The relationships of the enigmatic neogastropod loxotaphrus (Cancellariidae)

Abstract

The relationships of Loxotaphrus Harris, 1897 within Neogastropoda are discussed based on anatomical and DNA data. Sequences from 12S and 16S rDNA confirm Beu & Maxwell's placement of Loxotaphrus in the Cancellariidae, closer to Plesiotritoninae than to Cancellariinae. The nematoglossan radula of Loxotaphrus deshayesii and L. rosadoi and the elongated and spirally convoluted valve of Leiblein observed in L. deshayesii support a plesiotritonine affinity. Peculiar anatomical features include acinous rather than tubular salivary glands, accessory salivary glands fused along their posterior third and a mid-oesophageal gland placed anteriorly to the nerve ring. © 2011 The Royal Society of New Zealand.