First Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) from Puerto Rico: descriptions of two new species and notes on their coral hosts

Abstract

Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) are a unique and understudied group of marine invertebrates of evolutionary and ecological significance. Their diversity remains underestimated due to frequent lack of identification by non-specialists, limited molecular data, and the complexity of their taxonomy. Here we present the first Solenogastres from Puerto Rico, expanding the group’s known geographic distribution in the Caribbean Sea. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, we describe two new species, Dorymenia gummi sp. nov. and Strophomenia boricua sp. nov., and document their associations with coral hosts. These findings offer new insights into the ecology and biodiversity of these elusive mollusks.