Ventrosia maritima (Milaschewitsch, 1916) and V. ventrosa (Montagu, 1803) in Greece: molecular data as a source of information about species ranges within the Hydrobiinae (Caenogastropoda: Truncatelloidea)

Abstract

Using molecular data (DNA sequences of mitochondrial COI and nuclear ribosomal 18SrRNA genes), we describe the occurrence of two species of Ventrosia Radoman, 1977: V. ventrosa (Montagu, 1803) and V. maritima (Milaschewitsch, 1916) in Greece. These species are found at two disjunct localities: V. ventrosa at the west coast of Peloponnese (Ionian Sea) and V. maritima on Milos Island in the Cyclades (Aegean Sea). Our findings expand the known ranges of both species: we provide the first molecularly confirmed record of V. ventrosa in Greece, and extend the range of the presumably Pontic V. maritima nearly 500 km SSW into the Aegean Sea. Our data confirm the species distinctness of V. maritima.