Two cryptic and sympatric species of Philinopsis (Cephalaspidea: Aglajidae) in the Bahamas distinguished using molecular and anatomical data

Abstract

Sequence data of nuclear and mitochondrial genes obtained from specimens of Philinopsis collected in the Bahamas revealed two genetically distinct groups. Further examination of the shell and male reproductive morphology revealed consistent anatomical differences between them, corroborating that they are distinct species. The two species also display consistent differences in external morphology and colour pattern that became evident only after the molecular information was analysed. A review of the literature suggests that one of the species is Philinopsis petra, a widespread species in the Caribbean and northern Brazil, whereas the other is described here as a new species. Although both are sympatric in the Bahamas, they appear to be ecologically analogous, suggesting that they might have speciated allopatrically. © 2012 The Author.