than T. rhysa, and less densely coiled. The sculpture above the periphery is coarser, particularly the radial riblets on the protoconch, as well as the spiral threads on the teleoconch. The latter are also less regularly spaced, and of more unequal strength, with much more inconspicuous threads interspersed in between the distinct ones.
The name refers to the knotted shell surface [hapto (Gr.) = to knot; derma (Gr.) = skin].
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., near Summit trail (leg. T.S. Liew et al., BOR/MOL 6047).
West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Kotal’s route between 1992 and 2280 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin, Safrie & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4395, BOR/MOL 4398); Mesilau trail between 2120–2288 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4402, BOR/MOL 4397; leg. T.S. Liew & J. Lapidin, BOR/MOL 4394, BOR/MOL 4234).
Shell rather small, rather thin, about opaque, yellowish brown, low-conical with somewhat convex sides; apex protruding. Surface with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: Apical whorls convex, outer slightly convex; suture hardly impressed, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular and compressed at the periphery, rounded below the periphery. Protoconch c. 1 7/8 whorls, with dense radial riblets except at the apex, and a spiral striation cutting into the radial riblets towards the teleoconch; transition to teleoconch sculpture gradual. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery rather densely placed, more or less regularly spaced riblets; below the periphery growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a peripheral thread; start of fifth whorl with c. 13 spiral threads: c. 10 rather distinct, rather low and wide threads but with a narrow crest, which are highest, or form nodes over the radial sculpture, and c. 3 similar but less conspicuous threads interspersed; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome (not present on the material available). Dimensions: Height c. 6 mm; width c. 11 mm; h/w 0.54–0.55; diameters of the first 4 whorls c. 1.7 mm, c. 2.8 mm, c. 5 mm, c. 8 mm respectively; number of whorls c. 5 1/8, height aperture c. 3.5 mm; width aperture c. 6 mm.
Montane forest on sandstone bedrock, 1900-2300 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu only. Endemic to Sabah.
Similar to T. haptoderma in coiling density and sculpture; differs by having a flatter spire, with a more protruding apex.
The only available shell is a juvenile with the last 1/8 whorl broken. The description needs to be amended once more material becomes available.
The name refers to the protruding apex [thele (Gr.) = nipple; coruphe (Gr.) = summit].
Geotrochus Van Hasselt, 1823: 233.
Shell rather small to medium-sized, (pale) corneous to (yellowish) brown, without any colour patterns, or with brown spiral bands (G. spilokeiria with additional white spots and stains); (low) conical with concave, flat or convex sides, apex protruding or not. Radial sculpture above the periphery inconspicuous to distinct growth lines, raised at irregular intervals or not. Spiral sculpture consisting of thin threads, at least some spiral threads close to the periphery usually slightly coarser, the others very fine, often inconspicuous or absent; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed, entirely covered by an extension of the parietal callus of the peristome.
We provide a review of the Sabah species of Geotrochus. We divide the genus into three informal groups.
Trochonanina paraguensis E.A. Smith, 1893: 349. Type from Philippines, Palawan.
Trochonanina alexis E.A. Smith, 1895: 105, syn. n. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Banggi Island.
Kudat Province. Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9510, BOR/MOL 2433; leg. T.H. Liew, Sazilin & Ramlan, BOR/MOL 3700); Batu Sireh (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9547). Banggi Island, South end, Karakit Hill (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1462; leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9475).
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, opaque, uniformly pale yellowish brown, low-conical with flat to slightly convex sides; apex not protruding or only slightly so. Surface with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: All whorls moderately convex; suture impressed in the inner whorls, not so in the outer, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, not or hardly compressed at the periphery, moderately rounded below the periphery. Protoconch 1 7/8–2 1/8 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery growth lines, raised locally and developing in patches with inconspicuous, somewhat irregularly spaced, fine, low riblets, particularly towards the periphery; below the periphery irregularly spaced growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp but not pinched peripheral ridge; start of fifth whorl with 13–17 well-spaced, very fine and thin spiral threads covering most of the whorl except a narrow strip below the suture, at least some spiral threads close to the periphery usually slightly coarser; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed. Dimensions: Height 6–8.5 mm; width 14–22.8 mm; h/w 0.37–0.42; peripheral keel of the last whorl at 0.39–0.53 of the shell height, measured from the apex; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.4–1.8 mm, 2.4–2.7 mm, 4.0–4.6 mm, 5.7–6.9 mm respectively; number of whorls 6 3/4–7 5/8, height aperture 3.2–5.2 mm; width aperture 8–11.6 mm.
82 Geotrochus paraguensis (E.A. Smith, 1893). Frontal view, shell 7.0 mm high (Malaysia, Sabah, Kudat Province, Balambangan Island, Kok Simpul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9510) 83 Geotrochus labuanensis (Pfeiffer, 1863) 83A Frontal view, shell 7.0 mm high 83B Apical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River,V 1656) 84 Geotrochus kinabaluensis (E.A. Smith, 1895) 84A Frontal view, shell 10 mm high 84B Frontal view, shell 7.4 mm high, aperture damaged (84A Malaysia, Sabah, Mount Kinabalu,
Dry primary lowland forest, coastal forest on limestone soil. Sabah: Banggi and Balambangan Islands. Distribution: Philippines (Palawan).
Characterized by the combination of lack of spiral colour bands, the not-pinched periphery, the moderately convex whorls and lower surface of the shell.
A group of very similar species, distinguished here on account of shell colour, aperture shape and the position of the peripheral keel relative to the shell height. Anatomical and molecular investigation is needed to further unravel the taxonomical structure of the group.
Helix labuanensis Pfeiffer, 1863: 523. Nanina conicoides var. labuanensis (Pfeiffer) Tryon, 1886: 48. Geotrochus labuanensis (Pfeiffer) Solem, 1964: 27. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Labuan.
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., Gua Laing c. 12 km North of Keningau (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1105). Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1980); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8053); Bukit Tinagas, East end of Batu Punggul limestone (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7637); Gua Pungiton (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7562; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 901); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7670; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 905; leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & S. Chiba, BOR/MOL 4281, BOR/MOL 4316). Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Keruak (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1848, BOR/MOL 1899); Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1955); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9676, BOR/MOL 2434); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9601; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2436); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2283); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. M. Salverda & H. Van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2437); Gomantong Cave (leg. A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3281). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7764, BOR/MOL 902); Tabin Wildlife Reserve (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 904, BOR/MOL 906). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1851); North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7602). Danum Valley (leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 903); Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu, N.E.-end (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7711). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1656); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1210); limestone hill on North bank Segama River, near bridge of road Sandakan to Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7518); Sabahmas Cave (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7470).
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, opaque, creamy white, greyish very pale yellowish brown, periphery whitish, with a narrow, rather vaguely outlined, pale to dark (ochre-)brown band immediately above it, and often a second, similar band immediately below it, shell low-conical with approx. flat sides, apex not or hardly protruding. Surface shiny. Whorls: Inner whorls moderately convex, outer whorls flat to slightly convex; suture impressed in the inner whorls, not so in the outer, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, slightly compressed at the periphery, slightly convex below the periphery. Protoconch 2 1/8–2 1/2 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above and below the periphery scattered inconspicuous growth lines, locally grading into inconspicuous riblets. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, slightly pinched peripheral ridge; start of fifth whorl with 4–25 usually well-spaced, low and thin spiral threads, the 2–5 threads close to the periphery more distinct, the others very inconspicuous or absent; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed, basal edge most strongly curved towards the columellar side, and often, to a somewhat lesser extent, towards the periphery; in between only slightly curved. Dimensions: Height 6.3–7.6 mm; width 14.5–17.8 mm; h/w 0.39–0.45; peripheral keel of the last whorl at 0.44–0.54 of the shell height, measured from the apex; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.3–1.6 mm, 2.2–2.7 mm, 3.6–4.4 mm, 5.2–7.0 mm respectively; number of whorls 6 1/8–6 7/8, height aperture 3.0–3.6 mm; width aperture 7.4–9.2 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on limestone soil. Lives on decaying wood. Sabah: widespread, but scattered localities. More frequently found in the East part. Endemic to Sabah.
Differs mainly from G. kinabaluensis and G. oedobasis. by the presence of a peripheral colour band (not always present), the slightly pinched periphery, and the less convex outer whorls. The position of the peripheral keel relative to the shell height is intermediate between G. kinabaluensis and G. oedobasis. The spiral sculpture above the periphery is often more widely spaced, and more unequal, with a few stronger threads close to the periphery and very inconspicuous ones, if any, elsewhere.
G. labuanensis is a lowland species, contrary to the other species in the group.
Trochonanina kinabaluensis E.A. Smith, 1895: 105. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Mount Kinabalu.
Trochonanina kinabaluensis var. pallida E.A. Smith, 1895: 106. Type from Malaysia, Sabah, Mount Kinabalu.
Interior Province. Crocker Range N.P., West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. Suhaili, BOR/MOL 3372). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Poring Hot Springs, leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 2933); Sayap-Nunuhon trail at 1152 m (leg. T.S. Liew, Dominik, J. Lapidin & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4025); Serinsim-Nombuyokon trail at 5.6–6 km (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4026); Kiau-Spurs route at 2800 m (leg. T.S. Liew, J. Lapidin & Safrie, BOR/MOL 4027).
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, opaque, brown, sometimes a slightly paler brown just below the suture, periphery pale brown to dull white; shell low-conical with approx. flat sides, apex not or hardly protruding. Surface with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: slightly convex; suture impressed in the inner whorls, not so in the outer, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, moderately compressed at the periphery, slightly convex below the periphery. Protoconch c. 2 1/8 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above and below the periphery scattered inconspicuous growth lines, locally grading into inconspicuous riblets; next to this a very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification) radial wrinkling of the shell surface is locally present. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, slightly pinched peripheral ridge; start of fifth whorl with 15–17 somewhat spaced, low and thin spiral threads, the 2–5 threads close to the periphery slightly more distinct, the others inconspicuous; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed, basal edge most strongly curved towards the columellar side, approx. straight or slightly concave towards the periphery. Dimensions: Height 7.4–10.0 mm; width 17.6–24.5 mm; h/w 0.41–0.42; peripheral keel of the last whorl at 0.40–0.45 of the shell height, measured from the apex; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.5–1.6 mm, 2.4–2.6 mm, 3.4–4.6 mm, 5.8–6.5 mm respectively; number of whorls 6 1/2–6 3/4, height aperture 4.0–5.5 mm; width aperture 9.0–13.0 mm.
Primary and secondary forest on sandstone and shale bedrock, 600–2800 m alt. Lives on decaying wood. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu, Crocker Range. Endemic to Sabah.
See under G. labuanensis. The limited material seen of G. kinabaluensis suggests that the shells are usually higher and wider than those of G. labuanensis, and that the aperture is usually larger.
The exact morphology of a very fine radial wrinkling of the supra-peripheral part of the shell needs to be investigated.
G. kinabaluensis is a submontane species, contrary to G. labuanensis.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Headquarters area (leg. M. Schilthuizen,
Interior Province. Crocker Range, Gn. Emas (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 909); Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13258; leg. M. Schilthuizen & P. Koomen, BOR/MOL 911); Gua Dawaras (leg. M. Schilthuizen, V 13522; leg. M. Schilthuizen & M. Suleiman, BOR/MOL 2418, BOR/MOL 2419). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Headquarters area (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1191); Summit trail between 1350 and 1800 m (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 908; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4400); Mesilau trail between 2040 and 2112 m (leg. T.S. Liew & J. Lapidin, BOR/MOL 4399, BOR/MOL 4404, BOR/MOL 4407; leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4406, BOR/MOL 4408).
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, opaque, uniformly somewhat pale brown, periphery pale brown; shell low-conical with approx. flat or slightly concave sides, apex not or hardly protruding. Surface with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: apical whirls slightly convex others approx. flat; suture somewhat impressed in the inner whorls, not so in the outer, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, (moderately) compressed at the periphery, moderately to distinctly convex below the periphery. Protoconch 2–2 1/8 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above and below the periphery scattered inconspicuous growth lines, locally grading into inconspicuous riblets; next to this a very fine (just visible at 40 times magnification) radial wrinkling of the shell surface is locally present. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, slightly pinched peripheral ridge; start of fifth whorl with 19–23 somewhat spaced, low and thin spiral threads, the 2–5 threads close to the periphery slightly more distinct, the others inconspicuous; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed, basal edge more or less evenly rounded from the columellar side to the periphery. Dimensions: Height 6.0–8.5 mm; width 13.5–18.0 mm; h/w 0.39–0.45; peripheral keel of the last whorl at 0.33–0.40 of the shell height, measured from the apex; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.3–1.4 mm, 2.2–2.3 mm, 3.7–4.0 mm, 5.9–6.4 mm respectively; number of whorls 6–7 1/8, height aperture 3.5–5.2 mm; width aperture 7.0–10.0 mm. Shell medium-sized, thin, about opaque, uniformly pale yellowish brown.
Forest on sandstone or limestone soil, also found in grassy roadside with forest nearby, alt. 900–2200 m. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trusmadi. Endemic to Sabah.
See under G. labuanensis. Differs from G. kinabaluensis by the evenly rounded basal peristome. Relative to the shell height, the peripheral keel is positioned closer to the apex of the shell. It makes the lower side of the shell appear more convex, and the upper side flatter than in G. kinabaluensis.
The name refers to the convex lower side of the shell [oidos (Gr.) = swelling; basis (Gr.) = base].
Helix conicoides Metcalfe, 1851: 71. Trochomorpha conicoides (Metcalfe) Wallace, 1865: 407. Nigritella conicoides (Metcalfe) Godwin Austen, 1891: 42. Dendrotrochus conicoides (Metcalfe) Kobelt, 1897: 50. Trochonanina conicoides (Metcalfe) Von Martens, 1908: 284. Eurybasis conicoides (Metcalfe) Van Benthem Jutting, 1941: 23. Geotrochus conicoides (Metcalfe) Van Benthem Jutting, 1959: 143. Type from Borneo (unspecified).
West Coast Province. Pulau Gaya, 8 km Northwest of Kota Kinabalu (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2937). Pulau Tiga (leg.
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, opaque, uniformly pale to dark brown (some material from Sarawak a paler brown just below the suture), (low-)conical with almost flat to distinctly concave sides, apex slightly to distinctly protruding. Surface more or less dull or with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: Apical whorls moderately convex, next whorls approx. flat to slightly convex, outer whorls often flat; suture impressed in the inner whorls, not so in the outer, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, (distinctly) compressed at the periphery, slightly to rather distinctly concave just below the periphery, slightly to moderately convex towards the umbilical region. Protoconch 1 7/8–2 1/2 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above and below the periphery inconspicuous growth lines, somewhat raised locally. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, distinctly pinched peripheral ridge; start of fifth whorl with 5–17 rather densely placed to somewhat spaced, low and thin spiral threads, the 2–5 threads close to the periphery usually slightly more distinct, the others very inconspicuous or (almost) absent; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed. Dimensions: Height 7.7–10.0 mm; width 16–19.8 mm; h/w 0.42–0.53; peripheral keel of the last whorl at 0.57–0.66 of the shell height, measured from the apex; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.3–1.5 mm, 2.0–2.5 mm, 2.5–4.0 mm, 4.2–5.6 mm respectively; number of whorls 7–8, height aperture 2.8–3.8 mm; width aperture 8–9.5 mm.
86 Geotrochus conicoides (Metcalfe, 1851) 86A Frontal view, shell 8.5 mm high 86B Frontal view, shell 11.0 mm high 86C Apical view (86A, 86C Malaysia, Sarawak, 4th Division, Niah Caves N.P., N and NW side of limestone massif, V 1573 86B Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Tawau Hills N.P., path up to Bukit Bombalai, V 13167) 87 Geotrochus spilokeiria sp. n. 87A Frontal view, shell 8.5 mm high 87B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., Ulu Kimanis, along Keningau-Kimanis road, BOR/MOL 2784, holotype, aperture slightly reconstructed) 88 Geotrochus scolops sp. n. 88A Frontal view, shell 10.0 mm high 88B Umbilical view (Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Tawau Hills N.P., BOR/MOL 2432, holotype).
Primary and old secondary forest on sandstone and volcanic bedrock, lowland conditions. Living on decaying wood. Sabah, scattered localities: Labuan, Pulau Tiga; Pulau Gaya, Tawau Hills. Also in Sarawak. Distribution: Sumatra. A record from Morotai, Moluccas (
Generally characterized by the conical spire, but low-conical specimens occur. These approach the G. labuanensis group in general shape but have a more distinctly protruding apex and more distinctly concave sides. Also, relative to the shell height, the peripheral keel is positioned closer to the base of the shell, and the lower surface of the shell is often rather distinctly concave towards the periphery.
See also the remarks under G. scolops.
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Crocker Range N.P., Ulu Kimanis, along Keningau-Kimanis road (BOR/MOL 2784).
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, opaque, above the periphery greyish with a somewhat vaguely outlined brown band just above the peripheral keel, and with an irregular pattern of white stains and spots which more or less follow the radial and spiral sculpture, periphery white, below the periphery dark brown, grading to white towards the periphery; shell conical with convex sides; apex not protruding. Surface shiny above the periphery, glossy below. Whorls: Apical whorls moderately convex, next whorls slightly convex, slightly shouldered, outer whorl almost flat; suture somewhat impressed in the apical whorls, not so in the outer whorls, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, slightly compressed at the periphery, slightly rounded below the periphery. Protoconch c. 1 5/8 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery rather distinct growth lines, raised at irregular intervals; below the periphery indistinct growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, pinched peripheral keel; above and close to this keel 1 thin, low, sharply outline spiral thread; above this 3–4 very low and wide, vaguely outlined ridges locally visible in tangential light; next to this radial and spiral sculpture oblique rows of very shallow, vaguely outlined indentations are locally visible; below the periphery locally with traces of a fine, shallow, vaguely outlined spiral striation. Umbilicus closed. Peristome not thickened, nor reflexed except on the columellar side (see remarks below). Dimensions: Height c. 8.5 mm; width c. 12.5 mm; h/w c. 0.68; diameters of the first 4 whorls c. 1.5 mm, c. 2.7 mm, c. 4.6 mm, c. 7.0 mm respectively; number of whorls c. 5 5/8, height aperture c. 3.5 mm; width aperture c. 7.0 mm.
Disturbed primary forest on sandstone bedrock, c. 1400 m alt. Sabah: Crocker Range only. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified within Geotrochus by the brown, grey and white mottled shell. The convex sides of the shell, combined with the rapidly expanding whorls are also characteristic.
The only shell available is possibly sub-adult. The description of the aperture may need to be amended once more material becomes available.
The pattern of low, vaguely outlined spiral ridges and similar rows of oblique indentations do not occur in any other Geotrochus species.
The name refers to the dirty white apiral band [spilos (Gr.) = stained; keiria (Gr.) = bandage].
Malaysia, Sabah, Tawau Province, Tawau Hills N.P. (leg. J.P. King, BOR/MOL 2432).
Shell medium-sized, rather thin, about opaque, brown, above the periphery with a very fine, slightly paler spiral striation, high-conical with concave sides; apex protruding. Surface slightly shiny above the periphery, glossy below. Whorls: Apical whorls moderately convex, other whorls slightly convex, slightly shouldered, last whorl almost flat; suture impressed in the inner whorls, not so in the outer, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, slightly compressed at the periphery, slightly rounded below the periphery. Protoconch c. 2 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery growth lines, slightly raised locally; below the periphery indistinct growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, somewhat pinched peripheral keel; start of fifth whorl with c. 3 thin, low, widely spaced spiral threads with an irregularly incised crest: 1 slightly more distinct close to the periphery, as well as 2 inconspicuous above these (penultimate whorl with c. 8 such threads, of which 3–4 are slightly more distinct); no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome slightly thickenened, but not reflexed except on the columellar side. Dimensions: Height c. 10.4 mm; width c. 12.5 mm; h/w 0.83–0.84; diameters of the first 4 whorls c. 1.1 mm, c. 1.7 mm, c. 2.2 mm, c. 3.0 mm respectively; number of whorls c. 8 3/8, height aperture c. 3 mm; width aperture c. 6.5 mm.
Forest on sandstone or volcanic soil, lowland conditions. Sabah: Tawau Hills National Park. Endemic to Sabah.
Uniquely identified within Geotrochus by the high-conical shell with concave sides, and tapering towards the apex.
Geotrochus conicoides with a relatively high-conical shell are most similar, but still have a lower h/w-ratio: 0.57–0.66.
The name refers to the shape of the spire [scolops (Gr.) = pointed].
Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Headquarters area, Silau Silau (leg. K. Kittel,
West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Sayap-Nunuhon trail at 1776 m (leg. T.S. Liew, Dominik, J. Lapidin & Jasilin, BOR/MOL 4109).
Shell rather small, rather thin, about opaque, yellowish brown, whorls slightly darker brown towards the periphery, moderately low-conical with approx. flat sides; apex not protruding. Surface dull or slightly shiny above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: Apical whorls moderately convex, outer slightly convex, slightly shouldered; suture somewhat impressed, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, slightly compressed at the periphery, rounded below the periphery. Protoconch c. 2 1/8 whorls, smooth (see remark, below). Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery rather distinct growth lines, raised at irregular intervals and wrinkling the shell surface, most conspicuously so below the suture, and giving the shell surface a somewhat rough appearance; below the periphery indistinct growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, somewhat pinched peripheral keel; start of fifth whorl with c. 15 thin, moderately spaced spiral threads: 1–2 slightly more distinct close to the periphery, as well as 13–14 inconspicuous above these; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed. Dimensions: Height c. 5.5 mm; width c. 10 mm; h/w c. 0.55; diameters of the first 4 whorls c. 1.2 mm, c. 2.2 mm, c. 3.3 mm, c. 4.8 mm respectively; number of whorls c. 6 3/8, height aperture c. 3.5 mm; width aperture c. 5 mm.
89 Geotrochus kitteli sp. n. Frontal view, shell 5.5 mm high (Malaysia, Sabah, West Coast Province, Kinabalu N.P., Headquarters area, Silau Silau (
Mixed montane forest, 1500–1800 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu only. Endemic to Sabah.
In size and general shape most similar to G. whiteheadi, it differs by the higher ratio h/w, and by the more distinct growth lines above the periphery, which give the shell surface a rough appearance. It differs from Trochomorpha rhysa by its somewhat pinched peripheral keel and the not-nodular spiral sculpture above the periphery.
The single shell available is somewhat worn in the apical region. Traces of what may be radial riblets are present in the suture of the protoconch, close to the transition to the teleoconch.
Named after Mr. Klaus Kittel, Germany, who collected the type specimen.
Helix conicoides Metcalfe var. parva E.A. Smith, 1887: 132. Trochonanina whiteheadi E.A. Smith, 1895: 106. Type from Malaysia, Sabah.
West Coast Province.Kinabalu N.P., Carson’s Falls (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 12710); Serinsim-Numbuyukon trail between 700 and 1680 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4024, BOR/MOL 4104); Monggis-Tambuyukon trail at 2080 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4110); Mesilau trail at 1948 m (leg. T.S. Liew & J. Lapidin, BOR/MOL 4393); Summit trail between 1700 and 1784 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4392; leg. T.S. Liew & Dominik, BOR/MOL 4396).
Shell rather small, rather thin, about opaque, pale corneous to pale brown, low-conical with approx. flat sides; apex not protruding. Surface with a silky luster above the periphery, shiny below. Whorls: Apical whorls moderately convex, outer slightly convex, slightly shouldered; suture impressed in the inner whorls, hardly so in the outer, coinciding with the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, (slightly) compressed at the periphery, moderately rounded below the periphery. Protoconch 2 1/8–2 1/4 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery growth lines, slightly raised locally; below the periphery indistinct growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, somewhat pinched peripheral keel; start of fifth whorl with c. 15 thin, moderately spaced spiral threads: 1–2 slightly more distinct close to the periphery, as well as 13–14 inconspicuous above these; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed. Dimensions: Height 5.5–6.0 mm; width 12.3–12.5 mm; h/w 0.44–0.48; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.2–1.4 mm, 2.1–2.4 mm, 3.4–3.8 mm, 5.2–5.8 mm respectively; number of whorls 6 1/4–6 3/8, height aperture 3.3–3.5 mm; width aperture c. 6.5 mm.
Mixed montane forest, 700–2100 m alt. Sabah: Mount Kinabalu only. Endemic to Sabah.
Geotrochus heraclea (not of E.A. Smith, 1895) Solem, 1964: 27.
Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan Province, Kinabatangan valley, Batu Pangi (
Sandakan Province. Kinabatangan valley, Batu Mawas (leg. T.S. Liew & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 1956, BOR/MOL 2251, BOR/MOL 1991); Batu Materis (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2430, BOR/MOL 2426); Batu Keruak (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 1847); Batu Pangi (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9634, BOR/MOL 2421); Batu Tai (not Bod Tai) near Gomantong (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9597); Batu Tomanggong Besar (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2428, BOR/MOL 2429; leg. M. Schilthuizen, A. van Til & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2973; leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2284); Batu Tomanggong Kecil (leg. M. Salverda & H. van Oosten, BOR/MOL 2427); Batu Tulug (Batu Putih) along road Lahad Datu-Sandakan, North of bridge over Kinabatangan River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1490); Gomantong Hill 30 km South of Sandakan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1627; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 894; leg. T.S. Liew & J.P. King, BOR/MOL 3668); Tandu Batu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9626); Unnamed hill near Sukau Police Station (leg. T.S. Liew & B. Elahan, BOR/MOL 2220). Segama valley, North end of limestone ridge on East bank Tabin River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7763). Tawai Mountains near Telupid (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1259). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong c. 50 km W.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1852). Danum Valley (leg. H.A. Rutjes, BOR/MOL 888, BOR/MOL 2936; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2934); Gua Madai c. 40 km S.S.W. of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1741). Segama valley, hill N.W. of crossing road Sandakan-Lahad Datu with the Segama River (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1657); ‘Kirk’s Cave’ 8 km North of Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1253); Sabahmas Cave (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7469, BOR/MOL 897). Tabin Wildlife Reserve (leg. T. Kimsin & H.N. Chai, BOR/MOL 898). Semporna area, Segarong Hills, Batu Tengar, 25 km E.S.E. Of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1816); Bukit Pababola, 25 km E.S.E. of Kunak (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & H. Duistermaat, V 1780).
Shell rather small, rather thin, about opaque, yellowish to pale brown, moderately low-conical with slightly concave to slightly convex sides; apex slightly to moderately protruding. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls: Apical whorls moderately convex, outer approx. flat to slightly convex; suture impressed, between the outer 4–5 whorls slightly below the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, compressed at the periphery, rounded below the periphery. Protoconch 2 1/8–2 1/4 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery some growth lines, locally grading into inconspicuous riblets; below the periphery indistinct growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, pinched peripheral keel; start of fifth whorl with 6–10 thin, widely spaced spiral threads: Usually 1–2 (slightly) more distinct close to the periphery, as well as 5–10 inconspicuous above these; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed. Dimensions: Height 6.2–7.3 mm; width 11–13.0 mm, h/w 0.52–0.59; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.1–1.4 mm, 1.9–2.4 mm, 2.7–3.6 mm, 4.0–4.8 mm respectively; number of whorls 6 1/4–8, height aperture 3.2–4.0 mm; width aperture 6.0–7.2 mm.
Primary and secondary forest and more degraded vegetation types on limestone soil, up to 200 m alt. Sabah: East coast. Endemic to Sabah.
Most similar to G. whiteheadi, differs by the suture which is situated slightly below the periphery in the outer whorls.
The name refers to the slightly protruding peripheral keel, creating a small notch in between the whorls in lateral view [sub-scalaris (L) = a little resembling a ladder].
Malaysia, Sabah, Interior Province, Sepulut valley, Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen,
Interior Province. Upper Padas valley, Long Pa Sia (leg. T.S. Liew & Meckson, BOR/MOL 4343). Crocker Range N.P., near the km 59 marker on the road Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1186); West of the km 10 marker on the road Tambunan-Ranau, Mahua Waterfall (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 9743; leg. J. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 896; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 2420, BOR/MOL 2423, BOR/MOL 2424, BOR/MOL 3143, BOR/MOL 3345). Gunung Trusmadi slopes, Gua Loloposon (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 13236). Pinangah valley, Batu Urun (= Bukit Sinobang) (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8008, V 1163, BOR/MOL 891); Pun Batu c. 30 km West of Sepulut (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1302); Batu Punggul (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 1979; leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & S. Chiba, BOR/MOL 4317); Batu Pungiton (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 890); Batu Temurung (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 8054, BOR/MOL 892; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 893); Gua Sanaron (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 8073; leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & S. Chiba, BOR/MOL 4280; leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 887); Kampung Labang (leg. J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, V 7727, BOR/MOL 895). Sandakan Province. Beluran, Meliau Range (leg. T.S. Liew, M. Schilthuizen & A. van Til, BOR/MOL 3207, BOR/MOL 3208, BOR/MOL 3209, BOR/MOL 3210). Tawau Province. Batu Baturong, North slope (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7603). Segama valley, limestone hill on North bank Segama River, near bridge of road Sandakan to Lahad Datu (leg. J.J. Vermeulen, V 7517). Tawau Hills Park (leg. J.P. King, BOR/MOL 2425; leg. T.S. Liew, J.J. Vermeulen & M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 4272). West Coast Province. Kinabalu N.P., Serinsim-Numbuyukon trail between 548 and 1204 m (leg. T.S. Liew, BOR/MOL 4474, BOR/MOL 4475, BOR/MOL 4477). Kota Kinabalu, Kiansom (leg. M. Schilthuizen, BOR/MOL 889, BOR/MOL 2935; leg.
Shell rather small, rather thin, about opaque, yellowish to pale brown, moderately low-conical with flat to slightly convex sides; apex slightly protruding or not. Surface with a silky luster. Whorls: Apical whorls moderately convex, outer slightly convex; suture impressed, between the outer 4–5 whorls slightly below the periphery; last whorl acutely angular, slightly compressed at the periphery, rounded below the periphery. Protoconch 2 1/8–2 1/2 whorls, smooth. Teleoconch. Radial sculpture: above the periphery some growth lines, locally grading into inconspicuous riblets; below the periphery indistinct growth lines only. Spiral sculpture: last whorl with a sharp, slightly pinched peripheral keel; start of fifth whorl with 6–9 thin, widely spaced spiral threads: 1–2 distinct close to the periphery, as well as 4–8 inconspicuous ones above these; no spiral sculpture below the periphery. Umbilicus closed. Peristome thickened and reflexed. Dimensions: Height 6.0–7.0 mm; width 9.3–10.8 mm; h/w 0.59–0.67; diameters of the first 4 whorls 1.0–1.4 mm, 1.8–2.2 mm, 2.7–3.4 mm, 4.0–5.0 mm respectively; number of whorls 6 3/4–7 3/8, height aperture 2.8–3.5 mm; width aperture 4.8–5.5 mm.
Primary, secondary forest and abandoned agricultural land on limestone and sandstone soil, up to 1300 m alt. Sabah: West part, East coast (lower Segama River valley and further South). Endemic to Sabah.
Shell less wide than G. subscalaris, compare shell width and aperture width of both species. Usually, the h/w-ratio is also higher than in G. subscalaris, but here a slight overlap exists.
The name refers to the slightly protruding peripheral keel, creating a small notch in between the whorls in lateral view [meristos (Gr.) = divided; trokhos (Gr.) = wheel, often used for the gastropod spire].
We are greatly indebted to John Ablett (