Taxonomic redefining of Pyramidula jaenensis (Clessin, 1882) (Gastropoda: Pyramidulidae) based on an integrative taxonomy approach

Abstract

The genus Pyramidula presents a Palearctic geographical distribution, being described in Spain four species not distinguishable from an anatomical point of view. In the present study, we compare our samples along with the previously recognized species P. rupestris, P. saxatilis, P. pusilla, P. cephalonica; P. jaenensis, and P. chorismenostoma by means of molecular studies. Also, we compared P. jaenensis from the studied locality with P. rupestris according to the shell shape by means of geometric morphometric methods. The analysis of the Thin-Plate Spline graph showed that P. jaenensis presented an expansion on the growth to the first whorls and the apex, whereas the height of the body whorl was moderately contracted, while in P. rupestris the opposite was found. We found significant differences between both species based on shell shape. We also provide new information about morphological features that could be used in future studies of this genus attempting to stablish a baseline to test whether the Spanish species are cryptic species or not. The present study also extends the distribution of Pyramidula to Madrid, Spain, establishing for the first time the presence of P. jaenensis in this Spanish province.