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Molecular and morphological analyses reveal pseudocryptic diversityÌýin Micromelo undatus (Bruguiere, 1792) (Gastropoda:ÌýHeterobranchia: Aplustridae)

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This study resulted from the joint effort of researchers from theÌýCalifornia State Polytechnic University,Ìýthe California Academy of Sciences,Ìýthe Bavarian State Collection of Zoology in Munich, and theÌýDepartment of Natural History, University Museum of Bergen.

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The genus Micromelo (family Aplustridae) occurs in almost all tropical and subtropical waters across the globe, with theÌýexception of the Eastern Pacific. Most authors consider Micromelo undatus (Bruguiere, 1792) as the only valid species inÌýthis genus. This study examines populations of specimens identified as M. undatus across its geographic range, usingÌýmorphological and genetic data from twoÌý mitochondrial genes (16S and CO1) and one nuclear gene (Histone H3). TheÌýresults reveal that M. undatus is a complex of four species with consistent genetic and anatomical differences. A literatureÌýreview and evaluation of type material indicates that available names exist for three of the four species. MicromeloÌýguamensis, M. undatus and M. scriptus are resurrected for species found in the Western Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean, andÌýwidespread in the Indo-Pacific, respectively. A new name is introduced for another species found in the Western Pacific,Ìýnamely Micromelo barbarae sp. nov. and a neotype is designated for the type species of the genus M. undatus.

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